Found this Mark 2 in the Florida Keys. It's been off the road since 1980. Or has it been "off road"? Floors are solid, with minimal surface rust - so I say now. Transmission was overhauled back in the day for $400. Engine was overhauled, fired, knocked, never repaired.
We (royal we), (I have a mouse in my pocket) have been dreaming for the last year about the direction to take with this car. Likely will be a period rally car with V8 or V6 power and an automatic overdrive.
First part of the parts collection made it home before the car. Toyota Supra seats - these were take outs when the Toyota was new in the '80's.
I know, I know, the 77 Jag is not on the road yet. Could be worse

 

good luck as it never goes as fast as you hope. Sounds like you have a good car without rust? I hope your wood is in good condition as you will be surprised as the cost to restore the wood....

 

make a good resto back to original

 

Not a shabby car for a barn find
May God speed you up in your progress and have fun

 

Thanks for the words of encouragement!


Pictures make it look worse than it is. The only rust through hole is on top of the left rocker ahead to the rear wheel arch. If you tried hard, you could poke a #2 pencil in the hole. Scale and surface rust in the driver and passenger floor pans - could not poke through with a pocket knife. Trunk looks great. Not sure why someone blasted a hole on the right and one on the left. Boredom? Drained the block and radiator - water only - crazy!

 

It would be nice for the car to be fully restored, although you probably won't find any original seats. However it is possible to fit XJ saloon front seats, maybe even the XJ40 XJ model series seats. Putting in a "lump" would destroy any hope of real value of a restoration

 

Fraser,
Thanks for the seat suggestions. The car came with the original seats. The cushions are not much more than powder. Frames are fine.
Even keeping it "jag" under the hood, I'd want hot cams and three webers. A lot of money gets spent regardless of the path, usually yealding a greater investment than the value or possible return. Hence the idea of a period rally car outside for looks, a "blow your doors off power plant" under the hood. Likely with the exhaust exiting in the stock position.
Regards,