This is a very, very solid and clean original Jaguar XJ with only 77K original miles. I purchased it from the family who bought it new in Livermore, California. After 20 years the family moved to central Washington where I bought it. Both of these locations are well inland and are very dry climates. They always garaged the car. I have kept the car in a heated garage here in Boise, Idaho and only driven in dry weather. The car has zero rust and no sun and heat damage to seals.
All details on this car emphasize its originality. It still has the factory spare key mounted under the hood; the tire jack and tool set is complete and pristine; the owner’s manual is like new.
The car was a very serviceable and enjoyable driver when I bought it. I’ve replaced worn bushings (steering rack), pinion seal, new fuel pump, new rear diff seal, new shocks, new tires, new battery, fresh R12 in A/C (blows ice cold), carbs tuned, fresh fluids. Basically I went through the car and took it from a B+ to a straight A. There is no mechanical or electrical work pending. It runs and shifts as it should. Everything works: fans, lights, all power window switches, window motors run strong, wipers, indicators, A/C, heat. All work like new. Even the cigarette lighter works.
Weather seals are soft and complete. Interior is all original and exceptional. Leather seats are not hardened or cracked; to rips or tears. Black leather with a cool patina. Burl wood dash is beautiful. Headliner is perfect. Package shelf is like new. I have refinished the wood trim on doors. Carpet is in excellent shape. All dash and interior lights work.
The car was sanded to the metal, stripped of all chrome and hardware and then painted in the original Signal Red with an excellent multi-stage paint job a year ago. It’s a stunning color.
The car isn’t perfect but there are only few quirks that remain that I haven’t prioritized:
The speedometer bounces +/- 3 to 5 MPH around true speed. I take the average and call it good. The fix: send odo in for rebuild. Clock doesn’t work and I haven’t diagnosed. That’s about the list.
This car is the last series designed by Sir William Lyons. What an amazing design. Not only is it drop-dead gorgeous, it was Jaguar’s great leap forward in technology and it feels very modern. This is a great weekend driver, as well as a low-mile collectible car with an excellent history.
