2013-10-03 06:28:27 | bleasie writes:

Just popped up for sale 3rd Oct 2013.

cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Heavily-modified-XJ-SC-produced-for-only-3-years-Targa-T ...

2013-10-05 21:36:54 | pauls writes:

Sellers description:
I have heavily modified this vehicle, mostly myself, and she's my baby. She was definitely built for me and feels very little like a stock model. So, even if you're a Jaguar nut, I would really prefer to sell it to someone who will come see it and get the feel of it so there are no disappointments. Still, I will try to cover everything here.

Mechanically, modifications include wire insulators throughout the engine V, all gaskets and other rubber parts replaced and/or upgraded, a high air intake system to replace the original trumpets (if you have seen these before, this car was one of the original test cars for the TX manufacturer), compensated cat converters to handle the extra air flow, and a four speed overdrive automatic racing transmission (custom) to replace the GM 300 these usually came with, and some adjustments to the computer settings. These changes bring the 70 mph RPM down to about 2200 from the original 3000 and the 0-60 speed to about 7 seconds as opposed to the factory norm of about 9+, and really great highway acceleration that can't be matched by stock once you've got this heavy tank finally rolling. In addition, I have replaced the alternator, TPS and steering rack within the past 5,000 miles.

Cosmetically, I have recolored the seats and changed the interior roof lining and frames from factory tan to blue to match, all the original dash black plastic has been replaced with wood or wood grain, replaced steering wheel with matching wood three spoke, carpets are now black rather than factory grey with custom "Bagheera" embroidered floor mats (that's her name), installed a removable face plate touch panel CD player and subwoofer, chrome trim kit with chrome Ronal custom wheels and low profile Z rated Sumitomo tires. There's more, but it's hard to remember all of it :) All told, I have about $30,000 into the car.

So, if you want to win a Jag show, this car is too modified for that, but you will definitely have a crowd around it in the "display only" category if you still want to show it off. If you want to drive a heavy V12 the way it should have performed in the first place, you'd have a hard time finding a more "one of a kind" car than this.

Known driving issues: The automatic seat belts are a pain. I have been told since this is a safety feature Jaguar will still fix them for free, but I've never bothered as I don't really like them. I just strap myself in manually. Partly due to the increased airflow, butterfly and idle adjustments need to be made frequently to cover for drastic temperature changes, so perhaps a once per season change. This is a 15 or 20 minute process once you've got the hang of it. The gas gauge does not work properly, all other gauges and the trip computer do. The transmission is very tight, so you have to get used to how to control it through the accelerator (which is very responsive and fun) so you don't give yourself a little whiplash trying to race through the lower gears too quickly, but it really cuts down the shift time. The cruise control is out, but that seems to be a minor switch issue. The set switch is on the indicator stalk and they're known to go out. Again, not so important to me so I haven't done anything about it. The car has been garaged for a few years (I haven't had time to drive or work on it).

The car's beautiful to look at and I can't take it out of the garage without comments from people. I've even been pulled over by the police twice just to ask me if they could look it over. There are a couple minor vinyl patch jobs around the roof opening, but otherwise the interior is pretty much perfect. No dings or scratches on the exterior. I'm willing to answer any questions and provide additional pictures to any really interested potential buyer.