1992 Jaguar XJR-S
Discussion
I've long fancied an XJS, but recent years have seen a burgeoning love affair with late 80s and early 90s Mercs so my money was spent on them, and with 3 house moves within 4 years the opportunity to amass a fleet/pile of junk/collection was limited. But the urge never diminished, and the hankering, research and browsing continued throughout. I went to see a few, drove a couple, but there was always a reason not-to.
What changed? Not sure really. Perhaps a weekend home alone whilst the family was away. Perhaps the ill-advised second bottle of red. Possibly just the realisation that time waits for no man and that, as a middle-aged bloke, the time to own a Jaguar had come. Whatever, I saw an ad, e-mailed the seller and had my interest piqued. I knew that, above all else, condition is king, service history is essential, and rust is the killer. Check everything, and then check it again. So – obviously – I found a car in another country, with rather unknown service history and a rusty wing, and agreed to buy the car unseen.
Now, I hadn't completely lost touch with reality; the seller was a chap well-known in Jag circles so I had confidence in the vendor before setting off, and the car passed an early MOT with no advisories so I had some confidence that it wasn't a wreck.
There was a train journey North on a one-way ticket before I set eyes on the car for the first time, and it seemed better in the metal than had been described. In any case, the thing was mine and I headed South.
My journey home was in two legs. I took it steady for the first, with a sharp ear and eagle-eye on the lookout for, well, just about everything actually. The second was an all together more spirited and confident journey.
So, the car. It's a 92 6.0 XJR-S. It's quite rare. It's fast. It's fast from any point really, but the 60-ish to 120-ish sprint is brilliant. The noise is brilliant. The fuel economy isn't. Overall condition is good, and the interior a lovely place to be, but there are a few things that will need doing in slow time.
Anyway, this is it:
And this is the business end:
The interior is a nice place to be:
So far, all I've bought for it has been an indicator bulb, but it's booked-in for a full service and cooling system overhaul next week, so the bills will undoubtedly start from here.
What changed? Not sure really. Perhaps a weekend home alone whilst the family was away. Perhaps the ill-advised second bottle of red. Possibly just the realisation that time waits for no man and that, as a middle-aged bloke, the time to own a Jaguar had come. Whatever, I saw an ad, e-mailed the seller and had my interest piqued. I knew that, above all else, condition is king, service history is essential, and rust is the killer. Check everything, and then check it again. So – obviously – I found a car in another country, with rather unknown service history and a rusty wing, and agreed to buy the car unseen.
Now, I hadn't completely lost touch with reality; the seller was a chap well-known in Jag circles so I had confidence in the vendor before setting off, and the car passed an early MOT with no advisories so I had some confidence that it wasn't a wreck.
There was a train journey North on a one-way ticket before I set eyes on the car for the first time, and it seemed better in the metal than had been described. In any case, the thing was mine and I headed South.
My journey home was in two legs. I took it steady for the first, with a sharp ear and eagle-eye on the lookout for, well, just about everything actually. The second was an all together more spirited and confident journey.
So, the car. It's a 92 6.0 XJR-S. It's quite rare. It's fast. It's fast from any point really, but the 60-ish to 120-ish sprint is brilliant. The noise is brilliant. The fuel economy isn't. Overall condition is good, and the interior a lovely place to be, but there are a few things that will need doing in slow time.
Anyway, this is it:
And this is the business end:
The interior is a nice place to be:
So far, all I've bought for it has been an indicator bulb, but it's booked-in for a full service and cooling system overhaul next week, so the bills will undoubtedly start from here.
L100NYY said:
I have the December '92 issue of Performance Car magazine here in front of me and it is 'Top Ten' of the year issue. Finalists are;
Mazda RX-7
Griffith (4.0)
Alpine A610
Jaguar XJR-S
Ford Escort RS Cosworth
BMW E34 M5
Lancia Delta Integrale
VW Corrado VR6
Aston Martin Virage
Suzuki Cappuccino
Not a bad shortlist there
Great to see the Cappuccino in that company!Mazda RX-7
Griffith (4.0)
Alpine A610
Jaguar XJR-S
Ford Escort RS Cosworth
BMW E34 M5
Lancia Delta Integrale
VW Corrado VR6
Aston Martin Virage
Suzuki Cappuccino
Not a bad shortlist there
Thanks to all for the kind comments.
