You get what you pay for, right? Well, I find that axiom is generally true – though exceptions creep in from time to time. Today’s subject, a 1973 Jaguar XJ6 is claimed to be a “beautiful solid car, no rust, all parts still in place” and it’s only $3,000! What’s up with that? Well, I have to dig into this listing and try to figure out what’s going on. Located in Vienna, Virginia, this seemingly too-good-to-be-true “deal” is available, here on craigslist. Mitchell G. gets the nod for this tip!
The quote in the previous paragraph is all that is said about this British luxury sedan (or saloon as they’re called in G.B.). Regardless, you can imagine my surprise when I spied the listing images, and other than my “brown” phobia, thought, “Wow, this XJ6 is a solid looking beautiful car“. The finish is fade-free, the chrome bits still shine, there is no evidence of rust or crash damage (though the hood might be dented a bit), and the mileage is said to be 84K miles, so where’s the problem?
Well, it is obvious as the listing also proclaims, “Does not run“. Well, that opens an entire can of worms. The XJ6 was initially offered from ’68 through ’73 and was powered by either a 140 HP, 2.8-liter in-line six-cylinder engine or a larger, 150 net HP six. The lack of a “4.2” trunk lid badge makes me think that this is the smaller version of the two engines. As to what could possibly be wrong with it, well, search me fish. It looks complete, including a GM A6 Frigidaire A/C compressor, but its woes could be absolutely anything and interested buyers will need to contact the seller and try to glean more info. A three-speed automatic transmission is in place behind the non-cooperating engine.
The interior shows how I would expect for a half-century-old car – maybe even a bit better. The tan leather upholstery is typically creased but not extensively. The dash pad appears to be cracked and the driver’s side floor mat is heavily stained (a very minor matter) but that’s about all that is observable. The oh-so-typical Jaguar instrument panel shows as complete with all switchgear and gauges in place and right where they belong. As is so often the case, the rear seat looks untouched by human bottoms.
So, now it’s “what to do with it time”. OK, I’ll get it out of the way, “Put an LS in it!” No, not a good idea unless you want to go all Roadkill and create another “Draguar”. The devil’s in the details of course and this car could be a minor devil or a full-blown evil one. What do you think, is this one worth further investigation?
Instead of a LS swap, how about a Vortec 4200 swap? It’s a straight 6 still, good for 290 horsepower out of the box, and responds to mods well
There is little in life that will turn out to be as expensive as a cheap Jaguar.
Good Bye, Jaguar.
The 2.8 liter six was a notorious hole in a piston engine. Maybe that’s the reason for “doesn’t run” …..
That is clearly the 4.2 engine. Good running versions sell for $100-300. However chances are great it’s something simple. Either fuel or ignition. Which you’d have to solve anyway with an engine swap. Those carbs are as simple as a lawn mower’s. The ignition works the same as any ignition.
If 160 Net horsepower sounds weak realize that a Chevy 350 at the time made 160 net horsepower.
A swap is not easy to do. You’ll need at least a new tachometer and it won’t be the same as the rest of the instruments.
If you want you could swap in the JagV12. It will slide in easy. ( it was an option). Stock it makes 237 horsepower on carbs or 262 on EFI. A Chevy 454 rated the same way makes 230 horsepower.
That is the most rugged engine in the world. Let down like all cars of the era by early EFI. Remember OBD2 didn’t come out until the 1990’s. Power wise it’s simple to kick the power up over 800 hp. But why? It’s a heavy car. Over 4000 pounds if you want fast get a lighter car.
I’ve driven some fast cars that are heavier and more comfy way over 100mph.
BMW 750IL 12 cyl. ’88? customer friend
Mercedes AMG 65sl? big 4 door about an 06 with a twin turbo 12. I was an instructor for an AMG thing at a track.
Bentley GT 2003? Twin turbo 12 cyl customer friend…fastest I’ve ever driven a street car on the street…carefully.
I agree that it’s the 4.2. It looks exactly like the one in my 71 Etype. This is a practically bulletproof engine. Replace the ignition and enjoy a beautiful car. Not a great fan of the Strombergs. If I could find a trip-carb setup (I believe the 67s had them) for SUs, and could afford it, I’d do that.
As far I know, Jaguar never imported the 2,8 in the XJ6. You see gray market examples once in a while, sometimes with 4-speeds.
What to do with it is simple: clean the fuel tank, rebuild the carbs, replace the ignition system components, and drive it away. Done it a few times!
Sorry Jim, but the only viable option for this Big Cat is a restomod. Maybe not a LS, but as Mitchell G. suggested, another engine swap. I’m old school and a simple SBC has proven to be a good replacement on these XJ’s (I’ve had two). Now, on to the Lucas wiring…
First I wouldn’t buy it but if it was given to me I would have to decide between crushing it or dropping a Ford 6.8 in it just to mess with all the put a LS in it people. I’ve never had good luck with GM products built after 1980 so I tend to avoid them
Seems to me that sticking to all Jaguar / age specific parts is the best way to maintain value / desirability. A V12 engine fully detailed is a beautiful sight!
Agree that this is a bone simple engine and management, and it shouldn’t be that difficult to get it running IF it hasn’t holed a piston or put a rod through the block.
Paint shines, interior’s not too bad…always loved the lines of these early xj6’s. If it wasn’t so far away I’d take a stab at it
This would be a great buy. From far away and with much experience the diagnosis is almost certainly ignition, very simple to fix. The fuel system with carbys is bulletproof.
About the only problems in these were rust in the rear underpanels or overheating if the thermostat stuck, in which case best to replace the head before the valve seats start dropping out. These were one of the best versions of the XJ6, many miles still in it.
There was a guy in Texas who specialized in selling conversion kits for 350 drop in’s. John’s something or other I think. Was a slick deal, Had a friend who looked into it wasn’t a bad price included motor mounts and wiring.
http://www.brokenkitty.com/xj/xjv8.htm
The issue with those jags was the fuse panel with ceramic fuses located in the drivers side under the brake pedal in the floor needs to say corrosion was a huge issue specially, when you had it, slush and salty water in the winter time
Same type fuses as old VWs, tough to not break the element accidentally .
I’m a fan of the inline 6 engine over any other Brit junk. This is a car worth some care. I think it would be a weekend to get it running…and maybe a few months chasing down the Lucas nightmares. But a machine like that would be worth it, in my hopelessly optimistic opinion.
Sitting in a service station parking lot. My bet is a holed piston. I’d give half the asking price.