RE: Arden AJ 4 returns!
Discussion
As the saying goes, the devil is in the details
And in this case, much as I love the XJ and agree that it’s possibly one of the most beautiful and svelte designs ever, the details are wrong.
The whole thing lacks cohesion, spangly Halfords front spoiler, wheels that we’re out of fashion in the early 80’s and an interior that should have seen a classy upgrade but ends up looking cheap.
I’d have thought an engine transplant (supercharged Jag?) with a more modern gearbox would have been / should have been on the spec, but having said that I guess there’s a case for retaining the 5.3, modified as it is.
As it stands it seems to much of a let-down for me, and to paraphrase James May, “it’s like they had the recipe for a steak pie, and used dog meat...’
But, we are all individuals so I’m sure there’s as many on here will love it as hate it.
Me? I’d just have the best, most original 5.3 I could find and spend the balance on something vaguely exotic...
And in this case, much as I love the XJ and agree that it’s possibly one of the most beautiful and svelte designs ever, the details are wrong.
The whole thing lacks cohesion, spangly Halfords front spoiler, wheels that we’re out of fashion in the early 80’s and an interior that should have seen a classy upgrade but ends up looking cheap.
I’d have thought an engine transplant (supercharged Jag?) with a more modern gearbox would have been / should have been on the spec, but having said that I guess there’s a case for retaining the 5.3, modified as it is.
As it stands it seems to much of a let-down for me, and to paraphrase James May, “it’s like they had the recipe for a steak pie, and used dog meat...’
But, we are all individuals so I’m sure there’s as many on here will love it as hate it.
Me? I’d just have the best, most original 5.3 I could find and spend the balance on something vaguely exotic...
I had a Series 3 XJ12 back in the day, engine was sweet as a nut, but fuel consumption was crippling... Still, as mentioned above I think the S3 XJ and XJC are the prettiest saloons Jaguar have ever made. I'd like one with the XJR supercharged V8 in it though... the S3 V12 was nearly 2 tonne - dry 
akirk said:
Greg the Fish said:
So is it a Jaguar or a Daimler?
exactly!daimler grill and jaguar leaper!
I too would buy the best V12 money could buy (low mileage Jap import for around 15K?) and an E63 with the change
cidered77 said:
Krikkit said:
cidered77 said:
I know Pistonheads tradition means people will queue up to say "ewww" because that's just how the internet works... but come on, that is beautiful.
The wheels arent to my taste, and don't look good in that profile pic - but the other shots show the potential for how wider rims improve the car. And you can always, you know, get different wheels...
Stick something approaching a warranty on it, modern stereo, do something with the brakes and price is sub 100k all in, and that could well find itself on my bucket list. The stance of the thing is just lovely.
With different wheels I think that's magnificent. The only other thing I'd object to is someone lavishing the interior in carbon - that really doesn't belong, cover it in wood and leather!The wheels arent to my taste, and don't look good in that profile pic - but the other shots show the potential for how wider rims improve the car. And you can always, you know, get different wheels...
Stick something approaching a warranty on it, modern stereo, do something with the brakes and price is sub 100k all in, and that could well find itself on my bucket list. The stance of the thing is just lovely.
dandare said:
Still possibly the best looking saloon car ever made. I love them, and if it saves some from destruction, then good.
Augustus Windsock said:
I love the XJ and agree that it’s possibly one of the most beautiful and svelte designs ever...
baconsarney said:
I think the S3 XJ and XJC are the prettiest saloons Jaguar have ever made.
^What these guys said.My dad was 'converted' to Jag's by driving his ex-bosses S3. Merely a 6 cylinder, but still a beautiful car. I think it fair to call this iteration of the XJ iconic; a design that is as timeless and distinctive as any other saloon, like the Rover SD1 or the E23 BMW 7 series.
I've posted up some original 1980's Arden brochure scans here, if you're interested. Arden brochure scans
Augustus Windsock said:
As the saying goes, the devil is in the details
And in this case, much as I love the XJ and agree that it’s possibly one of the most beautiful and svelte designs ever, the details are wrong.
The whole thing lacks cohesion, spangly Halfords front spoiler, wheels that we’re out of fashion in the early 80’s and an interior that should have seen a classy upgrade but ends up looking cheap.
I’d have thought an engine transplant (supercharged Jag?) with a more modern gearbox would have been / should have been on the spec, but having said that I guess there’s a case for retaining the 5.3, modified as it is.
As it stands it seems to much of a let-down for me, and to paraphrase James May, “it’s like they had the recipe for a steak pie, and used dog meat...’
But, we are all individuals so I’m sure there’s as many on here will love it as hate it.
Me? I’d just have the best, most original 5.3 I could find and spend the balance on something vaguely exotic...
+1, it looks awful. The Daimler grille painted in barbeque paint combined with those wheels, wow, wow. And in this case, much as I love the XJ and agree that it’s possibly one of the most beautiful and svelte designs ever, the details are wrong.
The whole thing lacks cohesion, spangly Halfords front spoiler, wheels that we’re out of fashion in the early 80’s and an interior that should have seen a classy upgrade but ends up looking cheap.
I’d have thought an engine transplant (supercharged Jag?) with a more modern gearbox would have been / should have been on the spec, but having said that I guess there’s a case for retaining the 5.3, modified as it is.
As it stands it seems to much of a let-down for me, and to paraphrase James May, “it’s like they had the recipe for a steak pie, and used dog meat...’
But, we are all individuals so I’m sure there’s as many on here will love it as hate it.
Me? I’d just have the best, most original 5.3 I could find and spend the balance on something vaguely exotic...
Love the idea /concept of keeping these iconic designs alive.
Am I the only one that thinks the quad exhaust layout looks a bit crass on a car like this? Not fitting! Large oval each side maybe?
Don't like the wheels either - ok, can be changed, but given the price, why should you have to.
Am I the only one that thinks the quad exhaust layout looks a bit crass on a car like this? Not fitting! Large oval each side maybe?
Don't like the wheels either - ok, can be changed, but given the price, why should you have to.
moskvich427 said:
akirk said:
Greg the Fish said:
So is it a Jaguar or a Daimler?
exactly!daimler grill and jaguar leaper!
I too would buy the best V12 money could buy (low mileage Jap import for around 15K?) and an E63 with the change
It was covered in a Motor Klassik article a couple of months ago.
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