I've heard a number of commentators over recent years opining that the XJS's time has come. I agree it's been a slow-burn but that it is indeed emerging from a sense of it 'not-being-an-E-type'/'British (BL) cars are rubbish' which blighted its fortunes for a long time. That said, it was a massive seller for Jaguar so they were doing something right. Now, as the prejudice diminishes, and as time and tinworm removes the less-cared-for examples, the remaining cars can only benefit. They are indeed wonderful things.
Already, some of the prices being asked are pretty ridiculous from the usual suspects, although good honest cars are still available for sensible/small money.
So, a week in to ownership and it's so far cost me the indicator bulb and a pair of (tiny) windscreen wipers to stop an irritating judder. Oh, and petrol. Lots of petrol.
I had the great good fortune to discover that a very knowledgeable chap from the Jaguar Enthusiasts Club is local, and spent an hour or so with him. Thankfully, his verdict on the car was a positive one, but I was reminded of the levels of detailed arcane knowledge that is 'out there' that would have been useful to tap into before purchase rather than after. Still, fortune favours the brave Rodney. Or something.
I've added a hundred or so miles to the tally over the weekend. The response to it from other people has been unlike anything I've seen before. Yesterday I had a really nice drive through the Cotswolds; a lady of a 'certain age' that I stopped to let cross the road mouthed 'nice car' (at least I hope that's what she said), and as I filled up with fuel (again), a chap offered 'nice wheels mate'. I'm not usually one for caring what strangers think, but the responses (to it, not me) are noticeable and rather pleasant.
The more you drive, the more you learn. Every wave to another motorist sees you making contact with the windscreen as it's so close to the wheel. I've played with the 1 and 2 settings on the auto gearchange, and now better understand what they do. I thought the aircon worked, now I'm not so sure. The performance still both impresses and amuses; the torque from the 3-speed box is quite something.
Oil and plug change planned for this week, with a more major service to follow once I've driven more and discovered the quirks. I'll keep you updated.
I've heard a number of commentators over recent years opining that the XJS's time has come. I agree it's been a slow-burn but that it is indeed emerging from a sense of it 'not-being-an-E-type'/'British (BL) cars are rubbish' which blighted its fortunes for a long time. That said, it was a massive seller for Jaguar so they were doing something right. Now, as the prejudice diminishes, and as time and tinworm removes the less-cared-for examples, the remaining cars can only benefit. They are indeed wonderful things.
Already, some of the prices being asked are pretty ridiculous from the usual suspects, although good honest cars are still available for sensible/small money.
So, a week in to ownership and it's so far cost me the indicator bulb and a pair of (tiny) windscreen wipers to stop an irritating judder. Oh, and petrol. Lots of petrol.
I had the great good fortune to discover that a very knowledgeable chap from the Jaguar Enthusiasts Club is local, and spent an hour or so with him. Thankfully, his verdict on the car was a positive one, but I was reminded of the levels of detailed arcane knowledge that is 'out there' that would have been useful to tap into before purchase rather than after. Still, fortune favours the brave Rodney. Or something.
I've added a hundred or so miles to the tally over the weekend. The response to it from other people has been unlike anything I've seen before. Yesterday I had a really nice drive through the Cotswolds; a lady of a 'certain age' that I stopped to let cross the road mouthed 'nice car' (at least I hope that's what she said), and as I filled up with fuel (again), a chap offered 'nice wheels mate'. I'm not usually one for caring what strangers think, but the responses (to it, not me) are noticeable and rather pleasant.
The more you drive, the more you learn. Every wave to another motorist sees you making contact with the windscreen as it's so close to the wheel. I've played with the 1 and 2 settings on the auto gearchange, and now better understand what they do. I thought the aircon worked, now I'm not so sure. The performance still both impresses and amuses; the torque from the 3-speed box is quite something.
