BUYING TIPS

1 WHICH TWR?

Tom Walkinshaw Racing’s modifications were Jaguar-backed and above board, but there were different packages on offer. It’s important to research any car thoroughly before buying. Some TWRs may just have minor exterior modifications (wheels and wings), while the most extreme cars have been bored out to six litres.

2 RARE BODY BITS

All TWR cars have rare body bits attached to them, some of which can be next to impossible to find secondhand, and therefore expensive. Those natty Speedline wheels are harder to find than original XJ-S ones and the rear spoiler is also rarely seen on eBay. Remember to look for rust in the front and rear wheelarches, together with the door bottoms and inside of the boot lid. Older models generally suffer from tinworm much worse than newer ones.

3 TOUGH V12

Jaguar’s V12 engine certainly looks dauntingly complicated under the bonnet, but it’s fairly bullet-proof. TWR’s work to the 5.3-litre engine varied depending upon customer spec – but most engines were hardly breathed upon at all. Check oil pressure (around 60psi) and listen out for nasty rattles or squeaks. This V12 is famed for smoothness, and should idle quietly, even with TWR modifications.

4 GEARBOX WOES

Manuals are moderately more reliable than automatics – but it’s worth checking if they are original, because this can affect the price. Check the colour and condition of transmission oil – if it’s brown or black there could be a big bill just around the corner. Gearbox mountings inevitably fail over time and need replacing, so it’s worthwhile checking if this has been done yet.