You know DT loves some XJ6's w/ Chevy power.. imagine the excitement of finding one with a 6spd?! Imagine that it's California smog exempt because it is titled as a '73. Now comes the hard part...it looks an awful lot like an 86. Find this 1973 Jaguar XJ6 LT4 6-spd
for sale in El Cajon, CA for $8,500 or best offer via ebay. 
Now to the meat of the title/body issue. Based on some quick research with former classic Jag owners, it looks like a 1973 with a serial number of UD1P51548BW makes total sense. However, looking at the body, it is clearly wearing a 1986 (series III) skin. It makes no sense when the seller says it is a 1986 body on a 1973 chassis because the XJ is a unibody car, and won't swap panels like a 911 from generation to generation. The 5 year old paint that the seller spend $5k on doesn't look bad, but as always, inspect closely in person for any potential future repair work. Paint costs can escalate quickly, so always be wary of non-factory paint.
Pop the forward hinged hood and now the fun starts. The 5.7 liter Chevy wih LT4 heads put 281 RWHP onto the dyno, which seems like a conservative tune, but can spin the tires in easily in 1st and 2nd gear. The 1973 vin is the key to keeping this thing on the streets with legal tags in Cali (pre 1976 is smog exempt). There is probably a 73 Jag in a shallow grave out in the desert, and any buyer should be ready to prove the "chassis swap" to any CHP officer who busts you for drifting and asks what is under the hood.
The Series III interior looks right at home inside this and must have been part of the "swap." The best part of this custom is the choice of tremec T56 6-speed manual. The T56 is known to be bulletproof and have great gear ratios. Swap out that stupid cue-ball shift knob for something wooden (or a skull?) and you are in business.
Seller rule #47. Don't take pictures of your car for ebay with a port-a-john in the background. Come on folks. This ain't hard. tips@dailyturismo.com
"Seller rule #47. Don't take pictures of your car for ebay with a port-a-john in the background. Come on folks. This ain't hard."
ReplyDeleteIt's ElCajon. Yes, it is hard.
The NHRA sticker and talk of spinning the tires do not help the selling message and does not bode well for the Jag rear end.
DeleteBut darn, if the title was square this looks like to be the perfect all around car with a few minor changes.
* Take the car on a spirited drive to satisfy that 'need for speed'.
* Cruise in style through the 'hood'.
* Take the wife/girl friend/mistress out to dinner on date night.
* Throw the luggage (with optional hooker) in the trunk and take a road trip.
* Wash & wax your baby while you admire and caress the body lines.
* Amaze your neighbors and pretend you have mastered the finicky straight six.
* Have a positive bank balance because Cheby parts are cheap.
This is a very interesting conversion. However , since the car is a unibody XJ jag I would be very concerned about titeling issues. A simple switch of a vin from a 1973 does not inspire confidence. If this car leaves the state a VIN inspection would no doubt be required to re-title the car and there goes a barn door opening into pandoras box.
ReplyDeleteAs long as it has a title and no oddities attatched to it on paper, most states are not going to care. Too old and too much effort to actually bother verifying every car coming into the state.
Delete@ Least it's the Condo Honey Bucket !
ReplyDeleteSo...unibody construction clearly an '86 body but seller states its a 1973 chassis.hmmmmmm.....seller clearly seems to know conversions..and thats certainly not a '73 body.what gives? And fet rid of the cueball and the bumpers...then get busy burning up the rear end.
ReplyDelete