I've wanted an XJS for many years, and am finally in a financial position to start looking for one (either an 89+ V12 coupe or 94+ coupe or convertible with either engine, though I'd prefer a V12). However, I have a three and a half year old daughter who I'd want to be able to drive around with, and I was wondering, given the tiny 2+2 seating, are there front facing booster seats that will fit in the back of these cars? I've seen that people have managed to fit them into X100 XK8/XKRs, and searching Google makes it seem like it's at least possible in an XJS, though tricky. Does anyone here have an XJS that they regularly drive small children around in? It seems like the coupes have a bit more room in the back than the convertibles do.

 

Dr_Awesome,

I first bought my XJS convertible to replace a company BMW 330 convertible. One if the criteria was that it had to fit my 5-year old daughter booster seat. It did that admirably if the passenger seat in front was not fully set back.

So go for it. You'll love it, and your child will love it just as much! My daughter is now nearly 23 and still loves the car even though she's naturally not now in the booster seat!

Good luck

Paul

 

Good to know! ptjs1, I'm really glad to hear that. I live in the Denver area so there are plenty of XJS's that come up for sale (relatively wealthy area, large population, and near some pretty spectacular driving roads, so it's a great place to look for vintage cars), and I plan to test drive a few different versions just keep an eye on craigslist/Facebook until the right one comes along at the right price. Unquestionably the most desirable for me is a 94+ v12 but that may be more than what I want to spend. My understanding is that the 94+ models with outboard brakes are a bit easier to maintain than the earlier ones, and the 94+ V12 is a bit lower maintenance than the earlier versions just as an engine... is that the case?

 

Dr Awesome - did you find a car and instal a booster seat?? I'm a Brit looking at a 1976 S1. Apparently rust free.... But need the car to take a wife-compliant and EU-compliant booster in the back. I couldn't find one to fit the back of my Porsche 968.

Context is - fancy an XJS. Dad grew up in Coventry and he has had a 3.6 XJS and 6.0 XJ40 - amazing engine, and wife likes XJS's.

Recently had a "reverse mid life crisis" and sold 968 and TVR. Bought a small Ford for £1000 instead. Might have gone too far.

All the best to all of you subscribers in the brilliant USA.

 

I haven't found one yet. Slim pickings these days in Colorado, I'll update this thread when I do find one but it'll probably be a while. Covid is getting out of hand and I imagine that could put a damper on buying and selling collector and hobbyist cars.

 

living with a classic did a youtube video on this.

 

Thanks for the update. Classic car market here has been quite changeable. There was a marked slow down last year, but this year, good cars seem to have sold quickly again. My father thinks it's because people working from home got bored and started buying stuff. I am not sure.

We are in a state of regional lock downs here - instigated by central govt. Popular with those not in lockdown, unpopular with those who are.

Good luck and keep washing your hands! I love the USA. Positive people!

Best wishes