Will our XJS be valuable in years to come?
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 509
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There is something to be said for investing your time and energy into things that make you feel good.
I know people who restore vehicles like a 1975 Ford long bed pickup. Now common sense tells you they will never come close to recouping their time and money on a project like that but they simply do not care-it makes them happy and that is good enough.
Many of us just simply love being around and working on our XJS'. If you could still pick up a E-type for what a XJS cost many of us would be on that program with no questions asked but as we know that train has long left the station.
I agree with an earlier post that the older Jags have risen so much in value that it is making the XJS a very attractive package now. Eventually the few really nice XJS' left will command a pretty penny which will make those Jags that are on the cusp of becoming a classic a great bargain.
Most of us bought our XJS because the price was just too good to pass up but what keeps us going with them is their quality and uniqueness.
I knew when I bought my first one that I had just purchased a future classic and when you consider I have less into mine then most have into a restored MGB, well that just makes me say " yea baby "!!!!!!!!
I know people who restore vehicles like a 1975 Ford long bed pickup. Now common sense tells you they will never come close to recouping their time and money on a project like that but they simply do not care-it makes them happy and that is good enough.
Many of us just simply love being around and working on our XJS'. If you could still pick up a E-type for what a XJS cost many of us would be on that program with no questions asked but as we know that train has long left the station.
I agree with an earlier post that the older Jags have risen so much in value that it is making the XJS a very attractive package now. Eventually the few really nice XJS' left will command a pretty penny which will make those Jags that are on the cusp of becoming a classic a great bargain.
Most of us bought our XJS because the price was just too good to pass up but what keeps us going with them is their quality and uniqueness.
I knew when I bought my first one that I had just purchased a future classic and when you consider I have less into mine then most have into a restored MGB, well that just makes me say " yea baby "!!!!!!!!
Veteran Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 2,168
Likes: 417
From: Houston, TX
I have been wondering of late...and not to digress too much from the original topic, but what car would you think comes close to the XJS for looks?
For example. My 1985. I have been looking at cars of the same era and there really isnt a car that looks similar to the XJS, with it's butresses and long low look etc. Same as with the E-Type in its era.
Now you look at cars from the 30's or maybe American Cars in the 50's and some look similar. Especially today cars look all the bloody same.
Maybe this is another factor that will help make the XJS valuable later on down the track. Its "uniqueness"
Thoughts?
For example. My 1985. I have been looking at cars of the same era and there really isnt a car that looks similar to the XJS, with it's butresses and long low look etc. Same as with the E-Type in its era.
Now you look at cars from the 30's or maybe American Cars in the 50's and some look similar. Especially today cars look all the bloody same.
Maybe this is another factor that will help make the XJS valuable later on down the track. Its "uniqueness"
Thoughts?
I did see a BMW i8 the other day - absolutely stunning without being ostentatious. The guy was nice enough to talk shop for a minute and let me sit behind the wheel for a few moments of quiet contemplation. It is a watershed design that is sure to be aped (poorly) by other manufacturers.
Anyway, back to the XJS. It is unique. There is no other car on the road like it. From the gothic tail lamps, flying buttresses, to long hood, to the sleek profile.
Then open the door, and 26 years later you are still greeted by the scent of Connolly leather hides. Look at the cabin. No Extraneous details. Just a simple, elegant space from which to conduct the business of annihilating the miles.
Damn, I'm going for a drive.
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 757
Likes: 315
From: Denver, CO
To me nothing really looks much like an XJS. That's one of the reasons the initial reaction to the car was not so great. The style was very unusual and unexpected at the time. Everyone was expecting another E Type but they were disappointed.
Only now after many years has the design become more appreciated. When I drive my '90 around town I have many people tell me how much they like the car. Even with its faded paint and ratty interior.
The style is long, low and sleek...even more so when the top is down. And it has just enough chrome to give it a classic styling.
