I have two X300 cars currently sitting here in my driveway.
A 1996 XJ6 and a 1997 VdP (pictures from the seller's ads on FBMP)

1996 XJ6 bought at end of Jan 2026

1997 VdP bought two weeks ago
Now when I was working on the VdP to get it running again after a year or more of sitting in the backyard of the previous owner I noticed some differences in the engine compartment between the two cars.
Specifically something with the throttle cable routing.

1996 XJ6 throttle cable routing
The 1996 throttle cable and housing goes pretty much direct from the driver's side of the firewall to the throttle pedestal.
And the passenger's side inner fender is clear of "extra" devices.

1996 passenger's side inner fender

The 1997 VdP has a completely different throttle cable arrangement.

1997 VdP throttle cable has extra device over on passenger's inner fender
On the 1997 VdP there is an extra device over on the passenger's inner fender and the throttle cable starts from the normal outlet on the firewall, arches over the cam cover to this extra device and then routes back across the firewall to terminate back at the throttle pedestal again.

1997 VdP throttle cable weirdness

What is this extra device over on the passenger inner fender and is this weird arrangement because the car is a 1997 (vs the 1996 car) or is it because this is a VdP vs the standard XJ6?

 

It is called TRACTION CONTROL.
It is not a MY difference but optional on various models.

 

Ah, OK Thanks for the reply.
Are there any extra warning lights or other indicators inside the interior that would go along with this optional equipment?

 

Yes. The position sensor on the unit can fail or get OUT OF RANGE to set DTCs with ABS (C codes)

 

That cable assembly reduces throttle input if wheel spin is detected. Careful of the yellowed plastic cable guide, it will be fairly brittle. Notice the brake system device next to it is different too, it has a TC brake modulating valve assembly.

The rear seats should be different between the two cars, with a shoulder belt for the rear center passenger on the 97.

Seller really posted pictures of the car covered with snow? Lol

 

Thanks for the info.

Yes, that was one of the pictures in his ad on FBMP. The other pics were just as bad.

 

OK, thanks for the reply and info.

 

And most importantly on the 97Y is the leather strap to close the boot (trunk)!