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I am now the proud owner of "Gramma" (after my favorite Grand Dam):
1965 MK X - 4.2 with just over 80k miles.
She lived most of her life in the South West and California (hence the license plate). She is clean as a whistle. Couple of dents here and there but for 60 years old, I hope I look as good.
I have two questions currently. I am hoping for some expert advice from some of the collectors/restorers out there.
1 - I just found out after receiving her, (from a copy of the previous owners email to Jay Leno asking if he wanted her) that she has a replacement engine, done in 1991, that is 1972 XJ6 XK engine. So my question is how important is it, from a full restoration perspective, that the numbers match?
2 - Which is more fun to drive Gramma or my 1999 XK8?
I got to drive her up the driveway so far, but I think the timing is off, or the sparks, or the distro, or the distro <> carb link. She pops smoke out of the first carb when I try to drop her into D1. Luckily her previous owner really loved her. I have all the records from him, the original bill of sale when she purchased in '65, a full service manual, and notes galore as he fought his way through learning her temper mentalities. I am pretty sure the fuel pumps need looking at. The door seals (well actually all the rubber) need replacing. And whats with the B-pillar covering? Its like the original engineers thought glue was good enough...
1) Some get all hissy with that, NOT me, Its an engine, and a Jag engine, let it be. I hsve been involved with people chasing "just the correct headed screw", what a waste of drinking time. In 60 years tiime, I doubt the Grand kids will care.
2) I luv my Mk X 3.8, I get heaps of clearance on the roads, The Tesla and crap stay well away. Parking, I DONT, I simply abandon it, away from the mall doors. and never had issues. The parking spaces down here, even the Disabled (I got a permit) a way too small. Care factor from me, ZERO.
Good luck mate.
Last edited by Grant Francis; Aug 30, 2025 at 05:51 AM.
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Hello,
Congratulations on your "new" Jaguar MX!!
What a Lovely, Stately old girl! You'll for Sure know which car is yours in the parking lot;
Which, by the way, Gramma will Never be happy as a Garage Queen!
These cars were meant to be Driven and SEEN, not hidden away to ROT unnoticed.
However, I Never park my Jag up next to the door where all the Riff Raff park beater Civics because they don't want to walk an extra 50 feet from a much Safer spot. And why would they want to? They're only Beater Civics!
I now have two Cats to feed..and I love it!
