RE: SOTW: Jaguar XJS V12
Discussion
vixen1700 said:
thewheelman said:
Always thought there was something rather cool about the XJS.
Yep, especially the early manual models.
1975 Seems a very long time ago.
Well here's my old one.
I'm sure everybody's experiences are different, but I do sense a lot of the old urban myths surfacing.
I bought my 1992 6.0 litre XJR-S from the original owner when it had 70K on the clock. I had it maintained by the same Jag specialist he used. I used it every day and it never let me down once. It was without a doubt the best car I have ever owned.
Stupidly I sold it because it only did about 16mpg urban and bought a modern Porsche and then a Merc in the belief they would be more economical. Thousands of wasted pounds later I've just put my name down on a one owner 1991 4.0 litre XJS manual and this one I am never going to sell!
I'm sure everybody's experiences are different, but I do sense a lot of the old urban myths surfacing.
I bought my 1992 6.0 litre XJR-S from the original owner when it had 70K on the clock. I had it maintained by the same Jag specialist he used. I used it every day and it never let me down once. It was without a doubt the best car I have ever owned.
Stupidly I sold it because it only did about 16mpg urban and bought a modern Porsche and then a Merc in the belief they would be more economical. Thousands of wasted pounds later I've just put my name down on a one owner 1991 4.0 litre XJS manual and this one I am never going to sell!
300bhp/ton said:
hairykrishna said:
I bought a £1000 V12 XJS. I made it around 70 miles into the journey home before the gearbox decided I didn't need drive any longer. Lovely machines though. I suspect, based on my experience, that you're better off starting off with a slightly pricer example though...
erm no. The gearbox is a GM item and used in hundreds of other vehicles. All that happens is people fail to change the fluid and the filter in them and it causes undue wear. It does mean a rebuild (although just a fluid and filter change might bring it back to life). But it's hardly the end of the world or a sign of an unreliable car, just a car that hasn't been maintained as it should have been. And in all honesty just as likely to happen to a £6k example as it is a £1k one.bobfrance said:
Well here's my old one.
Stupidly I sold it because it only did about 16mpg urban and bought a modern Porsche and then a Merc in the belief they would be more economical. Thousands of wasted pounds later I've just put my name down on a one owner 1991 4.0 litre XJS manual and this one I am never going to sell!
Good on you Bob, once a Jag man, forever a Jag fan..Stupidly I sold it because it only did about 16mpg urban and bought a modern Porsche and then a Merc in the belief they would be more economical. Thousands of wasted pounds later I've just put my name down on a one owner 1991 4.0 litre XJS manual and this one I am never going to sell!
One of the most beautiful cars, imho, to come out of the mid 70's. Compared to the 928 and 6 Series, I would say the Jag has aged far far better.
I still have a soft spot for the XJS, although owning a 1988 V12 nearly put me off for good, shade-tree mechanic owned it ran well, but fuses would blow all the time. I remember after washing it for the first time, I could head water rolling around behind the dash...Lucas electrics and water....ouch. But that smooth V12...amazing!
I still have a soft spot for the XJS, although owning a 1988 V12 nearly put me off for good, shade-tree mechanic owned it ran well, but fuses would blow all the time. I remember after washing it for the first time, I could head water rolling around behind the dash...Lucas electrics and water....ouch. But that smooth V12...amazing!
Me and V12 reg. number XJS 1S have been together for 16 years, used as a business car and was never a problem as it was properly looked after. It ended up with tuned V12 motor, manual 5 speed getrag conversion and many other tasty bits including full body kit, alloys etc.
For everyone who says how unreliable they are, look at modern bmw for electrical issues and diesel woes, I know I have one.
Mine is being restored, as a rebuild cost of £10k to a new condition re body, suspension etc - It will stay with me, the manual box adds about three of four miles to the gallon and 20+ is achievable on a run if you dont try to shred the rear tyres.
The box/clutch/etc from a 3.6 manual plus adapter plate is reasonably straight forward and the 3rd gear lift off is fine but the fuel gauge dips and drops.
Fine cars, despite the early auto box being only three speed and some electrical issues courtesy of Lucas - a most under rated by now rising classic for pleasure use.
Brain does need training re fitting the front into small spaces - it is very substantial.
