will a xjs ever become a classic collector?
#81
08-19-2017, 05:34 PM
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i really get people asking to SEE the power plant!!
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#82
08-23-2017, 09:56 AM
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#83
08-23-2017, 05:24 PM
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Will the XJS be collectible? The answer is it already is collectible but due to the large number produced and so many early ones being coupe only with the V12 the laws of supply and demand are still on the side of the buyer.
If you add in the fact that the XJS was never as well received as the earlier Jag " sports " cars and with the high overall cost to restore a car like the XJS, I am confident that you will not see any sharp increases in the value of these cars but rather a slow and steady increase that will not keep up with the cost to perform needed restoration work.
My prediction is that the trends in demand and therefore pricing in the current XJS market will continue into the future with very limited produced models commanding the most followed by the 6.0L and the last 4.0L.
As long as it is less expensive to purchase a low mileage very well kept example of the XJS vs. rebuilding the V12, repainting or replacing needed interior leather parts etc. you will not see an appreciable increase in the value of these cars.
There is another factor that needs to be taken into consideration when looking at the collect ability of the XJS and that is the XK8 has now become comparable cost wise with the XJS.
The XJS still provides an excellent opportunity to be part of the exclusive Jaguar sports car community for pennies on the dollar. The XJS look has continued to mature and to my eye looks better today then it did even 5 years ago when I purchased my first one. I would just be very careful how much money you put into restoring one.
All this said, unless you have a XJS that was owned by Keith Richards or a Koenig etc., if you feel like putting a v8 motor in one or if this seems to make the most sense for your situation then why not.
If you add in the fact that the XJS was never as well received as the earlier Jag " sports " cars and with the high overall cost to restore a car like the XJS, I am confident that you will not see any sharp increases in the value of these cars but rather a slow and steady increase that will not keep up with the cost to perform needed restoration work.
My prediction is that the trends in demand and therefore pricing in the current XJS market will continue into the future with very limited produced models commanding the most followed by the 6.0L and the last 4.0L.
As long as it is less expensive to purchase a low mileage very well kept example of the XJS vs. rebuilding the V12, repainting or replacing needed interior leather parts etc. you will not see an appreciable increase in the value of these cars.
There is another factor that needs to be taken into consideration when looking at the collect ability of the XJS and that is the XK8 has now become comparable cost wise with the XJS.
The XJS still provides an excellent opportunity to be part of the exclusive Jaguar sports car community for pennies on the dollar. The XJS look has continued to mature and to my eye looks better today then it did even 5 years ago when I purchased my first one. I would just be very careful how much money you put into restoring one.
All this said, unless you have a XJS that was owned by Keith Richards or a Koenig etc., if you feel like putting a v8 motor in one or if this seems to make the most sense for your situation then why not.
#84
08-23-2017, 07:44 PM
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Jonathan-W (08-24-2017)
#86
08-24-2017, 05:36 PM
#87
08-24-2017, 11:41 PM
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Context.
How much HP did similar cars of the era have? The Mercedes SL of the same vintage peaked at around 230+. The (E24) 6 series was only 215, unless you got the rare M version at around 280. Late 80's 'Vette was maybe 245.
It was just a different era, and for a car with origins in the early 70's that was both smooth and torquey... what's not to like?
How much HP did similar cars of the era have? The Mercedes SL of the same vintage peaked at around 230+. The (E24) 6 series was only 215, unless you got the rare M version at around 280. Late 80's 'Vette was maybe 245.
It was just a different era, and for a car with origins in the early 70's that was both smooth and torquey... what's not to like?
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Jonathan-W (08-25-2017)
#88
08-25-2017, 12:13 AM
#89
08-25-2017, 12:37 PM
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this one at this time, maybe... , but not for ever... follow WarJons' build...
and the biggest gains are in the rear end ratio and a better transmission...
no matter what any one says... you just can not beat the Classiness of it!
I leave all "NOW days a VWs' behind all the time... " AND MOST EVERYTHING ELSE... how...? well the Jag is SO quiet that it is GONE be for they knew what happened... they catch up at the next light and all these faster cars still say "Hey that's a V12 right?" hahahaha !
I did have a FSR try one time... I still left it... from an even start... top up aircond ON...
and the biggest gains are in the rear end ratio and a better transmission...
no matter what any one says... you just can not beat the Classiness of it!
I leave all "NOW days a VWs' behind all the time... " AND MOST EVERYTHING ELSE... how...? well the Jag is SO quiet that it is GONE be for they knew what happened... they catch up at the next light and all these faster cars still say "Hey that's a V12 right?" hahahaha !
I did have a FSR try one time... I still left it... from an even start... top up aircond ON...
Last edited by Jonathan-W; 08-25-2017 at 12:48 PM.
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ronbros (08-25-2017)
#91
08-25-2017, 02:19 PM
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#92
08-25-2017, 05:12 PM
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#94
08-25-2017, 08:06 PM
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Average HP in 1980 was 110 and by 2009 it was 247 (that's average so the high end is far north now), while average fuel economy went from 16.0 MPG (US) to 27.9 MPG over the same period.
Horsepower more than doubled over a period while overall efficiency actually went up. You can't compare modern performance figures to the XJ-S, just like it doesn't make sense to compare that modern VW that will out run it, to a 1975 VW Rabbit.
Context matters.
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#95
08-26-2017, 03:13 AM
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This is so true Mac. Additionally, there are very few, if any other cars apart from the XJ saloons, that were designed in the 1960s that are still competent in modern conditions, and at least as comfortable to ride in as any modern car. I cannot resist adding, that a European spec V12 in proper shape is still be an extremely fast and very well handling car by any standards.
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#97
08-26-2017, 10:21 AM
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This is so true Mac. Additionally, there are very few, if any other cars apart from the XJ saloons, that were designed in the 1960s that are still competent in modern conditions, and at least as comfortable to ride in as any modern car. I cannot resist adding, that a European spec V12 in proper shape is still be an extremely fast and very well handling car by any standards.
Spot on.
As with many others here I've driven plenty of newer cars. I was always surprised at how well the XJS stacks up in comparison. An XJS still provides a great driving experience. "Still competent in modern conditions" is very apt.
Cheers
DD
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Greg in France (08-26-2017)
1978 Jag V12 , 5.3L= 326 cu.in. makes it around 1.25 HP per inch, at 6600RPM.
#99
08-26-2017, 01:45 PM
Jay Leno once said "the power of a Jag V12 is on the other end"
#100
08-26-2017, 01:52 PM
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my bad,, standard car , SORRY that leaves me out.
have never owned a factory standard car in my life.
much to ordinary , just need money to buy,so anyone can do that.
no special skills involved.
