I thought I post here, and hopefully get some reply from the experts.

First of all, after checking cars (supply is very limited here), I bought a 1998 x308 Vanden Plas some 2 years ago.
Before buying, spent a loooong time reading forums on all con's and pro's of owning such semi-classic.
Have slowly worked my way through all issues related to this design, and should say the car is close to new-state, some things even far better then new.

But, as usual I guess, still keep my eyes open on what is available on the market, and ran into a 1994 XJ12 Vanden Plas.

I should be honest, I have never been a great fan of the XJ40 shape, till my neighbor bought a cherry red one, and I see it every day parked up next to mine.
I have slowly started to appreciate what Jaguar wanted to do with this car, and in combination with a V-12 engine, well, it could be very interesting.

I have not seen the car yet, but tried to dig as much as possible info from the pictures, which I am posting below. The car seems to be in a reasonable, but far from perfect state, where rust is probably around at some places.

Now, is there anything you guys can add to the following:

1) The rims, I have never seen them before on a XJ family. Were they exclusive to a model, or aftermarket (perhaps even with an other bolting pattern)?

2) The vents in the bonnet: same issue. I have searched the net all over, but never stumbled on any vents in the bonnet other then after-market, and never seen this configuration. Anyone can shed a light on it?

3) I am aware of the money-pit a Jaguar can be, and especially a V-12 (Although I think the 6 liter got many issues sorted, right?).
What will be the top-three issues to check on this car to prevent it becoming a money pit?

Well, that's about it for the moment, appreciate any comment, thanks in advance.

Eric

 

Those hood vents aren't stock. My XJ12 didn't have them. Otherwise the car look in good condition for 1994 (20+yrs old car)

 

Hi Eric,

I agree that the hood vents are not original - I've seen quite a few XJ12s but never one with those vents. A quick google image search will probably confirm this.

Regarding the wheels, the originals were only 15 inch diameter, possibly 16 inchers were optional. The X300 wheels were 16 inch, and at least some X308 wheels were 17 inch. The ones on that XJ12 appear to be at least 17 inches or possibly even 18. They kind of look like one of the S-Type wheels, but I don't think S-Type or X-Type wheels will fit an XJ40. I suspect those wheels are aftermarket.

Otherwise that looks like a nice clean car in a very interesting color, and the hood scoops are kind of cool.

Cheers,

Don

 

I particularly like the rug on the dash, wish my car had that.

btw 94's came with 16" wheels and those are as Don says, probably aftermarket ..can't say they drip elegance, look pretty brash to me, but on the other hand maybe match the hood louver schtick well.

Kidding aside, not a fan of aftermarket mods in any shape or form. Stock is king in my book.

Larry

 

Well, if I buy the car, then I will donate that dash-rug to this forum as a thank-you.
By the way, it is very popular here, and can be bought for almost every make and model, including present Jaguars ... I hate them though.

Thanks for the reply so far, although I still really wonder on the V-12 issues.
The hood vents I can live with, as long as there is a story behind it (otherwise I will make one ).

For the rest, I am also a sucker for originality, but rims (and other stuff where needed) can be replaced, and should be available here on the island. Just re-conditioned some 18" XKR rims for my XJ8, and they are like new.

I will let you know if I will make the 200km trip to the south to see the car, but before doing so, I got some soul scratching to do ..
Just found out that the 6 liter is going to cost me over USD. 2.500 per year in license fee, fuel fee and basic insurance, that is almost double from my 4 liter XJ8.
Big displacement cars are not really appreciated here any more, and with an expected purchase price of at least USD. 6.000, probably a bit more (yes, cars are expensive here), that all is going to add fast without having driven a meter in it.
That must be a hell of ride in return for the wife to approve .

 

The hood vents are suspect to me. To be sure they are not stock and may point to a problem with the engine running hot. If that car does run hot or has overheated you are best advised to walk away.

 

The dash rugs used to be quite popular in the States too - back in the 80's there was a guy at the Marin flea market in Sausalito that would make one while you waited!

I had one made for my Saab and have to say, hate them or not, if you were driving 2000 miles every 2 weeks as I was at the time, the increased visibility brought on by the lack of reflection was well worth it.

Overhead light reflecting glare from the dash to the windshield (especially at night) is totally eliminated with a carpeted dash - a big plus from a driving standpoint ...cosmetically, well, that may be a different matter!

Larry

 

I am curious about those vents. I like the idea IF they are functional. They look to be well done, and I agree that they could point to a problem, but maybe they are a precaution. Overheating is no secret for those......

 

Hey Eric, Did you do it?.... Inquiring minds and all that...

 

Yeah, I owe you and the others here an apology, I am normally not a guy who leaves things (incl. threads) open-ended.

Life got in the way though, as wife's breast cancer seemed to be back.
Then, all of a sudden V-12's are much less important ...
For now however, it seems we are extremely lucky, as all tests (and we did a lot) came in clean, and the initial problems seem unexpectedly totally unrelated.
Anyway, an other wake-up call for life, and to enjoy it.

On the Jag, I am still planning to drive down, and look at an 4.2 XJ-SC and a 5.3 XJ-SC in the same time.
Will get back to you, just don't know when yet .

 

Good news on the Mrs.!

 

Eric,

So sorry to hear about your wife's scare, but thankful for the clean report.

Blessings,

Don

 

Sorry to hear. I certainly didn't mean to apply pressure, sorry if it seemed so. Just wondering as I can't seem to get those hood vents out of my head. Best wishes for you two!

 

No offence taken, and thank you and the others for the good wishes.
It was false alarm, thanks God.

 

Sorry to hear about your wife's recent cancer scare. As much as we all love our Jaguars, our wives are much more valuable. I hope things turn out for the best.

 

Did not have much time lately, but the car is still for sale.
Decided however that a 6L is of too high monthly cost here, especially for a third car.
Will look this week for a 4L 1995 XJS Convertible instead.
Both cars are with the same dealer, so I will snap some pictures of the vents on the XJ40.