Just my view and probably not shared by many under 40 years old.
For everyone who says how unreliable they are, look at modern bmw for electrical issues and diesel woes, I know I have one.
Mine is being restored, as a rebuild cost of £10k to a new condition re body, suspension etc - It will stay with me, the manual box adds about three of four miles to the gallon and 20+ is achievable on a run if you dont try to shred the rear tyres.
The box/clutch/etc from a 3.6 manual plus adapter plate is reasonably straight forward and the 3rd gear lift off is fine but the fuel gauge dips and drops.
Fine cars, despite the early auto box being only three speed and some electrical issues courtesy of Lucas - a most under rated by now rising classic for pleasure use.
Brain does need training re fitting the front into small spaces - it is very substantial.
Just my view and probably not shared by many under 40 years old.
I have to disagree about the XJS being unattractive - I find them extraordinarily pretty.
I think I'd have to go for a 4.0 six if I were buying one, which is still a dream. My dad had one brand new when I was a kid, and he still says it was the best car he ever owned. I tried to persuade him into a new XK recently, but apparently they just don't appeal to him in the same way.....
I think I'd have to go for a 4.0 six if I were buying one, which is still a dream. My dad had one brand new when I was a kid, and he still says it was the best car he ever owned. I tried to persuade him into a new XK recently, but apparently they just don't appeal to him in the same way.....
Edited by JREwing on Friday 1st March 17:00
I know someone who pay £500 and 1p for a V12! As a bit of fun! Still owned it 5 years later, but by then it had been stripped out for rally cross and other cheap motor sports. He must have spend three times what he payed in the end, but he seem very happy and had a lot of fun.
I read somewhere that the XJS was inspired by Italan sports coupe of the later 60's. It almost had pop up head lights at one point. Does that S stand for saloon or sports? I have been told its saloon.
I read somewhere that the XJS was inspired by Italan sports coupe of the later 60's. It almost had pop up head lights at one point. Does that S stand for saloon or sports? I have been told its saloon.
KDIcarmad said:
I know someone who pay £500 and 1p for a V12! As a bit of fun! Still owned it 5 years later, but by then it had been stripped out for rally cross and other cheap motor sports. He must have spend three times what he payed in the end, but he seem very happy and had a lot of fun.
I read somewhere that the XJS was inspired by Italan sports coupe of the later 60's. It almost had pop up head lights at one point. Does that S stand for saloon or sports? I have been told its saloon.
Special. It was a special development of the XJ platform.I read somewhere that the XJS was inspired by Italan sports coupe of the later 60's. It almost had pop up head lights at one point. Does that S stand for saloon or sports? I have been told its saloon.
Living proof that that saying 'Only Time Will Tell' so often holds good.
The XJS's looks totally turned me off for years (probably on the basis of how on earth could they manage to do/come up with that after the V12 Es), but now I absolutely love it. And the XK8. Unable to be confused with anything else, most of which looks much the same.
Only a question of time before I have to scratch an ever-increasing itch.
The XJS's looks totally turned me off for years (probably on the basis of how on earth could they manage to do/come up with that after the V12 Es), but now I absolutely love it. And the XK8. Unable to be confused with anything else, most of which looks much the same.
Only a question of time before I have to scratch an ever-increasing itch.
urquattro said:
The box/clutch/etc from a 3.6 manual plus adapter plate is reasonably straight forward and the 3rd gear lift off is fine but the fuel gauge dips and drops.
Mr 4,does a 3.6 manual box really fit on to the V12!! If so I would be happy to find out where you can get the adaptor plate from, I have plans to fit a manual box in to my V12 XJ and would be interested in hearing any advice you may have...V12 Migaloo said:
Mr 4,does a 3.6 manual box really fit on to the V12!! If so I would be happy to find out where you can get the adaptor plate from, I have plans to fit a manual box in to my V12 XJ and would be interested in hearing any advice you may have...
Depends on where you are, SB Barrett may well do the adapter plate and/or the complete kit - I seem to remember seeing kits available in Surrey for around £1.5 to £2k.Mine was one of the first and I owned an engineering company etc - the adapter plate was based on an e type conversion system and modified for the V12, starter position etc plus realignment of some fastenings.
