1979 Jaguar XJ6 Series III review from North America

Only breakdown in 14 years has been due to the failure of the inertia fuel cut-off switch. Once this was bypassed with a small piece of wire, the car was driven on to our destination, and then home.

Car is sometimes hard to re-start on very hot days after a short stop - fuel vaporization?

Over the years, have replaced the steering rack with a neoprene sealed one - no more drips at all.

Rebuilt the alternator and brakes.

Recently rebuilt the front suspension, and while the cross member was out, checked the crankshaft.

Less than a quarter thou down from factory spec in 240,000+ miles!

Replaced main and rod bearings with standards, replaced the oil pump, cleaned everything, and we're back on the road with excellent oil pressure.

This is a fabulous car for the US, where fuel consumption isn't quite the issue it is in Europe and Britain. It rides and handles phenomenally well for a car whose design dates back to 1968, or earlier if you consider the components in the Mark X / original S-type, etc. It also still attracts favourable comments from almost everyone, whether they are 'car-oriented' or not. It helps tremendously to be able to do most of your own work on these cars, especially in the US, where the majority of service shops still don't understand Jaguars. Knowing the best places for spares at reasonable prices is a good move too: recently I replaced the original steel wheels with XJS alloys - $100 for the set, in near perfect condition, from a local classic car dealer. Apparently, XJS's sell better for them with wire wheels!