7 JAGUAR XJ

GRACE, SPACE AND PACE IN QUANTITIES BEYOND THE AVERAGE DETROIT RIVAL

To best understand the appeal of the XJ6 to the well-heeled US customer, just compare it to Detroit’s ‘luxury-personal’ models of the same era. In 1971 Motor Trend evaluated the Jaguar alongside a Buick Riviera and a Ford Thunderbird, where it was the

most expensive of the trio – $8490 as opposed to $7023 and $7589 respectively; there were also moans about the heating system ‘not being up to luxury standards’. However, they concluded that ‘the age of whipped cream cars is behind us’ for the XJ’s ‘ride and handling and basic construction put it in a class by itself’.

WHAT TO PAY PROJECT £1100 // USABLE £3000 // GOOD £7000 // CONCOURS £10,000 // PRICE WHEN NEW £2450

ONE FOR SALE IN THE USA

1986 DAIMLER SOVEREIGN, $7850 (£5900)

‘4.2, long wheelbase, runs great, beautiful overall condition.’

WE SAY ‘LHD and US-spec details detract slightly, but this spec and condition could command higher value in the UK.’

BUY IT FROM AutoSPCA, (+001) 484-8859259, autospca.com

ONE FOR SALE IN THE UK

1981 JAGUAR XJ6, £13,900

‘33,000 miles, four owners, excellent history and specification, one of the very best available.’

WE SAY ‘Striking car and still great value. 12-month warranty welcome considering low mileage can lead to cronky drive train.’ BUY IT FROM Bicester Sports & Classics, 01296 509887, bicestersportscars.co.uk