1985 Jaguar XJS 5.3 V12 HE

Summary:

12 cylinder sex on wheels

Faults:

When purchased, the car had been in storage for five years. The front brake rotors, pads, alternator and the left intermediate exhaust pipe required replacement early on. Later on, the air pump pulley had to be replaced... then the air conditioner clutch came apart. Both were easily repaired.

Driving it every day to and from work keeps it lubricated and limber... no other problems after taking out of storage!

General Comments:

An unbelievable car... 12 cylinders of real British power, a beautiful sweep of the hood (bonnet), a grand roof profile, and a one of the kind rear end, complete with buttresses! Accented like a car should be, with the very best the Earth can produce; wood, leather and chrome.

Loves gasoline... but who doesn't? A turbine-like "woosh" when passing Asian cars whining along at 90 mph.

Is it a classic? It will be soon...

Is it collectible? One at a time, yes.

Does it turn heads? YES, but...

Most of the time the heads are bald and attached to fat guys like me... I was hoping for better. I suppose they see the car and then remind themselves that when young, they promised themselves they would own one when they could. Well, now's the time. The prices will never be lower.

Maybe the only head it really needs to turn is mine, as I look back at her in the parking lot.

Damn, that's a fine looking car!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 9th October, 2009

27th Jan 2010, 04:35

Yeah exactly, I catch myself looking back in the parking lot too when I go grocery shopping or something... ha ha ha... and think to myself how could I have done this to myself... ruined myself for ever driving any other car and loving it as much as I love this one.

Drive one and find out how easy this will happen to you too.