In the context of finding ways to get the high-dollar driving experience on a RustyButTrusty budget, one car to consider is the Jaguar XJ6. Ever drooled over a Jaguar E-type? Yes? Well, the XJ6 gives you the same engine and suspension, similar interior experience, and gorgeous (if not quite drool-worthy) styling for a fraction of the price. Many early XJ6s have had their inline sixes replaced with Chevrolet 350 V8s thanks to chronic overheating and reliability issues, but this one was fortunate to escape that fate. Is any modification needed to achieve an exhaust note similar to that of the E-type? Find out with this 1973 Jaguar XJ6 4.2 Series 1, for sale in Port Townsend, WA for $3800.
It’s too bad about the riveted-on rub strips, but what a gorgeous car this is, and dark colors work very well on this shape. The dual exhausts, delicate tail lights, and twin fuel filler caps are all hallmarks of the rear view of this car. Sorry for the feline metaphor, but from this angle it just looks like it’s ready to pounce. Or to escape from plod after doing a bank heist, as this was the getaway car in late 1970s Britain.
Could be worse cars in which to run from the law, or even just to run to the shops. Aside from the oxidized paint outside, the interior needs some attention, but is not so bad as to be unusable. It looks like the front carpet is missing, and the dash wood has, um, patina. It’s hard to tell, but the appearance of the seats suggests they were reupholstered in vinyl at some point in the car’s life.
Out back it’s a little better, although the rear panel of the driver’s seat seems to be trying to escape. Everything else looks pretty good, and even the headrests don’t appear to have a significant amount of the typical Jaguar bagginess. There are no pictures of the engine, but the seller shares that the engine was rebuilt several years ago, the carbs work great (hmm, triple carb conversion anyone?), and that it has a block heater, and new front calipers, discs, and pads. The headliner needs some attention, but the seller mentions no other mechanical needs or rust problems.
Who could say no to that face? All it needs is some full-size outer headlamps for the proper look. Oh, and if you haven’t drooled over an E-type, delete this page from your bookmarks, clear your browsing history, close your browser, and shut down your computer. Then, go find an E-type and try not to drool.
Rusty But Trusty 
December 20, 2013 at 3:41 pm |
I bought an XJ-6 once; I shall not do that again!