Chasing Cars

ENGINE 3239cc/6-cyl/DOHC POWER 216bhp@5100rpm TORQUE 232lb ft@4500rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 139mph 0-60MPH 9sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 20-27mpg TRANSMISSION RWD, four-speed automatic MoT May 2020 ODOMETER 65,549 miles

WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?

This car starts instantly and runs really well, with a silkysmooth power delivery. It’s almost as if you are floating through the gears, so gentle are the changes as the car picks up speed with a refined growl. There’s no hesitancy or sounds of disapproval from the engine. The car feels extremely sorted, with no sloppiness from the suspension or steering. Handling is surprisingly neutral for such a large car, and there’s very little body roll. It feels reassuringly stable at speed.

BODYWORK CHECK

The Jaguar looks great in its deep ruby red metallic paint and we could find no significant problems with the bodywork. The underside looks sound and there’s no evidence of welding. The sills are in good order, although a flick through the car’s MoT history reveals that the nearside front sill has been flagged as an advisory in previous years, but this appears to have been well repaired. The doors all close perfectly and there are no nasty dents or ripples along the flanks. All the mouldings on the car are in good order and free from cracking. The brightwork is also extremely good – including the retro-fitted bonnet leaper. The history file includes eyewatering Jaguar main dealer receipts for work done on a wheel arch and a boot lid repair – looking at the car shows no sign of this having been done.

HOW’S THE INTERIOR?

Everything in excellent order and there are no signs of wear and tear on the lovely leather upholstery. The dashboard looks like new with everything appearing to work as it should, including the excellent heater. The steering wheel is unmarked and the door trims, headlining and carpets are all in great order. Full marks all round.

UNDER THE BONNET

It’s all clean and obviously well looked-after in the engine bay, with no signs of any leaks. There are Jaguar main dealer receipts for recent work including a cam cover gasket, wheel bearings, suspension and brake work. That being the case, the fluids are all to the correct levels and there are no signs of any leaks. Nor is there any hint of surface corrosion on the areas of the inner wings.

THE CCW VIEW

This is a fine example, much cherished by its long-term previous owner. It has been looked after by a main dealer with money no object. Nothing serious appears to have gone wrong but you’ll need to brace yourself before looking at those main dealer bills. These cars tend to vary in price and there are some bargains as well as wallet-chomping wrecks. With greater economy and much improved reliability over earlier XJ6 models, the time has to come for these later cars. Note that this car’s registration is in the process of being changed from a private number to the one shown.

EXTERIOR Looks pristine No obvious rust INTERIOR Excellent throughout Everything works MECHANICALS Recent main dealer-fit suspension/brakes/ bearings work