This 1973 Jaguar XJ6 was originally purchased by the seller as part of a larger stash of similar vehicles. With two of the cars restored and one parted out, this Series II XJ6 was left in limbo, obstensibly too complete for parting but not enough time in the seller’s schedule to restore. It’s quite a project and these were never known for sterling build quality. Find it here on eBay with an opening bid of $1K and the auction ending tomorrow.
Personally, I think the Series II cars are beautiful when restored, and the coupes are one of my absolute favorite Jaguar body styles. However, these cars were born into an era of sloppy build quality and poor management by British Leyland, making quality a long shot even when new. Certainly, for cars like these, long periods of dormancy have done nothing to improve their chances at being brought back to life – especially when finished examples can be bought for reasonable sums.
While I don’t think it’s escaped a part-out fate, I’m at least glad to see it being sold as a complete vehicle – it looks to have good bones, with a complete interior aside from some surgery performed on the pretty wood dash. There is no mention of rust by the seller, and while we can’t see any in typical locations like the sills and edges of the fenders, there’s a chance of significant rot beneath those carpets given this XJ6 is residing in Pennsylvania.
The inline six cylinder looks blessedly simple compared to the optional V12, but power was light at 140 b.h.p. As a non-runner, you may be tempted to simply swap out this mil (insert your corny Lucas electronics jokes here) and upgrade to one the myriad V8 conversions offered by the Jaguar aftermarket. Although I prefer them original, it may be the only sensible way to save this car from a part-out fate. How would you rescue/reuse it?
No surgery there, the switch / gauge panel pivots down to gain access to the fuses, so you can even change them on the move!
so i am going to guess that with 2 restored and 1 parted out already ebay seller leon7014 got tired of losing money on old jaguars and is cutting their losses.
only 4 pictures and very little description. not terribly motivated.
That is a series 1 XJ6 judging by the grill.
Definitely a level of class from a different era…
The car has good bones, there will be lots of minor things that should be refurbished but If you want a LUXOBARGE, that seems a bargain. The leather probably can be saved with the plentiful application of neetsfoot oil. The wood looks like a careful refinishing could return it to it’s royal splendor. I’d rip the strombergs or petrol injection off and mount a roots blower on the side to help it maintain it’s image That might yield well into the high three hundreds and the engine is up to it! This would offer the class of a Roller and allow inexpensive maintainance!
Ended: Apr 08, 2018 , 11:30PM
Starting bid:US $1,000.00
[ 0 bids ]
I think the seller ended the auction due to a listing mistake. That is not a Series II XJ6 but a Series I, and likely not a 73 or 72 but earlier judging by the chrome trim above the rear plate. Despite the confusion I’d give it a home if I didn’t already have a full plate of English delicacies.
Agree as it has the smaller hub caps and no vent intake above the outer headlights. Most likely 69 or 70.
Agreed, Pete. My ’69 XJ had a small chrome bar under the “XJ” on the boot lid in place of the
“6”. The reflectors under the tail lamps confuse me though as I recall those being fitted to the later cars. But, methinks it’s a ’70.
My 69 had the reflectors under the tail lamps.
Greetings All,
The HP rating a little light. I think you are quoting the 2.6/2.8 liter Euro engine. The States received the 3.8 or the 4.2, which came in a variety of specs.
HP on my ’69 was rated at 245.
As all have said, Series I. As to build quality, S1’s were still really nice. It was the late S2’s that gave everything the bad rap. Even early S2’s were ok (74-76). Now if you want really crappy, Go for a 40 (88-94). THOSE had problems!
Having had an 89 as a daily driver and which I bought back on my daughter’s requesr I have to diagree. Minimal rust issues and overall very reliable. The early dash and the ABS relay had problems but easily fixed and no problems thereafter. The really horrible period was ca 78 to 83.
The series one is the best looking with the tall grille and light bumpers. The interior looks pretty good. No fuel injection on these. If the motor is not stuck there would be a lot of fiddling with the carbs, fuel and vacuum system. It’s only worth it if you really want one. No money to be made here. There is nothing “bargelike” about any Jaguar sedan. They are fast,smooth, fleet of foot, and delightful to drive. Owning one has made me a believer.
Well stated!
Indeed. Back in the day I had a 69 which carried me on a 4000km round trip repeatedly. No problem whatsoever, fast and comfy.
I really miss my XJ! One day while driving with my wife to Las Vegas I had an opportunity to take on a Porsche Targa and Fiat 125 Turbo Spyder and outran them both. Indicated speed was 125 MPH, I was so proud! Hail, Brittania! I had rebuilt the engine with high compression pistons so had to use water injection to stop the preignition. Worked great!
Of more recent note my XJ12C from 75 made a round trip of some 2000 miles over an oval weekend last autumn. No trouble beyond a dying battery but that is no surprise when it is laid up for six months every year. Tricle charge or not batteries do not like to just sit. Average speed on the pure transport stretches around 80mph.