While it isn’t an E-Type, these XJS V12s were quite the machines when they were first introduced. The V12 produced a reasonable 262 horsepower, the interior was quite luxurious and the styling was definitely unique. As glorious as the V12 can be, it can be difficult and expensive to keep them running in tip top shape. While Rich D’s XJS has been parked for 4 years and the engine’s condition is fairly unknown, but with an asking price of just $1,500 and a body and interior that both look to be in decent shape, this one could be a great project! It’s currently located in Freehold, New Jersey and Rich can be contacted via the form below!
Asking Price: $1,500
Location: Freehold, New Jersey
Mileage: 62,200
Title Status: Clean
Seller’s Description: This Jaguar is packing a V12! It was running a few years ago, but has been parked and hasn’t been started for a while. It still has the original cassette in the box from the dealer.
Body Condition: The body is fair but does have some small rust bubbles starting to show.
Mechanical Condition: Was running when parked, hasn’t been started in 4 years. The tires are all flat and some rubber mounding needs to be replaced.
Getting the V12 up and running again might not be all that difficult, but it’s hard to say for sure without a closer look. In the end, it might be easier to swap the engine for a small block Chevrolet. There are complete conversion kits that include everything you need to install everything from a carbureted 350 all the way up to an LS1! So, would you try to get the V12 running and keep it original or is an engine swap in order?
Our thanks to Rich for listing his Jaguar with us. If you have a classic that’s been parked and needs a new home, please consider listing it here on Barn Finds!
List your classified here on Barn Finds!
Good grief don’t do an engine swap. The engine is lovely smooth. Do consider updating the gm transmission to something newer with lockup to improve the economy and performance. Many people have done this. Had one for several years and loved it. Weak point? Electrical harness… Computers are in trunk and a bad connection can shut it down.
I wonder if the seller has had a look at the condition of the chassis? The XJS is especially prone to tinworm infestations in the structural parts of the monocoque. However, replacement parts are available.
If the V12 turns freely, it might be worth prepping it and trying to fire it up. I’d want to keep the original engine in it, if possible, although the SBC conversion is an excellent option.
If this car is as solid as it looks, it’ll be a bargain at $1200.
@Beatnik Bedouin: Although the XJS utilizes a unibody construction which does not include a traditional frame, this is very different from a Monocoque construction, as what employed on the E-Type cars.
Please, please stop with the SBC conversion suggestions. It would certainly NOT be easier than resurrecting the original V12. In fact, it would be infinitely more difficult to do, especially if this car ran when parked. The most difficult thing that you are likely to encounter with the original engine is leaky fuel rails and fuel injection issues.
The SBC conversion absolutely ruins the handling, charm, drivability and value of these cars and should be avoided at all costs.
What is the point of purchasing one of these if not for the growl of the original V12?
I would toss a Chevy big block in it.
I wish people would actually look into the time cost and result of a SBC swap. The Chevy has less torque and horsepower than the same year Jaguar. The transmission behind the Chevy is not as heavy duty as the GM turbo 400 ( unless it originated in an ambulance or other heavy duty application)
The Chevy is much lighter duty than the Jaguar- ( smaller bearings both rod and main) and made of cast iron.
Plus the Jaguar is only about 22 inches wide (and the spark plugs are on top) Have someone explain to you how much wider a 90 degree V is than the 60 degree V of the Jaguar.
Finally changing engines doesn’t fix the wiring issues that is the real plague of Jaguars.
Won’t fit without butchering the car. Measure how wide a big block is and then compare that with the 22 inch wide V12.
This is so cheap. Sell for far more over here.
I would buy it in a heartbeat if local.
As for an engine swap, that would be like putting ketchup on caviar.
1500 is a give-away price. Interior is in pretty good nick from the pictures, could probably wake up the v12 with a little careful massaging. And BRG to boot
Crap, 1/2 the country away or I’d be on it
Where are the interior pictures? Not on my computer? I own a 1986 original purchased by a military guy in England who shipped it to the USA.
Had a very hard time keeping it running. Some sort of engine air valve is the problem. No mechanics for the Jag in my area.
I just stopped using it 8 years ago. Always covered under a carport. Seal Skin cover.
Still like new inside and out but, if I could pay, I would yank the V-12 out! Special sized battery tray, etc. too!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Also have a 1983 that has the HP V-12 ( guess the V-12 was down sized in 86) that ran all the time. Traded an old motor cycle for it. Parked it too.
Great price not far from home. Having issues that keep me from going to see it.
I’m the person selling the car, selling it on behalf of my father-in-law, who is ill.
The car is a “20 footer” – it looks pretty good from 20 feet away, but less so as you get closer. Some asked for current condition pics – it looks like the pics provided, main difference is the tires are now all flat (see pic).
Is the car still available? Thanks, Bob