2007-06-19 16:09:26 | JAGMAN writes:

31090 MILES, ON EBAY 06/07, SELLER WRITES:
The history of car making sparkles with famous pairings, since the days of Rolls and Royce. The success of such marques has often stemmed from a unique fusion of diverse talents, in cars that reflect the best of both. So it is with magnificent Jaguar style and reliable Chevrolet power.

This Jaguar has all the characteristics of a proper sports car for the '70s: style, handling, performance and safety. It's the breeding behind the mixture, and the flair with which the qualities are balanced, that makes this XKE a useable classic. The car responds quickly to every light touch with a positive reaction.

THE CAR:

I bought this car from it’s second owner in California, who had owned it since 1974, an older Gentleman in his early 80’s who had cherished it. The mileage was 27,040. I was looking for a very sound base for my dreamcar, and this rust-free example was it. Everything worked, even the original V12 spun up nicely, and drove well.

THE DRIVETRAIN:

The engine (350 LT1) was selected for un-stressed and reliable power at any altitude, with fuel injection and a silky-smooth 4 speed automatic (4L60E). This complete unit was purchased complete from air-cleaner to prop-shaft to ensure that all ancillary elements were included. The donor vehicle was a 1996 Impala SS 350 LT1; the mileage of the drivetrain at the time of conversion was 62k. The engine wiring harness was replaced with a brilliantly simple version from Street & Performance, (along with many other parts) and the instruments were recalibrated to suit the new mechanicals. The engine tested very healthy, the gearbox was rebuilt completely just to be sure.

THE BUILD;

The Jaguar was stripped of all but the wiring loom, that tested sound, and then carefully rebuilt. As a very low mileage car, a total restoration was not necessary. The work was performed by Jaguar Denver, masters of their art and incredibly knowledgeable about their trade, I can’t speak more highly of them. A conversion kit was purchased from John’s Cars of Texas who also know their stuff, a very useful resource and a pleasure to do business with. The kit bolted-in gracefully making the car about 150 pounds lighter in the process. The front and rear axles were both rebuilt completely. The front brakes were upgraded to later model XJS V12HE units with ventilated, drilled rotors. The servo was restored to better than new (bronzed and honed) and the master cylinders were replaced new. Nothing has been skimped on. The rear suspension received extra attention with gas shock absorbers and new springs to achieve a smoother ride and the correct height. The front height adjustment is made easy by Jaguar, and new shock absorbers here make the ride firm, as I have them adjusted.

The alloy wheels chosen to improve the track and reduce un-sprung weight are Jaguar original equipment from a 1998 XK8, the tires selected to match exactly the original rolling circumference but improve handling in wet and dry conditions. The Jaguar limited-slip differential makes it an even better handling car, even in light snow.

The interior was prepared using Dynamat throughout the passenger compartment to control heat loss/gain, reduce drivetrain/road noise and produce decent acoustics. Wilton carpeting in “toffee” colour was custom fitted to ensure a pefect fit, as was the matching headliner. Every seal (rubber gaskets) on the car was renewed to ensure great closures and watertight seals all around. The original interior colour was forsaken for a light biscuit that makes the interior very light and airy. The original front seats are included in the sale, but in the pictures below you will see that I chose the more comfortable Jaguar XJS seats and had them trimmed in butter-soft Connolly hide with just an accent of “bling” which could easily be replaced or enjoyed – your choice!

The glass lenses of the instruments have all been polished and the original Keinzle clock has been rebuilt and functions well. The switches in the center panel give a beautiful feel, not the stalky oddments of vehicles today, this car has a real driver’s cockpit, and it feels just right.

The paint was refreshed; it is the original ‘Sable’ a retro colour that draws incredible comments.

The exhaust was created to be smooth and as quiet as possible given the limitations of length, it does not sound like the original 12 but it does sound healthy and very powerful. This car does not shout, but it does get noticed.

There are likely many, many renewals that I have failed to mention (the original grille is included in the sale for instance). Please ask. There is one “fault” with the car that is the airscoop below the front bumper. I have mounted the front license plate in front of it as it is all-too-easy to damage this piece on parking stops. I chose not to replace this panel (it is available as a separate panel from Jaguar) as I knew I would tap it again, but I have not. For the purist, you should think of the cost of replacing this scoop and painting it into your calculations.

2007-06-19 17:58:45 | pauls writes:

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