BF Auction: 1985 Jaguar XJ6 Vanden Plas

• Seller: Brady B erdan (Contact)
• Location: Calabasas, California
• Mileage: 77,777 Shown
• Chassis #: SAJAY1348FC417327
• Title Status: Clean
• Engine: 4.2-liter Inline-Six
• Transmission: BorgWarner 3-Speed Automatic

This 1985 Jaguar XJ6 Vanden Plas is a two-owner classic with 77,777 genuine miles on the clock. This beauty presents extremely well, confirming that it has led a sheltered existence where it has been treated respectfully. The sale includes an enormous collection of documentation that traces the Jaguar’s history back to Day One. Its needs are minor, allowing the winning bidder to enjoy the best of British luxury motoring immediately. The current owner feels the time is right to send this classic to a new home and has listed it exclusively with us at Barn Finds Auctions.

Jaguar introduced its Series III XJ range in 1979, entrusting the cosmetic refresh to Pininfarina. The update provided a more modern look without detracting from the iconic appearance that is a hallmark of cars like the XJ6. This classic left the line in 1985, making a positive first impression in Sage Green. The seller confirms that the Jag underwent a repaint approximately twenty years ago, and the exterior still sparkles like a new penny. It isn’t perfect because the image gallery shows scratches on both rear quarter panels and one door, courtesy of a vandal with a set of keys. However, the damage isn’t severe, and any reputable shop should be able to address the problems without resorting to a complete repaint. The panels are as straight as an arrow, and the trim and glass are in first-class condition. The beautiful 15″ Kent alloy wheels accentuate the car’s appearance, and this XJ6 also features a factory electric sunroof.

The Jaguar is a blue-plate classic that has spent its life in sunny California. Therefore, the only rust is this small area at the base of the windshield. As with the scratches, addressing this imperfection should be pretty straightforward. The comprehensive image gallery reveals no other problems, with the lower body extremities and the floors as solid as the day this Jaguar left the Coventry line. The sale includes a few welcome extras. The winning bidder receives a set of Jaguar Crossbar Racks, mohair floor mats, and a car cover.

The defining characteristic of the XJ6 is undoubtedly its refinement. From its silky smooth DOHC six-cylinder engine to the suspension that isolates occupants from life’s lumps and bumps, life aboard these classics is invariably comfortable. This car’s 4.2-liter powerplant sends 205hp to the rear wheels via a Borg-Warner three-speed automatic transmission. As you would rightfully expect from a classic of this caliber, power steering and four-wheel disc brakes are standard equipment. This Jaguar ticks the boxes for those seeking a turnkey classic that provides immediate enjoyment. The current owner has been its custodian since 2021, and has invested a significant sum to ensure that the car’s mechanical condition is first-rate. They replaced both fuel tanks, the fuel lines, the starter, the coil, and the rear brakes, including the rotors and handbrake, and installed new rear Bilstein shocks. The vehicle recently received a fuel system clean, allowing it to pass its Smog Test comfortably. The engine runs slightly rough, but it is believed that the system cleaning may have dislodged a small piece of dirt that has caught in one of the injectors. However, this YouTube video tells us a lot. The engine springs into life from cold, and the Jaguar rolls down the road smoothly. Impressively, there is no evidence of the rattles and squeaks that classics often develop with age.

Certain interior features are almost obligatory in any British luxury car, including leather trim and lashings of Burl Walnut. This XJ6 ticks those boxes, adding air conditioning, power windows, power locks, a leather-wrapped wheel, cruise control, adjustable rear reading lights, and an AM/FM radio/cassette player with a power antenna. The interior is tidy and serviceable, although the seat leather is failing, exhibiting splits and seam separations. Some potential buyers may consider a retrim, but the driver’s seat may hold the solution. The owner fitted a tailored sheepskin slipcover to disguise the problems. A full set of sheepskins will be cheaper than fresh leather and would still feel very luxurious. Otherwise, the remaining upholstered surfaces are in good condition, with the headliner replaced in 2021. There are no issues with the walnut, dash, pad, or plastic. The air conditioning uses R134 refrigerant and blows ice-cold.

This 1985 Jaguar XJ6 Vanden Plas is a beautiful car that looks fresh forty-one years after leaving the showroom floor. It has a few minor shortcomings, but the winning bidder will be able to slip behind the wheel, drive it home, and enjoy all that it offers during the coming summer months. It perfectly combines excellent performance with the ability to isolate its occupants from the hustle and bustle of the outside world. If a British classic has been on your radar, it deserves a closer look. Even if that isn’t the case, it would still be an excellent car to park in your garage.

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