We’ve seen all sorts of bartering offers made by sellers looking to get some added value out of an otherwise cheap car, but this is the first one I can recall where livestock would suffice. This 1982 Jaguar XJS H.E. – for “High Efficiency” – looks to be languishing in an open-air carport in Michigan and missing its original 12-cylinder motor with its impressive “Fireball” combustion chamber capable of pushing it to over 20 MPGs. In spite of its lacking horsepower, the seller will take a horse in trade. Find it here on craigslist (and go here if the ad disappears.)
Really, there is no price listed other than “…a good horse or two.” I checked it out, and a good horse appears to be selling for at least $1,000, which is more than I’d pay for an XJS with no motor. My bickering aside, if you’ve got a horse and a SBC sitting around, it could make sense to offer up a decent steed in the interest of a swap, but only if this formerly highly efficient Jaguar is rust-free – which is anything but certain given its location in or near Grand Rapids.
We don’t see these H.E. models pop up all that often, and likely for good reason. These XJS’ were already electrical and maintenance nightmares in stock form; I can’t imagine what sort of sorcery was involved in getting the vacuum-line infested V12 to clear the magical 20 MPG mark. It’s too bad the transmission is also missing, as that would provide some additional ROI given the GM400 retains a fair parts value. The seller mentions he intended to perform the V8 swap, but apparently only got as far as selling off the drivetrain.
So, let’s say you want to become a literal horse trader. Check out this handsome fella (or feller, depending on location) here on craigslist (go here if the horse leaves the barn), where it’s listed for $1,500. The seller notes, “He loves to run and is already very rating. Does anything for food!” To be honest, the horse sounds more appealing than the Jaguar, but I digress. If this were listed for $500 and came with the transmission, it might be a fair deal, but given the price of a good horse, I’m not sure if it’s a worthwhile trade. Can any of our farmer / readers weigh in?
Well it is called Barn Finds, so I guess that a horse 🐴 and barn go together!
I’d rather have the horse! The horse would be more reliable and easier to sell!
If not rusted, this indeed seems a prime candidate for a Chevrolet small-block V8 conversion.
Car is just two hours away from me. If only I had the garage space…this could be one glorious ride when done.
Advantage goes to the horse. No rust, and obvious parts value in the saddle, which I assume comes with it based on the picture, and has at least one more horsepower than the Jag.
Why would u sell the transmission if u r going to do a v8 swap?
The THM-400 used by Jaguar won’t bolt up to a GM engine. It’s easier to use an automatic sourced from a GM vehicle for the conversion.
I thought the same thing ?Don’t understand that!
I’ve got 35 horses – wouldn’t trade a one for it and I would really like to have it. As you note – maybe down around $500 it’d be worth the trip
I would drop a 6 cylinder diesel into this and completely rewire the car using a Ron Francis Wiring Kit. Then I would set it up to run on cooking oil.
why not? If I got it I’d be putting an XK engine in it – spare I have left over from an 85 XJ.
Bad trade. A horse will be easier to start and not break down every twenty minutes.