https://www.jpfrazier.com/vehicles/3...7-ce1da6b0b152

 

Here's another, much higher mileage

https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-...ckType=listing

 

I've never driven an XJS with a manual transmission but I'd like to have one, whether it's the 6 or v12. I understand they are pretty rare and hard to find, but at some price point you're probably better off buying a nice XJS in the year/color/engine you want and doing your own manual swap or paying someone to perform a manual swap and you could still come out ahead. JMHO.

 

All six I have are auto. There was a late eighties metalic blue six cylinder coupe with a 5 speed in Augusta GA that a guy was trying to sell. Went and drove it with the purpose to buy it. It was clunky and not enough power in the upper gears like 4th and 5th. He was asking 3500. I didn't buy it. Maybe i should have???

 

Re: the manual cars, they also had the SportsPack which "was introduced by Jaguar as standard on the 3.6 in Sep 1987 and comprised of 43% uprated front springs, 3% uprated rear springs, uprated Boge shocks all round, increased diameter front anti-roll bar, rear anti-roll bar re- introduced, reduced assistance power steering, stiffer rack bushes and Pirelli P600 235/60 VR tyres on the lattice wheels.”

The inline six with manual should be lots of fun to drive, if in good condition. Of course, a V12 swapped manual would be another beast altogether.

 

A friend of mine has a 1994 4.0 manual and I have a 1994 6.0 V12. I have driven both back to back and I much prefer the V12. The difference in torque is noticeable, we were travelling together on a road trip and on a mountain grade and I was able to stay locked up in overdrive, he had to drop to 4th, which disengaged the cruise control. I was able to stay on cruise and just steer. I paid for it at the pump though, he averaged 10.8 l/100km on that portion of the trip, I did 13.2

I find the manual gives the car a very different character, it's a more involved driving experience, both in good and bad ways. I find the V12 is all about sitting back and relaxing and letting the torque take you along, and when shifting is needed it is easy. The V12 is all about an effortless drive.

The manual 4.0 is more work and more shifting. In city traffic I found it a more stressful drive, but I was also not used to the car and what gear I needed to be in for a particular speed. I felt I needed to concentrate on the car, not the driving, if that makes sense and it took away from the enjoyment of driving. It's less relaxing and cosseting than the V12. It's perhaps not a completely fair comparison, as my V12 has bigger front and rear roll bars than standard, so it can actually be driven quicker than the 4.0 if you want.

 

Jagboi you described that very well. After all, the XJ-S was meant to have the V12, and my feeling bout the manuals built later is that they tried turning a GT into a sports car...it's a bit big and heavy. But it's good enough to satisfy a so-so enthusiast like me--I wouldn't own an XJS if not for the manual, just personal preference. But I also have an XJ6 for that cosseting ride that Jaguar is so good at. A 6.0 would be nice though...

 

only reason i like XJS is for V12 engine, that the car was originally designed for, BY SIR Williams Lyons!
ron

 

I owned a 1992 XJS with a manual transmission about 20 years ago. It was amazing and I have always regretted selling it. I am also thinking of finding another one.