Oil and plug change planned for this week, with a more major service to follow once I've driven more and discovered the quirks. I'll keep you updated.
Another interesting week with the car. I took it into a local garage that is well-regarded for older cars by some chaps I work with. They are good folk, with some experience of V12 Jaguars, but perhaps with not enough of working on the XJS. Anyway, we got it up onto the ramp and I was given a good poke around underneath. It was in better shape generally than I was expecting, and there was little there to cause any frights.
I'd been given some top-tips by the local JEC expert, and had passed on my instructions to the garagiste, possibly with the (certainly unwarranted) result that he thought I knew what I was talking about, and rather deferred to me thereafter. Not really what I needed to be honest. Don't get me wrong, I like deference as much as the next man, but I rather hope my mechanic is going to tell me what's happening, not the other way round.
The first discovery was that the original Champion spark plugs (Champion RS6YCC) are apparently no longer available so we have to find an alternative. I've not yet done any research at all, but any advice gratefully received. Some of the other original Jaguar parts arrived, including oil and air filters, thermostats and sundries, but as he knew I wanted the car for the weekend they did an all-round check-over, greasing and top-ups as required, and then I collected the car. No charge so far, and my confidence in them is high, so I'll take it back for the rest of the major service work.
Added about 200 miles so far this weekend, and am averaging about 18 mpg overall. That reflects quite a lot of fast runs, so maybe it'll improve. Maybe.
Couple of new things I've noticed: a slight creaking from the passenger side rear when crossing sped ramps, and I don't think the cruise control works. The latter doesn't bother me much because I don't like cruise and never use it, but I do like the original features to work. Any ideas on suspension creaks?
I'm still very much in love with it, and have been struck again by the positive responses to the car in general – it still feels interesting and special.
I'd been given some top-tips by the local JEC expert, and had passed on my instructions to the garagiste, possibly with the (certainly unwarranted) result that he thought I knew what I was talking about, and rather deferred to me thereafter. Not really what I needed to be honest. Don't get me wrong, I like deference as much as the next man, but I rather hope my mechanic is going to tell me what's happening, not the other way round.
The first discovery was that the original Champion spark plugs (Champion RS6YCC) are apparently no longer available so we have to find an alternative. I've not yet done any research at all, but any advice gratefully received. Some of the other original Jaguar parts arrived, including oil and air filters, thermostats and sundries, but as he knew I wanted the car for the weekend they did an all-round check-over, greasing and top-ups as required, and then I collected the car. No charge so far, and my confidence in them is high, so I'll take it back for the rest of the major service work.
Added about 200 miles so far this weekend, and am averaging about 18 mpg overall. That reflects quite a lot of fast runs, so maybe it'll improve. Maybe.
Couple of new things I've noticed: a slight creaking from the passenger side rear when crossing sped ramps, and I don't think the cruise control works. The latter doesn't bother me much because I don't like cruise and never use it, but I do like the original features to work. Any ideas on suspension creaks?
I'm still very much in love with it, and have been struck again by the positive responses to the car in general – it still feels interesting and special.
craigjm said:
I am running the same engine in my XJC and I have NGK BR7EFS fitted
The cruise control is probably a leak in the bellows
Thanks - that is what is in mine at the moment. If I can't find the original spec or something regarded as 'better', I'll replace them with more of the same; it certainly seems to run well on them. The cruise control is probably a leak in the bellows
I washed it today in anticipation of a mini-meet in the Lakes next weekend.
It's this one if anyone is interested in coming along; the more the merrier:
It's this one if anyone is interested in coming along; the more the merrier:
0a said:
A quick reminder that we have an imminent barge 1-5 meet up. All are welcome - barge or no barge! It's a state of mind (a bad one?) rather than ownership of a particular vehicle!
Date: Sunday 1st May 2016 at Midday
Location: The Lakeland Motor Museum - https://maps.google.co.uk/maps?oe=UTF-8&hl=en-...
