jaguar 420 checklist..

[paul gee]

Hi all, am scratching a 40 year itch by seeking another 420, my last one was in '75 ! I still remember many of the pitfalls that give grief, but wonder how ownership is in the New Millenium ? Do they still suffer frightening oil pressure readings with the oils around now ? I'm guessing we stay with a 20/50 ? I heard so often that cooling/thermostat issues caused the head gasket failures on the 4.2 motors (I owned several XJ 4.2 cars decades ago).. I'd love to learn that nowadays these problems have been overcome ? Seems that a terrific aftermarket exists though front wing panels sound pricey. The car I'm seeing this week is described as solid. I'm after an automatic, are rebuilds on the BW Model 8 pricey now ? I like fitting new dampers etc when I buy an old car, any preferences here ? Thanks in advance for any advice