1985 Jaguar XJS

Coupe

Chevrolet V8, LT1

Automatic

SAJNV5848FC120844

Clear

Gasoline

Kendall fell in love with the Jaguar V12 motor, both it's performance and the sweet sound. Until it broke and he found out what repair or replacement cost. Now we know the price of love. Upon receiving the bad news, Kendall set about making his XJS better than it left the factory. In 1999 he ordered a John's Jaguar V8 kit, #OSD89LT1 at over $1,800. Then he bought a low miles Chevrolet 350 V8 (LT1, aluminum heads and multiport fuel injection) and matching 460LE automatic transmission from an early 90s Camaro. Once everything was installed, Kendall had the engine computer re-formatted to give the performance characteristics and shift points he wanted. This was done by Street Performance of Mena Arkansas. Yes, it was fast. The motor was rebuilt about 47,000 miles ago to the tune of $2,500. Unfortunately in Oct 2011 the transmission failed, and the car was parked. So with all the flaws of this car (Rust in both rear quarters, floors, rocker panels and left front fender. Missing factory grill. One fog lamp has broken lens. Paint is terrible. After market steering wheel, original gone. Spark plug broken off at the ceramic in one head. Carpet is serviceable, but should be replaced.) why should you buy it? Here are the reasons: motor running, power windows/mirrors & cruise control worked when parked. The black interior alone is worth the price of entry: no scuffs, rips or tears. The front bucket seats and door panels are particularly nice. The wood trim is solid, but like almost all early XJS, the finish is cracked. Other items in good condition: front and rear bumpers, chin spoiler, rear deck lid, rear lights, all glass and stainless steel/chrome trim, headlight assemblies, wheels, tires (but they are 7 years old), oversize sway bar in front (original comes w/ car), new aftermarket rear sway bar in trunk, original tool bag, lug wrench & jack in trunk (rough). Brake hydraulics still feel solid. Engine bay is clean. Hood struts are recent replacements and still work. Includes Haynes manual for both the XJS and Camaro. There are receipts abounding: John's Jaguar Kit, motor transmission purchase, motor overhaul, computer re-format, and receipts I didn't even look at. This car is an ambitious restoration project, not for the faint hearted. But actually would make a better donor car to a rust free example with a bad motor, or interior, etc. You get the idea. At $500 you can buy this car, take what you need. Then sell the left overs on ebay and for scrap. If you didn't break even, you would get close. I'm not Kendall. If you have questions call him at 316-618-1985. Or contact me thru ebay, and I'll get an answer.