I recently finished restoring my 1988 VDP, Drove it for awhile and then accepted an offer I could not refuse. I'm now looking into acquiring another Jaguar to restore.

I have found two locally for the same price. Both are 1987's

1st is a XJ-S V12, non running, Body really straight, no rust, Interior good, mileage I believe 88000 +/-, Seller bought this from an estate sale and needs money for other things, Title should be Clear, waiting for it to return from Revenue Office before they can make sale. Non running could be something minor or major?? I recently bought a 1987 XJSC V12 that I'm driving (not daily). This car would supply me with a lot of spare parts maybe needed in the future.

2nd is a Vanden Plas, It runs and is drivable, body is pretty straight, only thing, it was repainted and 1 small area with blisters. Interior needs redone, just normal wear, it has 143771 miles on it. Have looked at it, but seller was not home, so I do not know about motor, title as yet. As far as using it for parts, only thing I would be for sure able to use would be the Dayton wheels, they match my XJSC, and possibly Transmission? and some of the electronics. Maybe more, not sure.

I do not need either car really, but I really do like to fix things. And the price to me is not bad.

While I cannot say I would or will follow any ones advise, You'all (southern slang) might have ideas or suggestions that would help me in making a decision.

And No, Wife said I cannot have both. Just 1

I do want sooner or later to have another Vanden Plas, just not sure about this being the one.

Thanks, I'm guessing I have a couple of weeks to really decide.

Johnny

 

Well that thar highfalutin XJ-S is a pig in a poke but if ya'll is lookin' fer sumpin ta fix up then it's plumb near perfect.
/end southern drawl.

 

You're on the XJS Forum. I believe you'll have a mostly biased audience here...


Besides, no pics, no fun.

 

Decision actually was easy, after speaking to owner of the Vanden Plas, It has a Salvage title, and a SBC motor. It was wrecked on the left rear area. So, I thanked him for his time and declined.

So I have committed to the owner of the XJS, just waiting for the title to return. I was wrong on the year though, it is a 1983 instead of a 1987.

Wife said to fix it, not part it out, so I will be restoring this one. Photos show missing front grill and headlight surrounds, they are in the trunk.

P.S. Leaper will be replaced with a Growler Badge.

 

Yep. Easy call with any one of those features.

You have a beautiful automobile there sir! Black on black on wires with a pop top! Very nice.

Does it spin over?

 

That wife is a keeper. When it comes to old Jags how many of our wives say, "I think you should fix it." Does she have a sister?

 

1of 19, Yes she does have a sister, but she likes pickup trucks and drives a rice burner. Seller called me today, she received title yesterday, XJS now resides here out side my shop. Will take more photos as soon as I have time. Not sure what paint and trim cosdes are PD?? but it looks like a really dark blackish grey paint with black interior. Dash and most interior is in good shape, but seats will require recovering. I have a local shop that does this with leather. I will put a battery in it tomorrow and check all fluids Oil etc.. before spinning it over. Will unhook fuel pump first also until I can check to see if it needs draining and condition of lines. Then will start checking out other things, I have a list I go bye when working on unknown vehicles. Compression, Injectors, Distributor and rotor and so on. That kind of gives me a starting point to go by. Will try to keep stuff posted this go around with photos. I did not think to do that with the XJ6 VDP I just sold.

 

If the Paint Code is PDX then She could be 'Anthracite Black'