Now, this is something you don’t see everyday: an attempted 5-speed manual conversion of a classic 1970 Jaguar XJ6 sedan. Any number of Jaguars have been used for V8 conversions, so it’s not surprising to see to see the words “swap” and “old Jaguar” in the same sentence. However, this one retains its original inline-six engine, making it more of a proper sports sedan than a hot rod with connolly leather. Find the Jaguar here on eBay with bids to $3,427 and the reserve unmet.
The seller notes that he, like many of us with long-term projects, simply isn’t going to get around to finishing this car after owning it for the last several years and having it stored in a friend’s heated warehouse for the past decade. The conversion features a Tremec five-speed from American Powertrain and looks to be a clean install; however, that’s purely subjective based on the fact that the car isn’t torn apart aside from some console pieces left uninstalled.
The engine bay looks relatively undisturbed, and the seller notes that there’s evidence it may have been rebuilt prior to him taking ownership (no receipts, however.) The fact that this hasn’t been converted to a V8 project makes me a love it a little bit more. As much as the Chevy V8 swaps are a gas, the conventional European sports sedan recipe has always been three pedals and an inline six, much like any number of models offered by BMW and Mercedes. This XJ6 with a 5-speed is a compelling alternative if you’re the type to find four doors and five speeds appealing.
The other selling point here is the fact the Jaguar has been stored indoors for so many years. The bodywork, the chrome, and even the white-wall tires all appear to be in excellent condition. The same goes for the interior which looks quite tidy in photos. I’m surprised to see a reserve on this car as this is not one that you’d expect to see offered with a minimum price requirement, but the seller may be contemplating giving this project another go if a baseline price requirement isn’t met. I know I would!
These early XJ6 models have such graceful lines. I would think with a car of this size and weight the correct gear ratio pairing would be important to make it a pleasant drive. My friend has a 07 Jeep Wrangler with a 6-speed transmission. The 1st gear is too tall and often times you can stall it if you are not bang on with the throttle/clutch application. I hate driving the car. In many cases a nice cruiser deserves a better automatic and a manual transmission just seems out of place. I too would ditch the Borg Warner unit in favor of a 6-speed automatic from Aisin or ZF. I do like the Jaguar 6 as well.
I have alway been fascinated with installing a manual transmission into one of these big older Jaguars. I knew one fellow who dropped a Chevy 350 with a stick trans in one of these and had good results. For me, it changes the car from a boring cruiser to something that can be driven. I am just one of those older car guys that want the third pedal! Young people today just don’t understand the concepts of actual driving a car! Anyone car put a car in gear (an automatic) and say they are a driver! Manual transmissions are a love/hate relationship. Either you love driving them or can’t be bothered! Actually, the one place in the USA that I have been, I would not own a stick trans……. the Heights of San Francisco!! Driving a stick there, you can barely let the clutch out before you need to stop again!!!
Yes, you are spot-on regarding the Hillls of San Francisco. Our daughter’s first real career job was in the dead center of those “Hills”. She was driving a stick Miata, and she did so for about six years. Finally, one day, she said “I’ve had it with the stick, and bought a car with an automatic.” I think she lasted far longer with a stick than most people.
I don’t know about the Jag straight six specifically, but in-line six cylinder engines in general seem to have abundant torque at low RPM’s, so this probably would be a very pleasant car to drive with a standard gearbox. I’ve always thought that it was a disservice to real drivers not to market these with a manual transmission. Much more fun than a slushbox!
The 1st series was available with a manual transmission 4 +O/D just probably not in the USA
I was fortunate enough to drive an acquaintance’s factory manual short wheelbase sedan. Otherwise bone stock European car, totally different from the BW automatic I was driving. I would ditch the Solex carbs for SU’s.
Auction ended on Saturday, 1-27-24. Looks like a no sale.
The now-disgraced Bill Cosby had a funny comic routine years ago, riffing about driving a stick shift throughout the hills of San Francisco. At one point,
he was in a line of cars at a red light on a steep hill and said, “Forget it, fellas. Let’s just pull the parking brakes and turn this into a car lot.”