Not strictly XJS related but I trust the folks here ...
I intend to move the current daily on as I really don't drive a lot, so instead of the S4 Audi I have the potential for two cars both at opposite ends of a spectrum, I DIY all maintenance and don't give a fiddlers about mpg ...

A 2007 Porsche 997.1 - a little fun box but potential major money pit - the car is however in need of a lot of TLC

A 2004 BentleyArnage - a huge land yacht but also a potential major money pit, requires nothing except fuel ...

Both cars are ironically black, utterly impractical compared to the S4 Avant but I'm tired of modern computers that rule every function, and want something a little more 'old school' ... what does the team think I should choose - S'P'ort or Sno'B' -

For what it is worth the XJS is progressing, the rear inner arch is now fixed, all painted inside and out, same goes for the drivers side floor pan that I had to beat straight (inappropriate jacking by previous owner). Currently installing the Dodo mat, the cam covers and manifolds will be in place and bolted down by the end of the week - oil pressure proven - sump filled no leaks .. new ground straps made but power steering lines removed again - I really cannot deal with how they fit - that's a work in progress. I've also dropped the exhaust again as I cannot get the rear subframe over pipes to play ball - fouling my easi bleed but also if they're in the mounts how I'd like them the back boxes won't fit - and those are a tight fit too. Need ten pairs of hands to hold it all up, it is like fighting an octopus except it is overhead and heavy.

I've had to rust treat the platform that the fuel tank sits on, that needs paint finishing, close now to getting the wiring re-instated for the Emerald ECU. I have a bit of a challenge on the harness in terms of how I get through to the engine bay, I'll be following the original harness route but I need a better connector type as there are a lot more wires to hook up - the connector for the engine bay harness to ECU harness I haven't found yet I need around 48 connections - 36 minimum. I haven't figured out the internals yet i.e. oil pressure and temp sensors but these are only for the gauge cluster, I'll need a dedicated connector for the crank position sensor - no getting away from that shielded cable ...

I'll get a pic of the arch and floor repair before I apply the Dodo mat.

 

Forget the Porsche - car for people who do not want a car to turn corners in the damp; forget the Bentley, a very disappointing car to drive.
Look for something else! My suggestion: A Bristol.
For instance:
https://www.carandclassic.com/car/C2049849
https://www.carandclassic.com/l/C2065362

or the list to choose from:
https://www.carandclassic.com/list/11/

 

now that's an option I hadn't figured on

Interesting links - the first pic had me wondering where the heck I would keep it / land it but then I noticed the car ....

 

The Bentley. Or maybe an XJ? Something like an X308 XJR? Or a W124 estate? I’m sure there are some people who daily drive their 20 year old 911s, but it doesn’t sound like a great idea to me. I would want something more comfortable.

 

I looked for a Daimler Double Six, only one I found from the era I care for needed more work than I'm interested in, not much about, I absolutely don't want another project, I absolutely don't want a 'modern' Jag - that boat sailed with the XFR and XJL - both battery vampires, the former all four doors corroded from the inside out - of course everyone says that was my fault - it wasn't but I'm not arguing. The comfortable is why I was looking at older Bentley but not so old that rust is an issue or so new that it is computer central again. I*'ve even looked at Aston - in particular DB9 - I have a DB7 (XJS)

I've also looked at potentially getting into a 6.0 XJS but the seller I found doesn't seem to want to communicate - and to be honest I don't think I'd want an XJS as a daily.

Stangely I was looking at Mercedes but the market's limited - I am utterly opposed to anything Diesel - I don't do the miles - but I also want something that you don't find on every street corner.

 

Ben,

Lovely predicament to be in!

If you fancy the Porsche, I'd go for a Boxster S or a Caymen with their better engine position. The Bentley also sounds great, if somewhat impractical. Greg's idea of a Bristol is gorgeous, but not cheap. I know they divide opinion, but I've had a few Range Rovers over the years and think they are fabulously comfortable vehicles. And if you get a Jaguar Supercharged-engine model, they sound and go really well. My 2006 Supercharged L322 model still enthuses me when I get in it. And as you're a Jag enthusiast, an X330 XJ12 or Daimler Double Six would be a fabulous car. Or an X358 Jaguar or Daimler 4.2 Supercharged? My 4.2 X350 was probably the best long-distance cruiser that I had!

As I said, a lovely predicament!

Cheers

Paul