MK3 ? where do you get that from?

the one time the term MK3 was used by Jaguar was during 1961-1963 during the development of the S type, the small sedan that followed the MK-2 model.

They called the S type "UTAH MK3" to keep it separate from the existing MK-2 model.

the 4.2 fuel injected engine is called the "AJ6" engine, also known as the "XK Series Engine". It went from 3.4 liters to 3.8 liters to 4.2 liters.

Below is a "MK-3" which is not, it is a 3.8 liter S type built from mid-1963 to mid-1968. Only around 24 thousand were built. There are about 4 thousand remaining in the world. Maybe more hidden away in barns. This one I bought from your famous San Francisco artist painter called Eugenia (Gene) Baker McComas. Her paintings and California landscape murals are in the San Francisco and Monterey museums of art. A totally unrestored (other than a 1984 paint job) California Black Plate car. Still in beautiful condition today in Florida.

 

Apologies, with Mk3 I intended to say xj6 Series III, the one in which the body was modified by Pininfarina design.

 

ok I see. Yes that car looks upgraded and well cared for but I would check it in person, never buy any old car sight unseen. Get it up on a lift and inspect the exhaust system for rusted pipes and mufflers, also for whatever leaks. However if it doesn't leak it's not a Jaguar.

Like Elinor said, remove the floor mats and foam pads to inspect the floors front and back. Also inspect front and rear lower edges of windshields for rust bubbles.

open the trunk, remove spare tire compartment board under carpeting, remove spare tire, inspect trunk floor for rust.

inspect inspect inspect. What does NOT WORK?

 

I've seen various numbers quoted. Most commonly the 4.2 fuel injected engine is quoted at 176 SAE Net horsepower for the low compression version (USA and perhaps a few other countries) and 205 DIN for the high compression version ( most other countries). Either of the cars you are considering will be low compression...assuming they were originally sold in the USA.

Series II carbureted 4.2 engines were rated at.....at.....I can't remember !

Cheers
DD

 

A little-known feature of the Series III 4.2 litre engines was that the inlet valves are the larger size as originally used in the Le Mans engines. It was this, plus the EFI that gave the additional power output.

 

As Jose mentioned, I have a 1979 series III. No trip computer, no sun roof and, yes, perforated seat inserts. But the clock panel is aluminum not wood. To my knowledge the wood on the clock panel is not stock.

In the back of my head a little bell is ringing. Is this too good to be believed? Those seats don't look 40 years old. Either a ton of money was spent restoring the car or it was truly babied all its life. Either way it's priced too low. Deffinetly go look at it and let us know. Maybe it is the unicorn wonderful car at half price we always hear about.

Jeff

 

I think that '79 looks awesome for the money. Ask to see maintenance records/receipts. Take all the advice from above. But don't let it get away if it looks like the deal that it appears to be. Then.... change out the two outer head lights for the larger ones and change out the steering wheel for an XJS smaller, thicker wheel. It will make all the difference in the world. Good luck! Please keep us posted.

Bill

 

thanks a lot to all o you, I'll post an update at the end when I see the car

 

I like that S2 in silver/black. And one owner....I think I'd be looking at that one. They're all pretty but there's something special about those torpedo rear lights.

 

Doug: the 82 cars did indeed have the perforated leather but beginning with the 83 model year the leather was non-perforated. The car in question is a very early Series III xj6 but the console panel and window switch area is not original; the cars to and including 1982 used the same console ski slope panel as the Series II cars. And obviously, some extra wood trim has been added here (on the panel that has the switches for fuel tank switchover, interior lights, clock, etc.); as others have said, the wire wheels are non-standard. This car originally had steel wheels with stainless steel full size hub caps. The 4.2 badge on the trunk is a marker of the very first Series III xj6 cars.
It is very nice, but has been "hybridized".

 

The seller mentined a blemish on the hood/bonnett. Attributed to a perp that stole the leaper!!!

Could be. as stated, an odd place for rust.

Were I in the market, I sure could put that car at that prie in my garage..

 

I think the essential point is that this is a 1982 car which has obviously been well looked after, even cherished, over the decades so will be a fine addition to somebodys collection. Yes there may well be faults, but it looks like previous owner care has dealt with most of them. A 38 year old car will inevitably need some repairs at some point, its par for the course !

 

It is a 1979/80 car, not an 82, but you are right, Fraser. It is in remarkably good condition. The inconsistencies in "upgrading" are the disappointing bits.

 

If you would like the car checked out or for future reference, the best mechanic in the Bay Area is Sheik/Bacchus British in Dublin

 

My only comment is that I would advise you to get in your car and go see them now. Either vehicle won't be on the market long. Good luck.

 

This car listed is weird. It is advertised by two different people at the same time with different price (twice higher than the other). I am opting out for a different model now.

 

This is pretty far down in the thread, but the question of the veneered switch panels.........
The outfit that does these is myrtleltd.com in the UK. Really nice work for quite a range of cars including Jaguar. I did the ski slope panel, the AC-radio panel, the rear console switch and eyeball panel and the steering wheel on my Series 3 XJ6. I also have the inserts for the lighting and ignition switch's but I'm not sure I'll install them. The rest of the wood has already been replaced, but they have it all.

I'll take some pictures if anyone is interested, but you can also just go to their website.

 

Always nice to see pictures of another patrons car and the work they've put into it.

Dave