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I bought a 1989 Jaguar XJ40 Vanden Plas Majestic 1 of 518 worldwide and I am trying to see if its worth keeping or selling. It is 100% rust free, no bodywork appears to have been done, interior is in pretty good condition no rips or tears in the leather. It has 140xxx miles on it and has always been an Arizona car to my knowledge so no corrosion. Just a tad bit of sun fade on the clear coat. Now the issue is the engine threw a rod out the block and I have a junkyard motor at my mechanics house for it and have it torn down to engine block. I am trying to decide if its worth keeping, or I should sell it. Here are a few photos of the car in its prime state from Jan 2020. The old head is in great shape the bottom end ran low on oil and it leaked too much while driving it in 2019. I replaced the instrument cluster due to common lighting issues.
Heres what got my hopes up about keeping the vehicle: 17k-Mile 1989 Jaguar XJ6 Vanden Plas Majestic for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $15,250 on April 6, 2021 (Lot #45,832) | Bring a Trailer
Last edited by GGG; Aug 30, 2022 at 08:26 AM.
Reason: Edit typo in thread title
Welcome to the Jaguar Forums! It's great to have you with us.
With a replaced engine, high mileage and cosmetic issues you won't get top collector money for the car, so why not just repair it and enjoy the pleasure of driving it?
Welcome to the Jaguar Forums! It's great to have you with us.
With a replaced engine, high mileage and cosmetic issues you won't get top collector money for the car, so why not just repair it and enjoy the pleasure of driving it?
Cheers,
Don
What do you mean cosmetic issues? None of the body is damaged nor interior. Thanks for the imput and warm welcomes.
What do you mean cosmetic issues? None of the body is damaged nor interior. Thanks for the imput and warm welcomes.
Your description in your first post implies that the interior is not pristine and you state that there is "a tad bit of sun fade on the clear coat." That's what I meant by cosmetic issues. It certainly doesn't sound bad at all, just not the kind of condition collectors pay top money for, and with a replaced engine the value will be reduced further.
Originally Posted by Xj40 Majestic
... interior is in pretty good condition no rips or tears in the leather. It has 140xxx miles on it and has always been an Arizona car to my knowledge so no corrosion. Just a tad bit of sun fade on the clear coat.
Bear in mind that not even pristine XJ40s are bringing big money (compared to cars like the E-Type, XK 120-150, etc.), so most of us consider them cars that should be properly maintained and driven with pleasure. I hope that's what you'll do with yours.
If I can add to Don's "appraisal", the reason some XJ40's bring high prices is that they not only appear to be in almost new condition but the mileage is also VERY low.
An XJ40 in really good condition like yours is a positive thing for sure but with 140,000 miles / 225,000km on the clock, well, that's getting close to what a lot of our cars in good condition have these days. Keep it and drive it till it quits!
Your description in your first post implies that the interior is not pristine and you state that there is "a tad bit of sun fade on the clear coat." That's what I meant by cosmetic issues. It certainly doesn't sound bad at all, just not the kind of condition collectors pay top money for, and with a replaced engine the value will be reduced further.
Bear in mind that not even pristine XJ40s are bringing big money (compared to cars like the E-Type, XK 120-150, etc.), so most of us consider them cars that should be properly maintained and driven with pleasure. I hope that's what you'll do with yours.
Cheers,
Don
Oh I see. I thought you meant collision damages. Any advice on how to detail the clear coat on it. It's not horrific when I wash it and wax it you can't see the fade on the trunk but when it hasn't been washed for a few months it shows a little bit. I don't want to wet sand it. Have it resprayed with clear coat at a body shop is my best thought. Thanks for your input, Don!
If I can add to Don's "appraisal", the reason some XJ40's bring high prices is that they not only appear to be in almost new condition but the mileage is also VERY low.
An XJ40 in really good condition like yours is a positive thing for sure but with 140,000 miles / 225,000km on the clock, well, that's getting close to what a lot of our cars in good condition have these days. Keep it and drive it till it quits!
Larry
Thats what I am thinking, it's been a great second car for myself I love how smooth they ride down the road. Are there any other Majestics year 1989 on this chat board? I haven't seen any around except that one from bringatrailer.com
My '90 Majestic runs like it did when it was new. I've had it going on 9 years and have no intention of replacing it. My point, make the repairs and enjoy your good looking, solid, reliable luxury car that will cost you ahelluvalot less than anything new.
There is a method of restoration of clear coat. Generally, it is the upper layer which is bleaching out and turning opaque/white due to UV .
Basically, it requires wet sanding with 3000 and then 5000 grits in air driven random orbital sanders. Afterwards polished by normal cutting and polishing systems.
I suggest looking at 3M training videos for further information.
I have done this on my X300, and it worked very well.
Unfortunately, I sold my 1994 XJ40 (battery in boot) in a moment of madness.
Cheers
There is a method of restoration of clear coat. Generally, it is the upper layer which is bleaching out and turning opaque/white due to UV .
Basically, it requires wet sanding with 3000 and then 5000 grits in air driven random orbital sanders. Afterwards polished by normal cutting and polishing systems.
I suggest looking at 3M training videos for further information.
I have done this on my X300, and it worked very well.
Unfortunately, I sold my 1994 XJ40 (battery in boot) in a moment of madness.
Cheers
I've seen your local ad, and I remember seeing the car listed locally before the engine "problem". It was beautiful and I was thinking about it... very sorry to see this happen.
So how could this happen? I believe the AJ6 to be very durable, as is the AJ16. An overheat situation?
With a replacement engine ready, this is a good (if large) project for someone so inclined. Good luck!
New Member, looking for any advice on my Majestic