Link: http://doodle.com/poll/ca8kvfwu3ieka4hg
A nice excuse for a look at our cars and a coffee and look around the museum.
I know the 200-odd miles will take their toll, but I'm overseas again this week and won't have time to do anything before setting off, so an early wash and refuel seemed appropriate. Date: Sunday 1st May 2016 at Midday
Location: The Lakeland Motor Museum - https://maps.google.co.uk/maps?oe=UTF-8&hl=en-...
Link: http://doodle.com/poll/ca8kvfwu3ieka4hg
A nice excuse for a look at our cars and a coffee and look around the museum.
Well I have had my first proper expenditure on the car; not a 4-figure bill but a fairly hefty 3-figure one. A full service has now brought the old girl up to peak condition once again, and some investigative work was done to check out the radio and aircon.
Diagnostics suggests that it's the radio itself which is defective and hence not working. All of the associated electrical stuff seems fine. It's not bad news really because it means I can fit something that's more in-keeping. Any recommendations?
The aircon was also investigated. The coolant was low, but the dye test indicates no leaks and the coolant has been replaced. Direct power shows that the compressor works, and then the aircon works effectively, but there appears to be a problem with the switch. They haven't traced it properly yet as I wanted the car back for the weekend and a JEC event at Sudeley Castle, but I think it's good news that it's a switch rather than something more expensive. At least I hope so.
Not much more to report really, except to say that I'm really enjoying it and still get a buzz each time I look back at it as I walk away.
Diagnostics suggests that it's the radio itself which is defective and hence not working. All of the associated electrical stuff seems fine. It's not bad news really because it means I can fit something that's more in-keeping. Any recommendations?
The aircon was also investigated. The coolant was low, but the dye test indicates no leaks and the coolant has been replaced. Direct power shows that the compressor works, and then the aircon works effectively, but there appears to be a problem with the switch. They haven't traced it properly yet as I wanted the car back for the weekend and a JEC event at Sudeley Castle, but I think it's good news that it's a switch rather than something more expensive. At least I hope so.
Not much more to report really, except to say that I'm really enjoying it and still get a buzz each time I look back at it as I walk away.
I suppose bringing it up to modern i-pod compatibility would be nice, although it doesn't bother me particularly, and I'd want it to operate the CD changer in the boot, otherwise I'm open. Not anything that looks too funky.
Is a couple of hundred quid a sensible amount to spend - I've no idea really.
Is a couple of hundred quid a sensible amount to spend - I've no idea really.
Jellyfish said:
Lovely colour and interior, very understated car (especially the alloys). Just out of interest, is it just the pictures or is the rear track a lot wider than the front?
I'm not sure, but I don't think so, so it might just be the picture. Someone more knowledgable than I can no doubt confirm. Paul S4 said:
The shape of the XJS is graceful as a Jag should be .... I am not convinced about the boot spoiler...!! With all that power it may well be essential....but I would be tempted to remove it ...
I am aware that spoilers on PH divide opinion so I am just expressing an opinion !!
The spoiler is original and was a feature of the XJR-S. I am aware that spoilers on PH divide opinion so I am just expressing an opinion !!
Before I bought this one, one of the bugbears about a large number of the cars I looked at were 'improper' spoilers or (often, and - it's funny how people that add one often add all sorts of stuff) a leaper on the bonnet.
I'm all for folk doing to their own cars whatever they want, but they put me off when I'm looking to buy. For this car, the spoiler very definitely stays, but I agree that they are very often superflous and sometimes rather naff.
EJH said:
I do get the "looking original," thing but technology has moved on and I'm happy to settle for "doesn't look too offensive,"
I'm coming to this way of thinking. I'm not bothered about it having to be entirely original, but do want a fairly subtle look with modern quality and features. Edited by CharlesdeGaulle on Sunday 22 May 16:16
I attended my first Jaguar Enthusiasts Club event this weekend, culminating in a whizz up the hill climb at Prescott. I went before lunch so had a dry run, and it was an enjoyable experience. It's absolutely not a timed or competitive event, and many cars were sedate, bordering on glacial, but some were pretty swift. I suppose mine fell into the averagely-fast bracket, and the car ran perfectly. I stuck it in 2 and put my foot down and just kept going until I lost my bottle.
