Buying xj6 87
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From: Pacific Northwest USA
The Series IIIs are great cars. The most modern of all antique automobiles. Even the nicest ones are almost certainly gonna need a few repairs.....but it's worth the effort, IMO.
Watch out for rust!
Cheers
DD
Watch out for rust!
Cheers
DD
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Joined: Mar 2008
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From: Pacific Northwest USA
Most repairs are within the realm of a decent DIYer and virtually any problem you're likely to encounter ...and the fix....is well documented. Mechanical parts are often quite reasonable. Trim parts....not so much.
As quasi-classics go you get a lot of car ....and satisfaction....for small money.
Cheers
DD
As quasi-classics go you get a lot of car ....and satisfaction....for small money.
Cheers
DD
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Joined: Aug 2018
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From: Quebec
I’m having trouble finding information on the difference between a series III sovereign and say the VDP. I’ve found references to a longer wheelbase but that’s it. Sorry for all the newbie questions. I appreciate your patience. Thanks.
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From: Newton ks
Joined: Dec 2011
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From: Durham, UK
Ask the questions before spending the $$$. Too many make the mistake of doing it the other way round.
Good luck in your search.
Graham
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From: Quebec
Thanks Graham. I’m in Canada. Is it possible that the sovereign was the VDP variant in canada? I’m seeing burl walnut dash boards and back headrests on the Canadian sovereigns which are VDP attributes in US cars. It also looks to me like the Canadian sovereigns have the larger outboard headlamp like the British models making me wonder whether Canada was part of the British supply chain rather than the American. I’m new to all this and want to make sure I have some understanding of the various trim levels. Ideally I’d like a VDP but if the sovereigns in Canada had similar attributes I don’t want to limit my search.
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From: Pacific Northwest USA
Model designations and specifications varied by market.
With respect to Series III cars, the VanDen Plas was the high-line model in the USA. These were six cylinder cars. In Canada the Sovereign was offered as the high-line six cylinder car and the Vanden Plas was a V12 car...and flagship of the fleet.
The variation of trim specs on these cars over the years gets a bit complicated to get your head around.
Cheers
DD
With respect to Series III cars, the VanDen Plas was the high-line model in the USA. These were six cylinder cars. In Canada the Sovereign was offered as the high-line six cylinder car and the Vanden Plas was a V12 car...and flagship of the fleet.
The variation of trim specs on these cars over the years gets a bit complicated to get your head around.
Cheers
DD
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From: Quebec
That’s what I thought. My assumption is that series III VdP xj6s for sale in canada were originally US cars. Xj6 sovereigns were equivalent more or less to US xj6 VdPs. It’s also interesting that the Canadian sovereigns have 7inch outer headlamps rather than the five inch US lamps. Still not sure if the longer wheelbase claim for xj6 sovereigns is true or not. Cant find evidence of that so far.
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From: Quebec
That’s what my research showed also. I guess there’s some nonsense out there. I’ve already come across some ads for cars clearly misidentified by year, type, and original country of sale! And I’m no expert lord knows.
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Joined: Jul 2017
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From: Hudson, NC
If you can do your own work these cars aren't very expensive to own, either. It all depends on how much of that work you want to do. The only thing that would turn me away from a prospective car would be excessive structural rust, but that's me - I freely admit that I'm mildly insane....
David Boger (one of this site's denizens) is a good source of mechanical and trim parts at a reasonable cost - he's saved my neck a couple of times.
David Boger (one of this site's denizens) is a good source of mechanical and trim parts at a reasonable cost - he's saved my neck a couple of times.
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From: Walnut Creek, California
That is the easiest question of the Jaguar world.
The III cars came sans "leapers". Many like them that way. But, dealer's felt that adding them improved sales. As well as income. .
Mine has a "leaper". I am an old school guy and admire all the hood ornaments that cars once had. I wish my Jeep had the ubiquitous character it was named for....
Carl
The III cars came sans "leapers". Many like them that way. But, dealer's felt that adding them improved sales. As well as income. .
Mine has a "leaper". I am an old school guy and admire all the hood ornaments that cars once had. I wish my Jeep had the ubiquitous character it was named for....
Carl
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From: Quebec
Thanks Metalbuster. I agree. I’m prepared to do mechanical work and it looks like parts are available and relatively reasonable. But any significant rust on the body or chassis is a disqualifier for me. Thanks for the advice and recommendation.