2020-11-12 10:04:59 | pauls writes:

Ebay item 11/12/20

www.ebay.com/itm/1986-Jaguar-XJS-Restomod/274571375062

Classified ad price: $17,995, 99k miles, seller streetsideclassiccars, Ft. Worth, Texas

Seller's description:

This 1986 Jaguar XJS restomod is one of those cars that you've always thought about owning but never quite got around to buying one. Well, now is unquestionably the time, as they're finally seeing some gains in the market, proving once again that quality and style will always be able to find enthusiasts willing to appreciate them. Better yet, this one has a Chevy 5.7L V8 in it, eliminating just about all the reasons you have to not own a vintage Jag. Looks and performance? Come and get it!

These cars aren't your run-of-the-mill imports, but for those of us who love them, they're just flat-out gorgeous. The XJS was ground-breaking when it hit the market, and following up the E-Type is no easy task, but this car has withstood the test of time. Still elegant and upscale, it doesn't look dated or clumsy after all these years, and by 1986, it had been trimmed out to look very sleek indeed. Wearing bright red paint, this one has a traditional look that belies the modifications underneath, and it shows off the lean bodywork to great effect. The flying buttress C-pillars are as dramatic today as ever and it's much longer than you'd expect. The rub strips on the flanks help protect the vulnerable sheetmetal, which is perhaps why this one has stayed so straight. Big chrome-and-rubber bumpers and heavy metal door handles glitter in the sun and give you an impression of permanence and wealth, which is entirely the point.

Interiors are what the British have always done best, and the lovely black hides in this Jag don't disappoint. Aside from a small crack in the dash, an area exposed to sun where small signs of use shouldn't be a surprise, it's just beautifully presented with an air of elegance and comfort throughout. Anything that looks like wood actually is real wood, including the steering wheel (an aftermarket piece but very appropriate) and burled walnut on the dash. The seats are all-day comfortable, and the upholstery is so nice it's obviously been redone in the not-too-distant past, and the plush carpets and beautiful matching door panels are equally as nice. Big, round gauges have a clean, crisp look and that slender shifter inside the center console looks almost too delicate to manage the 700R4 4-speed automatic transmission that lives underneath (the swap was easy because Jags used GM transmissions when they were new). There's an AM/FM/CD stereo in the dash, which seems to be the only notable alteration inside, with cold A/C, power windows and locks, a tilt wheel, and cruise control rounding out the options list. The rear seat accommodates two, and the trunk is a great size with a matching spare tire stowed in its own fitted bag.

The 5.3 liter V12 is gone, replaced by an even more powerful and efficient 5.7L TPI Chevrolet V8. There's now plenty of room for service in there and the reliability of the Chevy can't be beat. They used block-hugging headers and a true dual exhaust for an awesome soundtrack, so it sounds more like a Camaro, and with a fuel-injected V8 under the hood it can hang with one out on the street as well. A polished intake manifold, Edelbrock valve covers, HEI ignition, and an aluminum radiator with dual electric fans all help with reliability. The swap looks quite professional and the car runs and drives like it should. The suspension is still supple, the power 4-wheel disc brakes are still powerful, and it's a superlative highway cruiser with a wonderful blend of sport and comfort with a tight power steering system. Handsome late-model wheels are swapped in from a modern Jag and carry 245/40/18 performance radials for an aggressive look.

Is it a sleeper? Hard to say. It remains a joy to drive, affordable to maintain, and with the values going up, you'll finally be in the right place at the right time.

2021-11-25 07:14:07 | pauls writes:

Car returns to ebay 11/25/21

www.ebay.com/itm/175037064278

Classified ad price $32,998, seller volomuseumautosales, car now in Round Lake, Illinois

Seller's description:

A timeless classic from Jaguar with a twist. This is one of those cars you've always wanted to own but didn't want to pay for costly repairs. Well, look no further – we have a very nice resto mod example up for grabs. This 1987 XJS gives you the vintage look of a Jaguar with Chevy reliability at the heart of the components!

EXTERIOR: The car was repainted at the time of restoration, and it's finished in a very smooth, very glossy bright red paint job. Honestly the paint is probably better than what it looked like originally from the factory. All the chrome shines very nicely, so nicely that I would be surprised if it hasn't been replaced at one time or another because it looks to be in like new condition. Worth mentioning are two tiny little stone chips in the front windshield, but other than that the whole exterior is fantastic. The wheels appear to be from a newer Jaguar, and they are painted in a glossy bright silver. The tires are in great shape with plenty of tread as well. These wheels are larger and fill the wheel wells nicely, giving the car a lower appearance without having to sacrifice ride quality or height!

INTERIOR: The interior has that vintage appearance to it but still plenty stylish. All the leather is in excellent shape. It does look like there was a slight crack in the leather on the dash and has been repaired. There's also a carpeted dash cover that goes along with it. The seats are in great shape; the leather cushions appear to have been reupholstered. All the wood trim is real and finished in a glossy clear coat. The aftermarket steering wheel is also real wood! This vehicle also features an aftermarket, more up to date stereo system that has AM/FM Radio and a CD player. Even though it's a 1987 it still has modern options like tilt wheel, power windows, power locks and even cruise control! Everything is very clean and well kept.

ENGINE COMPARTMENT: The engine bay is really what gives this Jaguar an interesting story. Instead of finding the sometimes unreliable V12 that was originally offered, you'll find a classic Chevy 5.7L V8 pushing around 300HP! What makes it even better is that it's mated to a very reliable 700R4 4 speed automatic transmission! The engine is painted in that classic orange paint, has nice chrome Edelbrock valve covers, and a polished manifold on top. There's also a big aluminum dual electric fan radiator to keep this engine cool. The engine bay is very clean and show worthy. You can take this thing to your local car meet, pop the hood and be the conversation of the day!

TRUNK COMPARTMENT: The trunk compartment is nice and tidy. It is fully carpeted all around and in excellent condition – no stains or weird smells. There's also a spare tire with a nice leather cover. It appears to have never been used. Also tied in next to the spare is a nicely done battery box and the battery is concealed by a nice plastic container that fits perfectly next to the spare.

UNDERSIDE: Underneath appears to be original but also very clean. It has a factory undercoating so no rust or rot on the body. The previous owner mentioned he had the front-end suspension components rebuilt or replaced so it drives great! It has power steering and a dual stainless exhaust with quad chrome tips at the end. Also worth mentioning is Jaguar's iconic rear dual independent suspension. It features two shocks on either side of the rear end!

2021-12-25 07:05:04 | pauls writes:

Car returns to ebay 12/25/21

www.ebay.com/itm/115156361946

Classified ad price $32,998, same seller.