I bought her after viewing just a few pics on Gumtree. Shipped her down from Darwin to Newcastle, Australia, way back in Sept '21.
A solid Daimler XJ6, I was happy to find that her rear end had been sorted with new body mounts, shocks and springs. A full twin stainless exhaust system and four near new tyres.
I got stuck into her and fitted two new fuel tanks, sorted the twin pumps and cut and welded the 2" square patch of rust behind front RHS wheel. This is where I ran out of momentum and life got in the way. Motorbikes, pool tables, parents needing care, etc all took up my time and Lady Mable sat patiently waiting.
I bought and brought back to life a Subaru Brumby and HiAce camper, both now on Historic registration (any vehicle over 30yo costs a mere $50 to keep on the road. Bargain.)
Three and a half years down the track and I was inspired by the local Kurri Kurri nostalgia festival, with a huge turn out of vintage and historic cars, hot rods, etc.
I made a final mad push and got Lady Mable sorted for inspection. She flew through and is now registered for the road again.
First drive of any distance, 35km to visit mum and she ran like a dream. I have the biggest smile on my face.
More later.

 

Wearing her Sable livery, which has been touched up and resprayed here and there, she's no Concourse Queen, but I do prefer a car that tells a story with patina.

I do like the look of original wheels with blacked out spoke holes, but have recently sourced some Series 3 wheel trims. I had my mind set on some Kent's, but they are not so easy to come by.

 

Nice job Bosco! I know it felt good to drive her after all this time.

 

nice fresh color if not paint. Never seen Sable XJ before, only E type. Might be market-specific?
I recently saw a set of 5 Kents for sale somewhere, trying to remember where...

 

Bonza mate! Those wheels look great, much better than the bland Series 1 units.

I tried to blacken the ventilator holes on mine, but totally messed it up.

As Breaker Morant would say "Shoot straight you *******s, don't make a mess of it"

 

I think the chrome series 2 steelies would look better on that car than kents.

 

Thank you for the kind comments, guys.
I was grinning like the proverbial cat that got the cream, as I drove home. I finally understand the term "wafting along" lol. Oh, and I learnt that you have to turn the dash lights on seperate to headlights, with the dim switch. 🤦‍♂️
It was a little sketchy driving in the dark with no gauges.
Back when car were cars.
A few teething problems, which I hope are simple fixes. LHS tail light globe blew, brand new two days ago. I'm hoping that it's just down to poor quality globe, rather than some wiring issue. And I lost reverse gear upon arriving home after 35km run. I drove around the block and down the driveway. Hopefully reverse works after cooling overnight.
Apart from those issues she behaved like a true Lady. I am ecstatic to finally be a Jaguar (Daimler) driver.

 

check transmission FLUID when cold and then when hot.

what is the tail light "globe" ?

 

Globe = Bulb, the thing with a tungsten filament which gets hot and gives off light.

Have checked fluid. Level is showing on dipstick. Adjusted "Band" adjustment bolt, after researching and learning about it. No result. Still no reverse. 😭

 

Ok. Adjusted band adjuster all the way in and now have reverse.
From my research I understand that the adjustment is critical to prevent damage, but have read three different adjustment specs, purportedly all from manuals. 1/2 turn out, 3/4 turn out and 1 & 3/4 turns out.
At least I know that reverse is still there. I just have to get the adjustment correct. 😃