Original Paint: 1972 Jaguar XJ6
The seller purchased this 1972 Jaguar XJ6 a year ago because its original paint took them. They have enjoyed the luxurious motoring experience it has provided and have spent a considerable sum ensuring the car is mechanically healthy, meaning it is a turnkey proposition for its new owner. It has generated plenty of interest since the seller listed it here on eBay in Eugene, Oregon. Bidding sits below the reserve at $7,800, although it reached that point off some strong action.
The seller claims the Light Blue paint gracing the Jaguar’s panels is original. If true, its condition is impressive for a classic with five decades under its belt. It shines beautifully, with no significant blemishes or problems. The panels are laser straight, but the supplied photos raise one possible concern. The seller doesn’t mention any rust issues, but the last shot in this article could be telling. The lower rear quarter panel on the driver’s side shows some marks and brown spots, making me wonder whether it is developing rust. Considering the wet surroundings, it could be nothing but road grime. However, asking the seller the question would be worth the effort. Otherwise, there is little to criticize. The trim is excellent, the wheels and hubcaps show no signs of physical damage, and the glass looks flawless.
This XJ6 is consistent, with an interior that presents well for a classic of this vintage. The timber veneer on the glovebox door looks like it is lifting and splitting, and it may require professional attention to return to its best. The seller indicates a headliner tear and the timber front door caps are faded, but those appear to be the only problems. The Tan leather looks supple and inviting, with no wear or other issues. The dash pad and plastic haven’t succumbed to UV damage, and the carpet looks surprisingly good, considering its color. It features air conditioning, which requires investigation since it doesn’t blow cold. The original owner selected power windows, with the Nardi wheel, radio/cassette player, and aftermarket speakers being later additions. The seller had the dash controls rebuilt, and apart from the A/C, everything works as it should.
Jaguar’s DOHC six-cylinder engines are legendary, powering such classics as its iconic E-Type. This XJ6 features the 4.2-liter version that sends 186hp to the road via a three-speed automatic transmission. Most buyers were more concerned about the car’s ability to cruise effortlessly on the open road than cover the ¼-mile in 18.4 seconds, and this Jag does so comfortably. The seller spent some cash on this beauty in the past year, rebuilding the suspension. The process included replacing the sub-frame mounts and all bushes, making it a sure-footed classic on the open road. They added new tires, but the buyer must install the supplied fuel sender unit to replace the faulty one. It starts at the first turn of the key and drives perfectly. The winning bidder could fly in and drive this beauty home.
This 1972 Jaguar XJ6 is a striking car, and it is easy to understand why the seller found it so attractive. They are not alone because it has attracted an impressive twenty-seven bids. My only qualm concerns the area on the lower rear quarter and whether it is developing rust. The seller seems approachable, making it a question worth asking. If it proves to be nothing but a trick of the light, it would appear to need very little. If a British classic with lashings of luxury has been your ultimate dream, this Jag could make it a reality.
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Comments
The XJ6 is so much more beautiful before they had to conform to emissions and safety. This looks like the perfect car to enjoy and while powder blue will never be my first color choice the lines on this car pull it off nicely. Please keep that magnificent inline 6. Don’t threaten to LS swap this pretty lady.
This is one of the Jag models I’ve always enjoyed, and this one looks really nice. I also like the color, and it speaks of quality and fun.
Taking the boat anchor inline 6 out and installing a chevy 350 in it will insure that there will be no surprises leaving you on the side of the road somewhere inconvenient.
With proper care this engine is one of the most reliable on the road. The problem is generally the owner. That it is also very easy to work on with the exception of a valve job is another reason NOT to cram a V8 Engine into it. The V-12 That mine had was a much harder engine to work on and the only thing that ever failed on it was that little one inch rubber water line on the top of the engine that everybody missed until it split. Three hours later getting stuff out of the way to get to it and it was an easy and cheap replacement. Jag engines are a bit different but well engineered but like all things they required the proper care.
Why not swap the LS for a Leaning Tower of Power or even better make a 318 Poly Swap?
Well not in this Jaguar!
😂 you have me in stitches for that comment. I’m going to share that one!
That iron lump is more refined and as reliable as a Chevy 350. The Achilles heel of the Jaguar is the cooling system that can be fixed by installing a bigger radiator.
Then again being multi carburettored, would prove a challenge for simpleton mechanics.
More XJ6’s have been cannabalised for their rear and front suspensions for AC Cobra replicas than most either makes except the ubiquitous Mustang.
Mechanically and dynamically the XJ6 had no peer, certainly not the Mercs of the time. The electricals could be fixed by the fittment of relays everywhere.
A much maligned and misunderstood classic.
My family had the very rare V-12 version of this car for many many years and only the constant begging of a family friend caused them to sell it. It still exists and this design turns heads everywhere it goes. Jaguar had the motto Grace, Pace & Space and that fits these to a “T”. One thing a lot of people miss is the dual fuel tanks that make gassing up so much easier. I can tell you that the difference in noise between 55 MPH and 110 is very difficult to notice. Only the fact that the highway was empty on that Thanksgiving morning and my mothers nurses license kept her from getting arrested or a ticket. She did get a very stern warning from the Missouri Highway Patrol office. These are wonderful cars and much of the things you find on modern computer controlled cars you do not find really necessary in this design. I loved it every time I got to drive it which was not often. The Independent suspension really makes a huge difference between it and other cars of the era. If that is rust on that bottom corner it is a bolt on panel and easily replaced for what it is worth.
When there is a problem with a Jaguar it is almost never the engine. Electrics? Maybe. Hydraulics? Maybe. But Engine? Almost never
Why not just top up the A/C with freon if that’s all it needs?
Thought all these Series 1 XJs had melted by now. I owned a 1971 Series one in Dark Green. Three years into ownership it developed several rust locations. Jag inc. was not liberal with primer. Under the plush toggle floor mats and trunk liner was bare oxidizing metal. Quarter panels both sides bubbled rust. Had to convert the Lucas charging system after the third battery cooked out to a reliable Delco system. Beautiful car, gorgeous interior and a well balanced suspension. But the interior brakes were a knuckle buster and the steering rack bled constantly. I sold it on my 4th year of ownership from new.
The stuff down behind the rear wheel isn’t rust – just a little mud spatter from driving it on the wet asphalt.
That iron lump is more refined and as reliable as a Chevy 350. The Achilles heel of the Jaguar is the cooling system that can be fixed by installing a bigger radiator.
Then again being multi carburettored, would prove a challenge for simpleton mechanics.
More XJ6’s have been cannabalised for their rear and front suspensions for AC Cobra replicas than most either makes except the ubiquitous Mustang.
Mechanically and dynamically the XJ6 had no peer, certainly not the Mercs of the time. The electricals could be fixed by the fittment of relays everywhere.
A much maligned and misunderstood classic.