No doubt about it, the XJS is unique. And I like it that way. ;-)
Mark
Only now after many years has the design become more appreciated. When I drive my '90 around town I have many people tell me how much they like the car. Even with its faded paint and ratty interior.
The style is long, low and sleek...even more so when the top is down. And it has just enough chrome to give it a classic styling.
No doubt about it, the XJS is unique. And I like it that way. ;-)
Mark
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 883
Likes: 149
From: Houston Tx
I've owned two XKEs and feel they pale before the XJS. A car that compares to the the XJS is the French FACEL II. (circa 1960) Frank Sinatra owned one as well as an XJS. He had excellent taste in music, women, and automobiles. http://www.conceptcarz.com/view/phot...-II_photo.aspx
If you want to see a beautiful car take a trip to your local Jag dealer and look at an XJ. Another remarkable car. I saw one in Naples FL going for $77K down from $105K because it had 500 miles on it. I was tempted, but happy with my XJS. I was saddened when Tata bought Jaguar, didn't think they would maintain the styling and quality; but looking at the XJ they did!
If you want to see a beautiful car take a trip to your local Jag dealer and look at an XJ. Another remarkable car. I saw one in Naples FL going for $77K down from $105K because it had 500 miles on it. I was tempted, but happy with my XJS. I was saddened when Tata bought Jaguar, didn't think they would maintain the styling and quality; but looking at the XJ they did!
Last edited by afterburner1; May 6, 2015 at 08:26 AM.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 353
Likes: 92
From: nyc
flint kind of nailed it up there on outside factors taking over and impeding on what exterior designers might want to create if given free reign. one point not mentioned though is drag and wind resistance. in today's world where a decent mpg figure is necessary to remain competitive we've got a stream of cars whose silhouettes are nearly indistinguishable.
bring back the 80's where a jaguar/bmw/mercedes/porsche/etc looked like a jaguar/mercedes/porsche/etc.
bring back the 80's where a jaguar/bmw/mercedes/porsche/etc looked like a jaguar/mercedes/porsche/etc.
Member
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 36
Likes: 14
From: Littleton CO
I have been wondering of late...and not to digress too much from the original topic, but what car would you think comes close to the XJS for looks?
For example. My 1985. I have been looking at cars of the same era and there really isnt a car that looks similar to the XJS, with it's butresses and long low look etc. Same as with the E-Type in its era.
Now you look at cars from the 30's or maybe American Cars in the 50's and some look similar. Especially today cars look all the bloody same.
Maybe this is another factor that will help make the XJS valuable later on down the track. Its "uniqueness"
Thoughts?
For example. My 1985. I have been looking at cars of the same era and there really isnt a car that looks similar to the XJS, with it's butresses and long low look etc. Same as with the E-Type in its era.
Now you look at cars from the 30's or maybe American Cars in the 50's and some look similar. Especially today cars look all the bloody same.
Maybe this is another factor that will help make the XJS valuable later on down the track. Its "uniqueness"
Thoughts?
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 757
Likes: 315
From: Denver, CO
That's a very interesting comparison. I can kinda see what you are looking at.
I have always liked Mustangs but I think we all agree that in this case Jaguar did it better.
Mark
Member
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 36
Likes: 14
From: Littleton CO
Back to the original question. Which is worth more? The muscle car '73 Mustang or the Jag XJS of the same era or later?
Years ago I had and drove several 65-66 Mustangs and those Falcon suspensions/brakes have hopefully all been replaced.
My older cousin had a baby blue '73 Grande. She would come pick me up and we would cruise main street. She was a real beauty queen so my job as her nine year old male cousin was to ward off all the suitors. That car got a lot of attention. I wonder if I get an XJS will I have to ward off all the mature "Cougars" chasing me down main street? If that is the case these XJS cars will be worth big bucks!
Years ago I had and drove several 65-66 Mustangs and those Falcon suspensions/brakes have hopefully all been replaced.
