Vehicle Description
1990 Jaguar XJ6 Vanden Plas
Vanden Plas is the name of coachbuilders who produced bodies for
specialist and up-market automobile manufacturers. Latterly the
name became a top-end luxury model designation for cars from
various subsidiaries of British Leyland and the Rover Group, last
used in 2009 to denote the top-luxury version of the Jaguar
XJ8.
Direct from the plant in Blackpool, England, we give you the Vanden
Plas edition of the Jaguar XJ6. With steel panels covered in black,
and some luxurious trappings for the interior, this car is aptly
named for the former specialist and upmarket automobile industry
manufacturer, now the name branding of the Jaguar luxury market.
Driven on the BQE and NY Belt Parkway until 2018, this 4 door cat
has sat dormant since, so expect some TLC on all fronts.
Exterior
This year makes the change to a single flush mount Euro spec
headlight, but retains the separate chromed grille, and
non-integrated bumper version for the exterior. A seemingly solidly
built car, in 4 doors, and black with the body showing dents,
dings, and some rust, some surface and some invasive. The finish
has succumbed to the ages and shows with a heavy fading of the
shine and clear coat degradation. Otherwise, the chrome and trim is
nicely preserved and is utilized sparingly and tastefully on this
car. Standard Jaguar wheels are on all 4 corners and tires are
good. Noted is missing side trim from each side spear along with
cracking and hazing of both the head and tail light lenses.
Interior
Barley leather dances with burl veneer, black vinyl and some
electronics along with analog gauges and digital readouts. A center
panel melts into the center console which houses the AM/FM/Cassette
player, seat controls, and shift lever. Looking up, a sagging
headliner sports a sunroof in the middle. As we turn our eyes to
the rear bench which is wonderfully spacious and has access to the
back fold out tray that hides within the back of the buckets up
front, and their own centrally located temperature controller. All
of the leather seating shows cracking and age wear, with the
driver's seat having taken the brunt of the wear. Nice light brown
carpet covers the floors, and black carpeted floor mats are
protecting this at every corner.
Drivetrain
An inline 6 cylinder in 4.0 liter format is nicely tucked into an
unrestored engine bay. This has Lucas Bosch digital EFI feeding
just the right amount of air and fossils. 4 speeds for the ZF 4HP22
automatic transmission, and a 3.58 conventional axle on the rear.
We note heavy patina in the engine bay along with some invasive
rust making an appearance on the inner fenders.
Undercarriage
Overall things are structurally sound underneath but not without
some surface rust on the usual suspects and some invasive rust to
note on the inner rockers and in one of the wheel houses.
Independent coil springs for the front and rear suspensions are on
to provide the ride, and power disc brakes all around bring the
ride to a halt!
Drive-Ability
For this test drive I decided to have my test driver and pro driver
take me for a cruise anywhere other than the test track. We wound
our way through the countryside of Berks County, and I was treated
to a pleasurable chauffeured experience. A shout out to the stereo
which saved me from him droning on about all the features of this
beautiful car! But I digress and while this car does need a heaping
helping of TLC, it does run and drive.
Vanden Plas was known for their upscale chassis, body, and interior
modifications to numerous car manufacturers. Then Jaguar took the
company for themselves, and began putting their trappings on their
high end cars. This is the result of that marriage of brands. Break
out the wrenches and bring this one back to its former glory!
SAJKY1742LC619851
S-United Kingdom
A-Jaguar
J-Passenger Car
K-XJ Vanden Plas
Y-Manual Belts
1-4 Door Sedan
7-4.0 Liter DOHC I6
4-LHD, Automatic
2-Check Digit
L-1990
C-Browns Lane, England Assy Plant
619851-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 850 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display. This vehicle is located in our
showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just
1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The
website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888)
227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come
see the vehicle in person.