You will need to modify the ski slope as well re gm handle.
PM me if you wish to go further, there is also another XJS V12 already with getrag 5 speed in shed and could be sold as the conversion is already completed and the car is good - around £3.5k minimum would secure it should anybody be interested, pics and more details available incl the certified LPG conversion already in place as well.
Edited by urquattro on Friday 8th June 15:57
V12 Migaloo said:
Not wanting to go agaist the grain but I have to say that These V12's are reliable, if you drive them regularly and service them as and when needed. The problem is that people spend 800 quid on a motor that costs nearly a grand to have it serviced and maintained properly. They drive a few hundred miles, then sorn it for 6 months and then expect it to run like a dream afterwards... I have had one for 10 years now, I drive about 7k a year and it costs me about a grand in maintanance, expensive ?? Perhaps but cheaper then any other V12 out there... but hey thats what you have to expect with a V12 as it aint a push rod 4 cylinder..... of course the ancillaries can go, but generally a good one is bullet proof, if
A) you let it warm up everytime you start it (otherwise the plugs will get clogged)
B) make sure you have a clean coolant system
C) change the fluids every 10k.
These are great cars honestly, Im doing Lemans Classic in mine and cant wait. Go on do it, spoil yourselves, buy a V12, you know you want too.....
Beautifull I've come over all Arfur DaleyA) you let it warm up everytime you start it (otherwise the plugs will get clogged)
B) make sure you have a clean coolant system
C) change the fluids every 10k.
These are great cars honestly, Im doing Lemans Classic in mine and cant wait. Go on do it, spoil yourselves, buy a V12, you know you want too.....
grosserbaby said:
V12 Migaloo said:
Not wanting to go agaist the grain but I have to say that These V12's are reliable, if you drive them regularly and service them as and when needed. The problem is that people spend 800 quid on a motor that costs nearly a grand to have it serviced and maintained properly. They drive a few hundred miles, then sorn it for 6 months and then expect it to run like a dream afterwards... I have had one for 10 years now, I drive about 7k a year and it costs me about a grand in maintanance, expensive ?? Perhaps but cheaper then any other V12 out there... but hey thats what you have to expect with a V12 as it aint a push rod 4 cylinder..... of course the ancillaries can go, but generally a good one is bullet proof, if
A) you let it warm up everytime you start it (otherwise the plugs will get clogged)
B) make sure you have a clean coolant system
C) change the fluids every 10k.
These are great cars honestly, Im doing Lemans Classic in mine and cant wait. Go on do it, spoil yourselves, buy a V12, you know you want too.....
Beautifull I've come over all Arfur DaleyA) you let it warm up everytime you start it (otherwise the plugs will get clogged)
B) make sure you have a clean coolant system
C) change the fluids every 10k.
These are great cars honestly, Im doing Lemans Classic in mine and cant wait. Go on do it, spoil yourselves, buy a V12, you know you want too.....
urquattro said:
Depends on where you are, SB Barrett may well do the adapter plate and/or the complete kit - I seem to remember seeing kits available in Surrey for around £1.5 to £2k.
Mine was one of the first and I owned an engineering company etc - the adapter plate was based on an e type conversion system and modified for the V12, starter position etc plus realignment of some fastenings.
You will need to modify the ski slope as well re gm handle.
PM me if you wish to go further, there is also another XJS V12 already with getrag 5 speed in shed and could be sold as the conversion is already completed and the car is good - around £3.5k minimum would secure it should anybody be interested, pics and more details available incl the certified LPG conversion already in place as well.
Appreciate the info, I will keep you in mind when I get some spare dosh... 5 speed plus cams and some further AJ6 mods will certainly worry the odd M5....Mine was one of the first and I owned an engineering company etc - the adapter plate was based on an e type conversion system and modified for the V12, starter position etc plus realignment of some fastenings.
You will need to modify the ski slope as well re gm handle.
PM me if you wish to go further, there is also another XJS V12 already with getrag 5 speed in shed and could be sold as the conversion is already completed and the car is good - around £3.5k minimum would secure it should anybody be interested, pics and more details available incl the certified LPG conversion already in place as well.
Edited by urquattro on Friday 8th June 15:57
Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff