Hello, I'm new to the forum and I hope this won't be too long winded.
I have a 1978 (registered 1979) late series two XJ6L. I bought this car in 1985 and already the front floor had rusted out from a leaking windshield. I had all the usual issues, mostly electrical and by 1990 I'd had enough and parked the car in the barn. Now 24 years later, I'm retired and have started some refurbishing. I'm not planning on a full restoration, just fix what's not working/rusted. I have the rear end refurbished ready to install, but need to work on the gas tanks (which are out) and some rust on the lower fenders first. There's lots to do, so I'll be checking in as I go.
I'm also interested in a 1990 series three XJ12 Vanden Plas which is for sale a couple of hours from where I live. Looks really nice from the pics but I'll know better when go to check it out. It's not a 'must have' for me and he's looking for $6.000.00. which I think may be on the high side. Any ideas?
Thanks for your time.

 

Welcome aboard :-)

A 1990 Ser III VDP is a desirable model. Great cars. $6000 is fair if it's in really nice shape but would be way too much if it's a rust bucket.

I have a Ser III VDP myself. I got it for free. The owner knew that repairing all the rust simply wasn't feasible but he couldn't bear to just throw the car away....so he gave it to me.

Cheers
DD

 

I thought the S3 XJ-12 was renamed the V12 after 1987 (1987-1992) and they were a limited edition ??

 

Nova Scotia...'Was there many times on vacation as a boy who's dad worked for a Liberty Travel..Sailed the Britanis up there often...good times...anyway...You've got a labor of love in front of you and your efforts will be worth it. These cars are still great road cars even by todays standards. Safety first. Post some picts and check in for tips. Enjoy.


Here's a tip to get you started...if you are having problems with the head lights get an engine compartment head lamps harness from a series 3. Its plug and play and moves the head light fuses off the top of the radiator and to a cooler and drier location. Then change out the but connectors on the head laps connections to weather pack connectors and thus drive away the price of darkness.

 

You're right Jose, it's advertised as an Xj12 and I fell into the trap. Now I look at the pictures I see what you mean. $_20-1.pdf

$_20-2.pdf

$_20-3.pdf

 

$_20.pdf
Forgot to add one of the rear of the car.

 

Technically the "XJ12" model designation was dropped circa 1982. Those early XJ12s were pretty much the same as the XJ6... except for the engine, of course. When the "XJ12" model was dropped any Ser III with a V12 always got upmarket trim....but the model name and exact trim level varied by market and year.

For the Canadian market, and perhaps some others, the Ser III V12s were simply known as a Jaguar VanDen Plas, and they all had the V12....as announced by the rear emblem. Of course the Canadians had the basic Ser III XJ6 and the Ser III Sovereign...also with a six cylinder.

I think all the German market Ser III V12s were badged as Jaguar Sovereigns after the XJ12 designation was dropped.

I can't begin to remember all the details. It's all very confusing.

Cheers
DD

 

The Ser III V12s were always 'limited edition' in a sense as Jaguar made so few compared to the six cylinder cars. I think it was only about 700-800 cars/year for someyears....at least after 1987. Don't quote me on the numbers but, regardless, not many were made. I know the exact numbers are out there somewhere.

I wonder if you're thinking of the 'Last 100" Canadian VDPs? Those cars had numbered 'limited edition' placards and are considered the creme de la creme of Ser IIIs by many. They were built to ultra high spec. AutoLux leather, ABS brakes, and some other goodies. They were actually built as Daimler DD6s but badged as Jaguars.

Cheers
DD

 

Looks pretty good...except for that steering wheel!

Be wary of rust underneath thos add-on sill panles and wheel arch trims

Cheers
DD

 

yes Eastcoaster, it's the "V12" model, and yes Doug, I was thinking of the Canada-only Series 3 12 cylinder XJ.

that car looks good, though I like the Sovereign Series 3 XJ, I don't know why.