WHAT IS IT?
The Jaguar XJ6 is certainly one of the prettiest sedans of 1970s and the fact that it was still in production, largely unaltered, and looking as lovely as ever by the late 1980s speaks volumes about the design, as does the fact that it was still powered by the 4.2-liter version of the late 1940s vintage XK straight-six. At least by the time this car was built, it was fuel-injected (Bosch, made under license by you guessed it, Lucas). The Series 3 was the last of the original XJ sedans and maybe the prettiest, having had an Italian makeover courtesy of Pininfarina.
WHY THIS CAR HAS BEST ONE ON THE PLANET CHOPS
It’s difficult to fault this 22,000 mile example. The awful replacement stereo head unit and some mild puckering on the seat piping, dull wheel clearcoat and a little dirt on the headliner are about it. The leather looks fresh and supple, the clearcoat on the wood is immaculate as is the engine compartment. Even the Vanden Plas sheepskin rugs are with the car in the trunk. I suppose that the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust has preserved a few of these, but we’ve never seen a nicer ’84 Vanden Plas anywhere.
The Jaguar XJ6 is certainly one of the prettiest sedans of 1970s and the fact that it was still in production, largely unaltered, and looking as lovely as ever by the late 1980s speaks volumes about the design
One of my first jobs at 14 was a gas jockey at the Dalton’s Esso down the street from Downtown Fine Cars in Toronto’s Yorkville. Austin, a neighbour who got me the job, was apprenticing as a mechanic and announced one night at closing that he wanted to take this same car, except in British Racing Green, for a joyride. Cut to us 3 hours later getting a tow on Yonge Street because the XJ overheated- it was in the shop for a water pump replacement in the first place. We got fired of course but I’m happy to report that Austin went on to become a mechanical engineer!
These elegant cocoons have been near and dear to me since and I always keep an eye out for them. This VP is a complete stunner- all original and easily the best I’ve seen. Not partial to the Antelope Metallic but would completely forgive it for that 22k mile reading and impeccable roof liner.
My experience with these cars tends to revolve around examples fitted with small-block Chevrolet power — and you can imagine what the rest of those cars looked like. It’s refreshing to see one with so few miles. Dark Lord Lucas rides shotgun here, which highlights how important it is to hunt down a good one AND have a skilled specialist shop who understands these cars inside and out. I’m on the fence about this being the best one out there, though, due to the aftermarket radio. Surely there’s an untouched one with 11k miles somewhere on 17 Mile Drive, used only to get to the Pebble clubhouse?
I tend to agree with everything Jim has said. The number of small-block swaps is amazing considering the basic powertrain of the 4.2-liter XK 6 and GM THM is pretty stout. It’s the ancillaries that are a pain, and surely you can do an aluminum radiator, GM single-wire alternator and a modern fuel pump for less than the cost and trouble of an LS. I think that while close, Jim is right, there’s probably an even mintier one in a Garage in California somewhere and in better colors.
I remember being stuck in traffic in the back seat of our Buick station wagon as a kid. Next to us for a long while was an early 1980’s XJ6 like this. I remember staring at that thing and being fascinated by the design. The twin chrome aircraft style fuel filler caps on the rear deck caught my attention. I still think this is one of the prettiest sedans ever made and this one does look an incredible survivor.
Yes. I had a stepdad who had one in green. Those fuel fillers were what I remember most.
This is an astonishingly good-looking car, and the notion that in 2025, you can get a contender for the best on the planet of any collector car for under $24,000 is astonishing. Will it be trouble free? Hell no, is it the most elegant car you can own for under $25K? FFS, yes!
These Jaguar sedans have such wonderful styling. Elegant and immediately recognizable. Is it possible with currently available parts/mods to make it dead reliable for touring events and road trips?