1971 Jaguar XJ6

Vee Eight

8

Automatic

Gasoline

Best of Both Worlds: 1971 "Series One" Jaguar XJ-V8! The design of the classic Jaguar XJ sedan is a gorgeous example of Sir William Lyons' legendary prowess. The old master's unerring eye for beautifully flowing lines and perfect proportions helped to create a timelessly elegant automobile. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) However, Jaguar's factory engines may have been useful for puttering around on the cold and rainy British Isles; in the United States, however, with long-distance driving in triple-digit temperatures being almost the norm, their lack of stamina became painfully evident. The old 4.2-liter straight-six is rather gutless, but nonetheless demanding in regard to maintenance, whereas the 5.3-liter V12 is a powerful mechanical marvel, but far too complex to live with outside the reach of Her Majesty's tow trucks and Rudge Whitworth-equipped repair facilities. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) The 1971 Jaguar presented here, VIN *1L57575* is a feline with different stripes, its vulnerable British lump having been replaced by a bullet-proof Chevrolet Vee Eight, turning this once crabby kitten into a suitable, stylish daily driver. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) XJ's body survived 40 years most admirably. It's straight and accident free; there is a little rust bubbling up near the rear wheel openings and the sun roof, but nothing to have a nervous breakdown over. Yes, this Jag has been fitted with a steel sliding sunroof, electrically powered, and--surprise, Mr. Lucas--it still works fine. Note the elegant, lightweight chrome bumpers and chromed artillery-style wheels, hallmarks of the first generation XJs. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Inside, the understated British elegance is still mostly intact and complete. Real wood graces the beautiful dashboard and door cappings, and the aroma of fine old-world materials is unmistakable. Bip, bip, cheerio, mate! Dash top is free of cracks, however, the seat covers have seen better days and the headliner is only partially present, while the carpeting isn't anything to write home about, either. The center console did not have to be altered during the swap; the automatic transmission is still being controlled by the elegant factory shifter. "It's a driver," as the Yankees are fond of saying. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Rear bench seat is in fine fettle, just the retractable center armrest could use some attention. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Old English White paint is old, very old, indeed. It has been touched up here and there and looks best when viewed from a distance, at dusk. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Hidden below the long bonnet is Chevrolet's finest, a mid-Seventies Camaro engine that's surprisingly powerful. It also weighs a few pounds less than the original motor, so there's no additional strain put on front suspension or driveline. The American V-8 has been properly installed, with a big fan, special fan shroud, Monte Carlo mounts, factory exhaust manifolds, and electronic ignition and transfers the new-found power smoothly through a TH400 3-speed automatic. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Ready for a test drive? Sure we are, but let's have a quick look at the trunk first. Note dual exhaust pipes exiting through the rear valance, super rare, early license plate light, and chrome "wings" flanking the bonnet lock. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) The luggage compartment is cavernous, indeed; original spare wheel rests below a wooden partition in a separate compartment on the trunk floor. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Our veteran Jaguar mechanic performed a good tune up right after we rescued this car from the Santa Ynez Valley, where it had languished in the barn of Michael Jackson's Neverland neighbor for a few years; now, we can't wait to go for a ride in the revived Jag. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Big cat starts instantly, runs, handles, shifts, and drives with aplomb. It sounds great and does not emit any strange noises, fluids, or smoke. Classic Smiths speedometer, tachometer, oil pressure gauge, and voltmeter actually work, as do the lights. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Piloting a classic Jag sure is fun, with all that American power on tap! Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) V8-powered Jag sure provides a measure of peace of mind, thanks to the unsurpassed reliability of an engine/transmission combo that should last forever. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Freedom of expression, that's the American way. With this vintage, mouse-motored Jaguar rat, you'll be riding in style while the majority of its feeble, factory stock brethren is tied up in the service bays of various Jaguar dealerships and restoration shops. TERMS OF THIS SALE By bidding in this auction, you declare that you have read and accept the Terms of this Sale as outlined below. If you have any questions, please ask them before you bid. After the auction has ended, the sale is final. Please, only bid on this car if you are serious about owning it and have the necessary funds readily available! We require payment of the full amount within 7 days of the end of the auction. The car comes with a clear California Certificate of Title. It is smog exempt and sold "as is, where is" with no warranty stated or implied. Mileage stated above is the current odometer reading. There are $241 in back fees due to the California DMV, should the car be registered again in California. You fully understand that you are not bidding on an "option to buy" this vehicle. You bid to own! There are no contingencies. We ship worldwide. Auction Presentation, Image Hosting, & Copyright © 1999-2010 by Author;. All Rights Reserved. In compliance with eBay's Rules and Regulations, no part of this presentation may be reproduced without written permission of the author.