Jaguar XJ6

ENGINE 4235cc/6-cyl/DOHC POWER 176bhp@4500 rpm TORQUE 229lb ft@3500 rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 122mph 0-60MPH 17.6sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 12.1 mpg TRANSMISSION RWD, three-speed automatic MoT July 2017 ODOMETER 33,546 miles

WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE? The 4.2-litre engine starts immediately, idles well and delivers impressively smooth pick-up with an indicated oil pressure of around 60psi. A faint vibration through the steering suggests a brake imbalance, but the three-speed automatic gearbox changes seamlessly and the recently renewed brakes deliver strong, linear stopping power. BODYWORK CHECK The wheelarches, sills, door edges and underside are solid and rust-free. The body has recently been tidied and fresh underseal applied. Minor oxidisation has begun to creep through below the front and rear screens but the bodywork is bearing up well otherwise. Close inspection of the metallic blue paint reveals a few scuffs, predominantly on the front wings, rear wheelarches and offside rear bumper, but the paint still gleams and the coachlines are unbroken. The glass and the chrome are both in good order, but the rear screen rubber looks perished. The front tyres are recently fitted replacements. HOW’S THE INTERIOR? The condition of the Jaguar’s cabin certainly reflects its low odometer readout. The tan leather seats are supportive and comfortable. A small section of stitching on the offside rear seat requires attention, but the matching leather doorcards and carpets are in excellent condition. The wooden dashboard veneer is undamaged and all the dials function perfectly. The electrics also perform impeccably with lights, windscreen wipers, horn, air conditioning and windows all operating as they should. The headlining was replaced a few months ago and the original Jaguar toolkit is still present in the dry and rust-free boot. The only real issue is the fact that the original radio switches on as it should, but produces nothing more than a hissing sound. UNDER THE BONNET A fault with the bonnet catches currently allows the bonnet to pop up as you build speed, though this should be rectified before sale. However, the engine presents itself well, with impeccable wiring and clean fluids to the correct levels. The subframe mountings have been replaced within the past 12 months, as have the rear brake discs and pads, fuel pipes, brake pipes and the oil and air filters. THE CCW VIEW This XJ6 is still standing proud after 34 years on the road, and its to-do list is reassuringly short, with just the subtle steering vibration, faulty bonnet catches and malfunctioning radio to sort. The bodywork and chrome still look great, but it’s not so immaculate as to deter regular use. Factor in the low-mileage, strong engine and considerable recent mechanical work, and the asking price for this increasingly popular Jaguar looks entirely fair.