The event was terrific fun and the car performed flawlessly. There were lots of very nice cars to gawp at as well. All in all, a good weekend with the car.
The event was terrific fun and the car performed flawlessly. There were lots of very nice cars to gawp at as well. All in all, a good weekend with the car.
In the latest news, there's nothing wrong with the radio at all. Investigations confirm that the in-boot CD player, the aerial, and the radio all work fine, but there's a wiring issue which will be investigated next week. Good news inasmuch as I now don't need to buy any new gear.
I met some other Jaguar-istes this weekend, and was given a photo of a few V12s lined up.
An additional high speed road run confirmed that the car is running really well, and I spent this morning applying Gtecniq water repellent to the screen.
I met some other Jaguar-istes this weekend, and was given a photo of a few V12s lined up.
An additional high speed road run confirmed that the car is running really well, and I spent this morning applying Gtecniq water repellent to the screen.
The carpets in the car are high quality and in perfect condition, but I've been keen to find an over-mat in a suitable colour. The current over mat was once, I'm pretty certain, someone's bath mat. The bay of dreams threw up this, a new-old-stock mat for a LHD XJ40, but in the right colour, shown here next to the bathmat-thing once I'd taken the rubber heel mat off.
So I hacked it up and cut two mats out of it, then found someone with a machine to stitch the edges and now have two over-mats for the princely total sum of £30.
The stitch marks are much less obvious in the darkness of the interior and since vacuuming. I'm rather pleased with them.
So I hacked it up and cut two mats out of it, then found someone with a machine to stitch the edges and now have two over-mats for the princely total sum of £30.
The stitch marks are much less obvious in the darkness of the interior and since vacuuming. I'm rather pleased with them.
The car has been running really nicely and now has another thousand or so miles on it.
I'd been bothered by the non-working radio, and that has now been addressed and fixed. The radio, cassette tape (I know, excitingly retro!), electric aerial and in-boot multi-CD changer all work perfectly. Even the little but important things, like the aerial retracting if you open the boot whilst the engine is running so as not to foul the antenna with the spoiler, all work. The in-car sound is pretty good too. My local garagiste fixed the wiring issue which was at the heart of the thing not-working, and commented that it's a nice system (Alpine).
He also replaced the switch for the climate control and I now have aircon and a heater that works. A small thing perhaps, but an important one, not least to offset the glowing-star-like quantity of heat that those 12 cylinders put out.
All in all, the car is running nicely and is an absolute pleasure to drive. I'm averaging a little under 17 mpg though which, even considering the addictive acceleration, seems-less-than-austerity, especially on Esso premium or whatever it's called.
Does it make a difference if you run these things on 'normal' premium fuel?
Next immediate job is to clean and condition the seats with some of Furniture Clinic's finest, which has been ordered today.
I'd been bothered by the non-working radio, and that has now been addressed and fixed. The radio, cassette tape (I know, excitingly retro!), electric aerial and in-boot multi-CD changer all work perfectly. Even the little but important things, like the aerial retracting if you open the boot whilst the engine is running so as not to foul the antenna with the spoiler, all work. The in-car sound is pretty good too. My local garagiste fixed the wiring issue which was at the heart of the thing not-working, and commented that it's a nice system (Alpine).
He also replaced the switch for the climate control and I now have aircon and a heater that works. A small thing perhaps, but an important one, not least to offset the glowing-star-like quantity of heat that those 12 cylinders put out.
All in all, the car is running nicely and is an absolute pleasure to drive. I'm averaging a little under 17 mpg though which, even considering the addictive acceleration, seems-less-than-austerity, especially on Esso premium or whatever it's called.
Does it make a difference if you run these things on 'normal' premium fuel?
Next immediate job is to clean and condition the seats with some of Furniture Clinic's finest, which has been ordered today.
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