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I've recently stumbled upon an XJ6 Series I which is in a pretty rough, but probably fixable condition. From what I believe it's built in the summer of '73, which I believe is the last year the series I was in production. Now, the engine does turn around with the starter motor, but of course it doesn't run (neither has it since the mid 00's). But one very interesting thing is the mileage, which is 22k miles (checked at last MOT, which was in 2004). The pictures I've taken is maybe not the most useful ones, but I think they give you a brief overview of the condition of the car: faded paint, good interior, rust and such. There is oil in the engine, which looks pretty good (considering it being around 15 years old). And even better, there was no oil on the ground.
I've already checked it out one time. But if I would check it out again, what are some things I should take a closer look at before buying?
Depending on your skills, available time, and disposable income, bringing an old Jag like this back to it's former glory can be a fun and rewarding project.... or a nightmarish money pit.
It always less expensive (often hugely so) to find one where someone else has spent the money.
They are getting very thin on the ground, and will only get thinner.
The list of things to check would be LOOOOOOONG, so its more of a passion and gut feeling. The fact the engine rotates, and there is no oil on the ground, is a winner to me.
For me, it's all abour rust. I can deal with the mechanicals and this forum is fantastic--you have already heard from two Experts! So are you a body and paint guy, a mechanic, or both? There's no question that a well-sorted Series 1 XJ is a wonderful car.
The car was sold in Sweden and has been there since. So I suspect that rust might be a problem because of all the salt we put on our roads. I have yet to take a look underneath the car, which I really should do before buying.
But because I live in Sweden, I believe that parts won't be impossible to come by.
It has 3 previous owners: 1st '73 - 83, second '83 - 04 and third 04 - 2020.
All parts (front grille, headlamps, bumpers, rear taillights and such) are all in the car, so they are not missing.
All of us would love to see it fixed up and back on the road. Be sure to lift up the carpet in both front footwells and look for rust. Surface rust is ok but if you see daylight you might want to walk away. Then in the boot get down to the spare tire and check for rust back there. Salt on the roads is a big issue, but they use it where I live and I have found lots of great cars.
Alright, but there is still one big question I have. If the rust isn't major, what would be a good price for me to buy the car at, considering that there still is a chance that it won't run at all without it becoming a money pit?
I turned down a complete series 1 car stored in an underground parkade for 7 years because of rust and mechanical issues. The asking price was only a thousand dollars and when I showed up to look at it the seller told me he would give it to me for five hundred. It was too daunting and I searched until I found one in running condition.Never regretted my decision but was haunted by leaving that car to an unknown future.If there was a Jaguar shelter ,they would all go to good homes!
The fact that the engine does not start should not deter you. Most likely a bit of fresh fuel and a check of the ignition system will sort that. Main concern is the rear end rust and be sure to check the front end for corrosion around the wings and inner guards. Panels for these cars are generally not available new, so you will have to find donor cars if these areas are in need of repair. Big plus is the interior - this looks good on that front. As others have said mechanicals are easy - the interior and panels are the difficult and expensive part. This car is also missing the trim above the rear number plate. Absolute unobtainium. I have two - but I also have two cars, one of which is a late 73.
I have learned over the years that ALL project cars are money pits. You just need to decide how deep the pit can be and still survive the fall. I have passed the point of no return on my S3 that had no motor/trans and had been sitting (maybe dry storage, maybe not) for 15 years. I am doing a complete rebuild, not a faithful restoration, and I am also swapping in a fairly modern Chevy engine and trans. I bought the car, Chevy engine/trans, and the original engine/trans (removed from the car) for $1000. I considered the body to be in very good condition and I even got several conversion pieces because the PO was going to do the same thing. I have inspected, repaired, replaced, rebuilt every system and moving part on the vehicle myself with the only piece of work out sourced being the engine machine work.
My "money pit" is about $10,000 deep right now and I still have a few critical items to buy when I begin putting the engine together. I will also have a reputable trans shop rebuild the transmission. I'm guessing about $13,000 to $14,000 and two years spent by the time I get to enjoy it. Definitely not a sound financial decision, but I'm on this trip strictly for the travel and destination, not the gas mileage. Doug has the right advise if you don't want to do what it takes to bring it back to life. Buy one that is in the condition you want.
Good luck with which ever road you take.
Dave
P.S. Working on a Chevy or Ford is much cheaper, but maybe not as rewarding, but that's a personal thing.
The satisfaction of bringing a series 1 back is very rewarding. And expensive. I paid $2000 AUD for mine 6 years ago(it was driveable but needed work) and spent 9 times that on it since.
It is my daily driver and first choice to take out over the 2011 Jeep and 1985 XJS.
"Sound financial decision" .... Know anybody that has owned a boat? My brother owned an airplane for a while, now that's an expensive hobby. When the time comes to sell, sure you may be down a couple thousand but figure it out in dollars per hour for doing something you enjoy and I say it's pretty cheap entertainment.
Very nice S1 Clark, that would be my daily driver. What size tires are in your 1st picture? I like the look and stance.
Thanks
Dave
Thank you Dave. From memory I can’t tell the tyre size right now, they are down in the back shed and I have a broken arm, leg and pelvis.
They are series 3 rims & hubcaps, I love the look of them on the car. I put the original rims and hubcaps on for any car shows or outings with other jags.
When I can I will get my wife to have a look for me.
Holy crap! That is a bad one, but it looks like you had a good bunch of mates taking care of you. It will take awhile to put that bike back together.
Tell your wife thank you for going down to get that tire size, I appreciate it.
Dave
Thanked my son for you.
The Canuck and Kiwi I was riding with were great, especially getting my stuff home and my wife to the hospital. Spoilt the Canuck's holiday, the highlight of his holiday was him and I taking my two bikes riding for a couple of days with two other mates of ours. This happened one hour into a 2-3 day ride.
Should I get this XJ6 Series I?
