I have recently inherited a RHD 1985 HE 5.3 Australian Delivered Coupe.

Whilst relatively untouched, there have definitely been some alterations and re routing of electrics during its regular servicing and I have become interested in understanding the original layout of the engine bay.

I would be pleased if someone with an unmolested Engine bay post some good hires close ups of theirs. In particular I would love to see a LUCAS Distributor, pre ABS version but any will early HE would do. It's the little things I am finding interesting, like how the Aircon pipe on the right hand side clips into the steel bracket mounted on the inner wing (mine has the loom clipped there), and how it has a rubber sleeve over it to stop rubbing on the air Intake.

Additional things like the way the loom is clipped up around the back of the fuel rail and the connections to the coil were handled

What would be really useful is either some original images from Jaguar, or the location of an XJS in a museum.

A bit obsessive I know.

 

Several good guys will eventually see this and post here, my car us a 88 left hand drive as I'm on the other side of the pond. She also sat for 10 years in rough shape and not the best vehicle to go off. Your best bet is google images I can give you pictures of mine but I'm not sure if it will be use

 

It appears that Princess Di had an 87 XJS from new until 1991 LUCAS ignition, but ABS brakes. It was then presented to a Museum in the UK.

I spend some of my year in the UK so will try to visit and photograph the engine bay.

I think I am after is a REFERENCE car that has gone untouched - otherwise, how are concours cars judged?

It's all very well having a list of points deduction for non original parts, but how do they know the difference between the various models?

Either way, it's way more interesting that getting on with the list of Projects the wife has for me.

 

My LHD '85 HE has travelled very low miles / is an ellexcellent and all original example with well documented Concour pedigree. I'd be happy to shoot you a bunch of pics (I need to re-detail the compart again anyways), but won't be able to take them until Thursday / you'd likely have them next weekend.

Cheers,

Jeff

 

Thanks for the reply.

I went to a Jag meet in Melbourne recently where there must have been 20 or so E-Types and I don't think any of them were the same. They must have all been restored and everyone seemed to have their own interpretation of what was appropriate.

We, on the other hand, must still be able to access fully original examples, harness positions, zipp ties and all. My fuel lines still have the original aluminium tagged part numbers on them - how many judges look for that kind of detail

XJS is a funny Marque, people want way too much for them in Australia and they are kidding themselves in New Zealand, yet they are being given away in the States

A lot of knowledge would be lost without forums like these.

 

Here are a few I snapped today, let me know if you need anything more. Apologize for the dirty compartment / I need to detail the thing badly..

 

Very very interesting. Am particularly fascinated by the placement of your cruise control cover.

Thanks very much - your engine bay is amazing.

Think I might start a new thread.

 

No problem. The car has barely covered 30K miles and was not used in the damp much if at all (all the paper tags attached to the headlight harnesses are still there - behind the bulbs - with writing that appears to have been put there yesterday, even though they are date stamped April of '84).

It's a neat car, truly a survivor in every sense, down to the tires.

Cheers,

Jeff

 

It's the way all of the Wiring and the loose bits that is of interest. There are a lot of visual clues that I am going to use.

Your cruise control if of particular interest. I think it has been installed properly whereas every one else's is upside down.

This makes a nice visual record.

 

Nice V-12. All should be as clean. Magnificent engine bay.
RagJag