Jaguar XJS or Triumph Stag?
Discussion
Assuming it was for a fun classic not a practical long distance mile muncher I'd go for the Stag.
Why? Partly an age thing; I remember seeing them as a teenager when they were new and thinking they looked lovely. Also, I suspect they would be easier to tinker with and look after.
And they make a lovely V8 burble!
And also I am of the age that saw the XJS as a disappointing replacement for an E Type. Now I appreciate them as something entirely different but it still colours my instinctive 'want/don't want' reaction.
Why? Partly an age thing; I remember seeing them as a teenager when they were new and thinking they looked lovely. Also, I suspect they would be easier to tinker with and look after.
And they make a lovely V8 burble!
And also I am of the age that saw the XJS as a disappointing replacement for an E Type. Now I appreciate them as something entirely different but it still colours my instinctive 'want/don't want' reaction.
It'd be a Stag everytime, for one reason: affordable parts!
When I was looking to "retire" from owning a Caterham SV after 22 years I was laser focused on a TR6 or a Stag, based on whichever came first that was in great nick. Whilst SWMBO wanted a Jag, the reasonable prices for TR parts were a strong factor, backed by availablity of a well regarded local TR garage in case something came up I couldn't do in the garage myself.
Having had our '73 TR6 for 5 years end of this month, would I change my mind? Doubtful but if our grandkids were 10yrs younger possibly just for the rear seat. Since they're now entering their teens, they're my under dash, etc monkeys when I don't want to perform unnatural gymnastics.
Back to the Stag, I'd be seriously looking at which engine it has, has the radiator been updated to a triple core, does it have electric + engine based cooling fans, and how much paperwork proving prominence does it have.
Would I sell on our TR6 for a Stag now -- absolutely not!
When I was looking to "retire" from owning a Caterham SV after 22 years I was laser focused on a TR6 or a Stag, based on whichever came first that was in great nick. Whilst SWMBO wanted a Jag, the reasonable prices for TR parts were a strong factor, backed by availablity of a well regarded local TR garage in case something came up I couldn't do in the garage myself.
Having had our '73 TR6 for 5 years end of this month, would I change my mind? Doubtful but if our grandkids were 10yrs younger possibly just for the rear seat. Since they're now entering their teens, they're my under dash, etc monkeys when I don't want to perform unnatural gymnastics.
Back to the Stag, I'd be seriously looking at which engine it has, has the radiator been updated to a triple core, does it have electric + engine based cooling fans, and how much paperwork proving prominence does it have.
Would I sell on our TR6 for a Stag now -- absolutely not!
If you can get to Derbyshire then visit the Driving Dad's Cars museum where you can drive both an original V8 engined Stage and a V12 engined XJS cabrio. It's not an extensive test drive by any means!
I know, because I did.
I loved both. The Stage felt slightly more dated and the interior reminded me a bit too much of the Marina my Dad had in the 70s whereas the Jag was more special.
On the other hand the V8 burble was majestic.
The Stag is slightly more practical, being smaller, so I'd have to revel in the retro and go for one of those, with the radiator mods etc.
I know, because I did.
I loved both. The Stage felt slightly more dated and the interior reminded me a bit too much of the Marina my Dad had in the 70s whereas the Jag was more special.
On the other hand the V8 burble was majestic.
The Stag is slightly more practical, being smaller, so I'd have to revel in the retro and go for one of those, with the radiator mods etc.
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