‘I don’t want a trailer queen – I want a car to use’
1993 Jaguar XJ40 3.2S Nick Phillips, Saundersfoot, Wales
I’ve always loved the shape of the XJ40, and as a teenager I promised myself that I would own one some day. Towards the end of XJ40 production Jaguar made the 3.2S, with five-spoke alloys, quad lights and front fog lights… it gave the car a really purposeful look, and it was the model I was destined to have.
Three years ago I found this model for sale, and my wife said she’d buy it for me as an early birthday present. The seller explained that he’d bought it 18 months earlier, but only covered a few hundred miles in it. The bodywork was okay and the mechanicals were good, so I made a low offer, which was accepted.
The journey home revealed very tired suspension, which I’ve since overhauled with new shocks, springs and bushes. Then about two years ago the head gasket failed, so that was replaced too. With the head off, it gave me a chance to check for bore wear and I was pleased to find there wasn’t any! Since then, I’ve carried out regular servicing. Having access to ramps at work and the knowledge of my colleagues (I’m a Service Manager for a Jaguar workshop) has been invaluable.
Over the past six months, it’s had a bit of welding to the floor, and new sills fitted. It’s far from being a trailer queen, but neither do I want one. I want a car that I can use properly. Hopefully I’ll be able to attend more car runs with the brilliant Pembrokeshire Classic Car Club.
I’ll be 50 in March and my wife and I are planning to go away with the
Jag to celebrate. I can’t see me ever selling this car!