Well-kept 2002 XJ Hides GM LS1 Power
Is a Jaguar with a heart transplant still a Jaguar?
Driving a Jaguar is a unique experience that’s hard to describe to the uninitiated. There’s a lot different things that come together to make a Jaguar feel like a Jaguar.
The performance, the luxury, the ride, the handling, and even the way the switches feel are all parts of the Jaguar recipe. Few cars so effectively blend high performance with bespoke elegance.
Of course, the is the unmistakable look of a Jaguar, too. One of our favorite Jaguars of all time is the late XJ40-platform sedans. They blended traditional Jaguar sedan presence with modern style in a package that can still turn heads today.
Unfortunately, Jaguars of this era are not known for their reliability. Many owners are willing to open their pocketbooks and do whatever it takes to keep their beloved cars alive. Plenty of others give up and move on.
The previous owner of this 2001 Jaguar XJ that we found offered for sale on Hemmings chose a different route. They replaced the original Jaguar V8 with a GM LS1.
LS1 swaps are popular – and controversial – within the car community. Their low cost, simplicity, impressive performance, and admirable reliability check a lot of boxes for a lot of people. But is a Jaguar with a GM engine still a Jaguar?
This doesn’t appear to be a hacked-together, shade-tree mechanic job. Dare we say it, the engine almost looks as if it belongs under the factory hood.
According to the ad, the base car is in great shape, and everything works as it should. The driver’s side seat cover was replaced due to wear, but the rest of the interior looks like it was barely used at all.
Outside, the silver XJ appears stock, save for the wheels, which have been repainted in black, and a pair of large exhaust tips. It’d be easy to mistake this for just another well-kept older XJ.
What say you? Is this LS1-swapped Jaguar worthy of consideration, or is it a horrible abomination before William Lyons? Be sure to let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Photos: Streetside Classics/Hemmings
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