Without much forethought I picked up what is listed as a Jaguar XJ6 Vanden Plas from a local police auction. . . . .However after some quick self learning I'm now confused about the difference between and XJ6 and an XJ40.

The car I bought is listed as a 1991 XJ6 Vanden Plas with vin and picture below.

VIN: SAJKY1746MC640476



I bought it without inspecting it because I'm really just in the market for an XJ6 IFS, what's the difference in the XJ6 and XJ40, and does anyone know the width of both at the front wheels?

 

Ok, I have no idea what "IFS" means.

That's an XJ6...the same model name was used for previous (and later) models, so the factory designation of "XJ40" makes it easy for everybody to know what kind of car you are talking about. You won't find "XJ40" in any of the owner's manuals, but that's what you have. XJ40 was sold in the U.S. from model years 1988 through 1994.

Vanden Plas is a spiffier version, with upgraded trim and a powerlock differential. There's a long list of trivial differences that your car has from a standard XJ6 or Sovereign, but it's basically the same car. The wheelbase and track are identical between all XJ40 variants.

The "fluted" grille is unique to the Vanden Plas in the U.S., so I'd say that's what you got. The VIN will verify, but I dont have the model code chart at this computer and don't have stuff like that committed to memory. Probably a VDP (Vanden Plas), which makes it worth a few dollars more. The leather doesn't seem to hold up as well, though... Good luck with it, they are great cars but often suffer from alot of deferred maintenance. Message me if you need anything for it.

 

thanks for the info!

I hate to say it but I'm not expecting the car to be a in great shape, it has plenty of "problems" listed on the auction sheet.

what I was really after is the cars front suspension, to clarify does anyone know if the xj40 as the same width and setup at the front suspension as the series 2 and 3 xj6?

 

"Setup" no, it is almost entirely different in construction from Series II / Series III. The XJ40 ball joints are a direct fit and a nice upgrade for the earlier modles, that's about it. Early XJ40 also used the earlier CAC9295 upper wishbone bushings, but I believe the 1990 and later models have the later rubber version. Nothing else is the same.

"Width" as in front wheel track I have no idea, they are probably close but it doesn't matter unless you are building a hotrod or something. The two front suspension/ crossmember assemblies are not interchangeable.

 

There's the bit i didn't want to hear, was hoping to slide this under a older chevy, but what i'm told to get is the pre 1990........oops

maybe it'll be in better shape than i expect went i get up there to pick it up, and a $550 91 XJ6 VDP won't be such a bad thing to get stuck with

Do you know where I can find a preferably free shop manual for it on the net?

 

If you need Series III, that's pre-'88. If it's not horribly rusted, you won't lose your money. If you want a used Haynes manual for it for $10.00, PM me. Other than that, you'll have to buy a CD on ebay.

 

K in 4th position of VIN = VDP

 

Cheers, mate.

 

Congrats on your ride and I do appreciate JTO's great help as well .
One note : You should also buy power jet washers that would enhance your front end look

 

blown head gasket is my guess antifreeze looks like chocolate poop, and there's oil on the top side of sparkplug #6

 

an oxymoron, like transparent lead, or honest attorney.

 

lol anybody need any parts off this thing?