1986 Jaguar XJ-6 Vanden Plas

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE 

Upon its introduction in 1968, the new Jaguar XJ-6 replaced all the sedans which preceded it. The signature 4.2-liter DOHC six-cylinder engine delivered 180 horsepower and was matched with anti-dive suspension, power rack-and-pinion steering, power disc brakes, and either an automatic or manual four-speed transmission with overdrive. Inside there were leather seats, walnut trim, and enough gauges for a small plane. 

Many believe the third-generation (1979-1986) Series III XJ-6 represented the finest combination of classic styling, modern performance, and old-world comfort. The new XJ-6 maintained visual ties to its predecessors, but it was styled by Italy's Carrozzeria Pininfarina, marking the first time that a Jaguar was not an in-house design. 

The upscale Vanden Plas variant arrived in 1982 and remained through the end of the third generation. The package offered special metallic paint colors, leather seats, and burl walnut-trimmed dash, console, and door panels. And the rear compartment swapped a bench seat for two individually sculpted buckets separated by a fold-down center armrest. The car oozed luxury and class when new, and it still does. 

Highlights 

• A three-owner example 

• Garage kept for 34 years 

• Finished in Silver Sand Thermoplastic paint over Doeskin leather interior 

• Powered by a 4.2-liter DOHC six-cylinder engine rated at 180 horsepower and 219 lb-ft of torque 

• Special Vanden Plas features from the factory included: 

  • Leather bucket seats, front and back 

  • Pulldown arm rest and reading lamps in rear 

  • Burl walnut-trimmed dash, console, and door panels 

  • Automatic climate control system 

  • Advanced audio setup 

  • Automatic power antenna 

  • Power sunroof 

  • Additional metallic paint options 

• Rebuilt GM TH-350 three-speed automatic transmission installed in 2016 by a marque specialist (It is an invisible replacement, which required no changes to the factory shift lever layout) 

• Cylinder head replaced by a marque specialist, along with a complete valve job, in 2016 

• A/C temperature amplifier module, a known failure item and no longer available, has been replaced by a manual control using a method prescribed by the Jaguar Clubs of North America 

• The chassis number (SAJAY1348GC445209) decodes as: 

  • S – Europe 

  • A – UK 

  • J – Jaguar 

  • A – XJ-6 

  • Y – Passive restraint system 

  • 1 – 4-door sedan SWB 

  • 3 – 4.2 liter engine 

  • 4 – Automatic transmission, left-hand steering  

  • 8 – Check digit 

  • G – 1986 model year 

  • C – Brown’s Lane (UK) assembly plant 

  • 445209 – Series III production number  

Features 

• Rear-wheel drive, four-door sedan 

• Seats five 

• Air conditioning 

• Leather-wrapped steering wheel 

• Upgraded instrument panel (over previous year) 

• Pioneer AM/FM/CD stereo with auxiliary outlet 

• Center console 

• Mirror on glovebox flap 

• Storage pockets behind front seats 

• 15 inch Jaguar wheels 

• Pirelli P215/70 R15 98T M+S tires 

• Quad headlights 

Known Imperfections 

• Car was damaged in 2016 while in the shop for a transmission swap, resulting in a new windshield and a repaint of the hood, roof, and portions of the front doors 

• Minor scratches/scuffs on wheels 

• Small dent in windshield trim (driver’s side) 

• Paint has some accumulated rock chips/scratches that have been touched up 

• Minor coolant leak somewhere at the back of the engine (From the consigner: “We have lived with it for years by monitoring the coolant level and adding as necessary. No indication of coolant in the oil, and no white smoke from the exhaust.”) 

Included 

• Spare tire 

• Jack 

• Owner’s manual 

• Maintenance book 

• Jaguar Series III handbook 

• Receipts 

Ownership History 

According to the accompanying CARFAX Vehicle History Report that begins on 16 January 1992, as well as documents and personal knowledge shared by the current owner, this 1986 Jaguar XJ-6 Vanden Plas was purchased new on 6 March 1986 in Tamarac, Florida (near Boca Raton). Six years later, in March 1992, the car was used as a trade-in on the purchase of a new Cadillac. The current owner says, "The second owners (friends of ours) were on vacation in Florida and saw the car across the street in a car lot. They fell in love with it and bought it. We have been in the same car club for many years, so we saw the Jaguar at club events and knew it was pampered and properly stored when not in use.” The consigners bought the car from their friends on 13 November 2006, and it still resides in Minnesota, where it continues to be maintained and garaged and has never seen snow. “We haven’t used it a lot in the past couple of years, due to it being garaged 20 minutes away from our house, and we feel that it’s time for someone else to enjoy it.”