My older cousin had a baby blue '73 Grande. She would come pick me up and we would cruise main street. She was a real beauty queen so my job as her nine year old male cousin was to ward off all the suitors. That car got a lot of attention. I wonder if I get an XJS will I have to ward off all the mature "Cougars" chasing me down main street? If that is the case these XJS cars will be worth big bucks!
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 353
Likes: 92
From: nyc
i kid you not, this happened to me last night.
yesterday, after work, i had to move my '91 BRG from a street spot to my garage about three blocks away. rather than just start it up and put it away cold, i decided to cruise around what is one of the few "neighborhoody" areas of manhattan. the weather was beautiful, a slight breeze, windows down, hall and oates on the stereo. everyone was out enjoying our new spring.
as i'm waiting for a light to turn green i notice a very attractive woman in a very flattering dress step out into the street with her arm raised as if to hail a cab. (confirmed when she says "cab" while looking down the avenue.)
the light changes, and i proceed to turn the corner onto the street on which she is standing. she changes her hand motions to a two armed wave, seemingly directed at me, and while looking right at me, but still saying "cab."
so i stop, and without another word, she opens the door, and sits down.
she complimented the car, "what is this? a jaguar? it's beautiful."
and i proceeded to give her a ride uptown.
she gave me her number as she got out.
anyway, i guess we all knew cougars and jaguars would get along.
yesterday, after work, i had to move my '91 BRG from a street spot to my garage about three blocks away. rather than just start it up and put it away cold, i decided to cruise around what is one of the few "neighborhoody" areas of manhattan. the weather was beautiful, a slight breeze, windows down, hall and oates on the stereo. everyone was out enjoying our new spring.
as i'm waiting for a light to turn green i notice a very attractive woman in a very flattering dress step out into the street with her arm raised as if to hail a cab. (confirmed when she says "cab" while looking down the avenue.)
the light changes, and i proceed to turn the corner onto the street on which she is standing. she changes her hand motions to a two armed wave, seemingly directed at me, and while looking right at me, but still saying "cab."
so i stop, and without another word, she opens the door, and sits down.
she complimented the car, "what is this? a jaguar? it's beautiful."
and i proceeded to give her a ride uptown.
she gave me her number as she got out.
anyway, i guess we all knew cougars and jaguars would get along.
Veteran Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,124
Likes: 368
From: Southern California
I've owned two XKEs and feel they pale before the XJS. A car that compares to the the XJS is the French FACEL II. (circa 1960) Frank Sinatra owned one as well as an XJS. He had excellent taste in music, women, and automobiles. 1962 Facel Vega Facel II Images. Photo: 62-Facel_Vega_II_DV-07-RH-01.jpg
If you want to see a beautiful car take a trip to your local Jag dealer and look at an XJ. Another remarkable car. I saw one in Naples FL going for $77K down from $105K because it had 500 miles on it. I was tempted, but happy with my XJS. I was saddened when Tata bought Jaguar, didn't think they would maintain the styling and quality; but looking at the XJ they did!
If you want to see a beautiful car take a trip to your local Jag dealer and look at an XJ. Another remarkable car. I saw one in Naples FL going for $77K down from $105K because it had 500 miles on it. I was tempted, but happy with my XJS. I was saddened when Tata bought Jaguar, didn't think they would maintain the styling and quality; but looking at the XJ they did!
Member
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 47
Likes: 11
From: NY
Love it! "Watch out boy, she'll chew you up!"
The coupe is like being in a tank, as far as interaction with other drivers and passers-by goes. The only people eyeballing me are the cops and wanna be racers.
The coupe is like being in a tank, as far as interaction with other drivers and passers-by goes. The only people eyeballing me are the cops and wanna be racers.
Veteran Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,124
Likes: 368
From: Southern California
And, then the 1959 dash is, again, a brand new design. Why was it necessary then and not now?
Totally changed for the new 1958 model, just like that
That awesome and unique 1957 Belair dash
And what can we say about this 1959? It is so different to the previous year, it's like a different brand...inspired minds
1958 totally changes a unique (1957) rearend that was used for just a single year. That is CLASS!
