Jaguar 420G temptation

[Google [bot]]

I absolutely love these old beasts - such presence and beauty. Am I a fool to consider this even though I'd have to drive it 1000km home and then find somewhere big enough to keep it? I also like the old look, so if it were as stated mechanically great, cosmetically poor, this would suit me fine until one rainy day decide to do something with it...if ever.

The bottom line is I know it's a ridiculous thought, I know it's a stupid buy and I know it'll cost me money. But I'm flirting with it. And I like it.

EDIT because the link wouldn't work:



During my 7 years of ownership, almost every mechanical aspect of his car has been restored, repaired or replaced. In all, I have detailed files and original receipts for over $33,000 of repairs, in addition to the cost of buying the car. All work has been performed by Jaguar and/or specialist mechanics and only the best quality parts have been used. For most of that time, the car was used as my "daily drive" and it performed faultlessly. In that time, I have covered more than 60,000 kms.

The car comes with many spare parts and an original workshop manual. Many improvements have also been added to the car, including electronic ignition which has greatly improved perfomance and fuel economy and reduce servicing costs. It has also been converted to run on standard unleaded petrol. A CD player and modern speakers have also been (tastefully) added.

Due to a marriage breakdown, I unfortunately cannot complete the restoration I have started. To complete the work will require only cosmetic work, incuding new paint, interior trim and chrome plating.

For those new to 420Gs, only 6,554 examples were ever made between October 1966 and June 1970. This one comes with complete walnut trim, including three in-built picnic tables, and once the restoration is complete will look simply amazing. The colour combination of British Racing Green with Cinnamon trim is widely considered to be the most desirable.

The car is currently registered but will not be sold with a road worthy certificate. However, if an RWC is required, I am happy to assist the new owner to get one (but at his/her cost, which I believe would probably be somewhere between $500 and $1,000).

As to price, I am reluctant to be selling this car at such a huge discount to the money I have invested in it. However, I would rather see it go to a good home that will continue my work than have it just sit in the drive. I am happy to email a detailed three page summary of the car to anyone who may be interested.

The "TH" plates are personal and will probably not be sold with the car.

Edited by Google [bot] on Tuesday 20th October 05:58

[mattman]

Just be careful - I used to sell these beasts and while they are a lot of car for the money, they equally swallow money as quick as you can earn it.
My key thing to check would be to make sure it runs properly as they are a pain to get setup right, if it runs like a dog you could be in for some serious trouble. I had one which had a good body but we just could not get it to run right. Even had a Jag engine "expert" spend 3 days on it and still couldn't get it right.

[lowdrag]

mattman said:

Just be careful - I used to sell these beasts and while they are a lot of car for the money, they equally swallow money as quick as you can earn it.
My key thing to check would be to make sure it runs properly as they are a pain to get setup right, if it runs like a dog you could be in for some serious trouble. I had one which had a good body but we just could not get it to run right. Even had a Jag engine "expert" spend 3 days on it and still couldn't get it right.
[/qu

mattman said:

Just be careful - I used to sell these beasts and while they are a lot of car for the money, they equally swallow money as quick as you can earn it.
My key thing to check would be to make sure it runs properly as they are a pain to get setup right, if it runs like a dog you could be in for some serious trouble. I had one which had a good body but we just could not get it to run right. Even had a Jag engine "expert" spend 3 days on it and still couldn't get it right.

Strange that - the engines are so simple to set up except the electric choke can be a bd and many people have swapped to HD8 carbs and a manual choke to sort the problem out. The main thing with these cars is to ensure that the body is in good condition, and start by looking at the inner wings and the rear suspension mounting points as well as the sills. Come to think of it, under the rear window (water leaks through the sill into the parcel shelf) in fact - everywhere. I've driven a couple and one is instantly amazed at the sheer bulk of them but one soon gets used to that. The price though is over the top by a long way. If I had a pound (or a dollar come to that) for every sucker who wanted to get his money back on a part retored car I'd be a rich man. Just look here for a comparison:-

http://www.classiccarsforsale.co.uk/view-classic-c...

I see you are in Australia and perhaps things are different there to the last time I was over about seven years back, but since this car needs chrome (not cheap) and a repaint (expensive) and isn't the most sought after car then I reckon about half that at the outside would still be top dollar. A friend in the UK bought a rust free 420G, one owner, just fettling to do and paid $AUS 10,000 for it.

Lovely car, shame about the price.