More and more drivers are turning to classic cars as their vehicle of choice. For some, the decision is driven by nostalgia, while for others it may be the desire to stand out from the crowd. This post will take a closer look at some of the reasons why classic car fans are choosing uniqueness before uniformity.

 

Stand out from the crowd

In a world of relative conformity, some individuals just want to be different. Whether that is through their dress sense, their interior design, or, indeed, the vehicle they choose to drive, there are individualists who favour uniqueness.

As car designs become increasingly dull, and with a lack of personality resulting from modern design, looking for a new car is hardly exciting. Driving experience is also taking a hit, as technology takes control of the wheel more and more.

 

A a properly re-engineered classic car ensures complete driving pleasure, and will take

In line with recent news that classic cars are becoming an increasingly good investment opportunity, we’ve compiled a table, using data from Classic Car Buyer, illustrating more clearly the rising values of all XJS models, no matter what the condition.

The Classic Car Buyer price guide is compiled with reference to a variety of sources, including clubs, auction results and advertisements, both printed and online. It is impossible to accurately value a specific vehicle without examining the car first.

The listings below are intended to provide a useful guide only, and were valid on 22nd July 2015. Asking prices can vary widely between different examples of the same model. Our figures relate to private sales online. Dealer prices and values for insurance purposes are generally higher.

 

Note: Conditions listed refer to the following:

• Condition 1: First class condition and well cared for throughout its life
• Condition 2: Good condition with legitimate MOT and

Replacing your old ignition and fueling system with KWE's digital engine management upgrade will greatly improve your engine's reliability, performance and economy...For best optimisation of add-on performance parts such as a different exhaust system, cold air induction etc, and to get the best power for that particular engine (they all came off Jaguar’s production line in very different states…) one needs a re-programmable fueling and ignition computer, aka Digital Engine Management. As a stand-alone upgrade this will achieve increases in power of around 10%. The earlier the car, the more DEM well benefit it. This is especially true for the pre-HE systems for which new replacement parts are impossible to find.Central to a DEM system is the central processor unit or ECU (engine control unit). This is an electronics unit containing microprocessors, input and output circuits and programmable memory. Also part of the system are sensors to detect engine revs, timing, temperature, engine load, and throttle position.For a petrol engine to work properly it must receive the right mixture of fuel and air at the right time in the engine’s cycle for each cylinder, and it must receive a spark in each cylinder also at the right time to ignite [...]

We’ve had the pleasure of working on this increasingly customised V12 XJS on a number of occasions. On its latest visit to our workshop, we’ve been asked to install our Digital Engine Management (DEM) system. The system will release more power, and will allow us to optimise the fuelling and ignition for other modifications, such as cold air inlets.

 

Modifying these engines would normally have little or no effect, unless the fuelling and ignition is re-mappable. Without specialist knowledge of the original firmware-based map and ability to re-blow vintage eproms, this is not really possible.

Our modern Omex system, however, allows for full re-mapping. This XJS was dyno-tested at just over 300bhp, prior to any modifications being carried out. Once the installation of the system has been completed, we will be able to check on the gains we’ve made.

Another advantage of the modern engine management is the much-improved reliability. The old Lucas system

On a hot Friday afternoon, Theresa spotted an XJS on our business park with an RAC van in attendance. Rushing to the rescue, she found that the RAC engineer could only tow it away because there was a big misfire and overheating exhaust. To the owner’s relief, Theresa pointed out that KWE was only a few yards away!

We leapt on the damsel in distress (the car, that is) and found the cause was a big ignition problem, with one bank of the V12 not working at all. In the end, we had to replace a faulty coil, leaking ignition leads and the distributor cap, while the owners basked in the sunshine.

All now being well, the owners went on their way, and we received the following email this morning:

“THERE IS A JAGUAR XJS GOD AFTER ALL… I could not believe my bad luck in breaking down on a lovely hot sunny afternoon,

We received this video from YouTube vlogger, Martyn Stanley. Hear what he had to say about the increasingly popular XJS, and why he thinks restoring with KWE is the way forward.

In line with growing investment potential, and as the car comes up to its landmark 40th anniversary, the XJS continues to get drivers’ hearts racing.

If, like Martyn, you’d like to restore a classic car back to its former glory, get in touch. We pride ourselves on our ability to back to ‘better-than-new’ quality, in line with your specifications.Call us on 01635 30030, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.

In many V12 HE cars (all of which up to 1993 are fitted with the GM400 box) a common issue we’ve encountered, and one that can worry its owners, is for large clouds of white smoke to emanate from the back of the vehicle, particularly on a hot run and after a service.

This is usually a result of the gearbox being overfilled, with the excess being blown out of the breather, which is invisibly placed on top of the box. The oil drips down, hits the hot exhausts and produces an impressive cloud of smoke. Equally, it is easy to under-fill, as the procedure is not widely understood, and dipstick readings can be misleading when oil accumulates in the bottom of the [...]

Currently enjoying their new ‘classic car’ status, many iconic models from the 1970s are becoming popular all over again. This is evident from the number of articles appearing in classic car media, highlighting models from the era and looking at ‘ones to watch’ in terms of investment potential. For example, Classic Car Magazine’s lead article this month, entitled ‘70s scorchers’, looks at the Ford Capri, BMW 3 series, Triumph Dolomite Sprint, Ford Escort and the Opel Commodore.

Of course, the Jaguar XJS would be at the top our list of classic cars from the era, but there are a few other cars we think are worth a mention – ones that have in some way influenced car design or the progress of automotive technology. None of these cars, in our opinion, match the XJS in terms of durability or lasting elegance, but are influential none the less.

Saab 99 Turbo (1978 to 1981)

Thinking about restoring a classic Jaguar XJS? Well now’s a very good time, as this model is becoming an increasingly good investment opportunity. But how can you ensure you’re getting a good deal? And what can be done to minimise restoration costs? This post aims to shed some light on what to look out for when buying an XJS; it could save you a great deal of time and money!

 

Not all about initial impressions

First of all, it’s important to consider that sellers – in particular garages and dealers – will have gone to some trouble to make the car look pristine on the outside; but it is very unlikely that a seller will have done a proper restoration-quality repair of rusted areas. Therefore, a perfect-looking car is often in much worse condition than one with visible rust, which has not yet been ‘tarted-up’.

 

Overcome the fear of rust

As with all