An iconic rearend
If the '58 car changed the front pretty good, the '59 front is totally different
Nice '57 front
QUOTE=DrScientist;1222058]flint kind of nailed it up there on outside factors taking over and impeding on what exterior designers might want to create if given free reign. one point not mentioned though is drag and wind resistance. in today's world where a decent mpg figure is necessary to remain competitive we've got a stream of cars whose silhouettes are nearly indistinguishable.
bring back the 80's where a jaguar/bmw/mercedes/porsche/etc looked like a jaguar/mercedes/porsche/etc.[/QUOTE]
Not only the 80's, but also those glorious years of awesome American design inspiration. I know that, as car enthusiasts, most here are familiar with what I'm illustrating here, but it still impresses, especially nowadays when we're immersed in mediocre car design that lacks innovation and inspiration, aka our bar soap car generation... how many light years from this is our glorious XJS'?
OK, 1957, 1958 and 1959 Chevy. Not only just a single brand, but all within just three years, man Wow! This reminds me of Verdi's La Traviata. I'll admit that some opera can get boring, but Verdi's inspiration of melodic invention from the first to the last note (2 hours) in La Traviata was similarly different and unique like that awesome inspiration of Detroit's design engineers in those years, with sustained invention of new and different lines and departing from what had just been created only the previous year. That is CLASS and it deserves praise, really.
By this moment is probably too late, but the pics came in reverse order, so it is desirable that you start from the bottom picture (1957) and scroll upwards.
But, anyway, here they are in front, rear and dash groups:
Veteran Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 7,362
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From: Austin tx and Daytona FL.
we should add the 1966 Olds 442 coupe with the 1st seen by me"Flying Buttress" roof lines. (sorry dont have a pic)anyone?
question are there any cars earlier than 1966 with the Buttress roof lines?
question are there any cars earlier than 1966 with the Buttress roof lines?
I think it was mentioned earlier on that they have sacrificed style and design now days for safety features and fuel economy.
It is amazing how drivers survived all those years without today's mod cons....lol!
It is amazing how drivers survived all those years without today's mod cons....lol!
Veteran Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,124
Likes: 368
From: Southern California
And, between this Chevy rearend and the same MY ('59) Cadillac rearend, plus the then-in-vogue first space ships and martians-are-coming stories... well, you get the point...LOL
Cheers,
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 7
Likes: 1
From: San Bernardino, CA
I love the XJ6. I have two
Actually the yahoo quote is from Hagerty website.
""Jaguar XJS: The XJS had the unenviable task of following up the E-Type, and it was treated rudely by the press as a result. Almost 40 years after its debut, it’s now viewed as a handsome and impressive GT with the added cachet of a V-12 under the hood. Clean convertibles are starting to appreciate rapidly but the real sleepers here are the few 3.6-liter manual transmission cars that snuck into the U.S. The XJS is now the most frequently shown car in the Jaguar Club of North America, so in that sense, it’s finally emerged from the shadow of the E-Type. There are two tiers of XJS prices right now — sellers who have gotten the message and sellers who haven’t. Snap up one of the good cars remaining on the market at the old price while you can.""
""Jaguar XJS: The XJS had the unenviable task of following up the E-Type, and it was treated rudely by the press as a result. Almost 40 years after its debut, it’s now viewed as a handsome and impressive GT with the added cachet of a V-12 under the hood. Clean convertibles are starting to appreciate rapidly but the real sleepers here are the few 3.6-liter manual transmission cars that snuck into the U.S. The XJS is now the most frequently shown car in the Jaguar Club of North America, so in that sense, it’s finally emerged from the shadow of the E-Type. There are two tiers of XJS prices right now — sellers who have gotten the message and sellers who haven’t. Snap up one of the good cars remaining on the market at the old price while you can.""
Carl
My 1985 XJ6 under restoration.
My 1995 XJ6
Dameron