Buyer’s Guide — Jaguar XJ6
What to know before buying a Jaguar XJ6.
Overview
The Jaguar XJ6 Series I was produced from 1968 to 1973, designed by Sir William Lyons as the ultimate expression of the Jaguar saloon car. Available with 2.8 or 4.2 litre versions of the legendary XK twin-cam six-cylinder engine. Widely regarded as one of the most beautiful saloon cars ever made, the XJ6 combined luxury, performance, and refinement in a package that rivalled cars costing twice the price.
What to Look For — Body & Chassis
| Monocoque | The XJ6 is a unibody and serious structural rust is the biggest threat. Check inner and outer sills — the car has four sills per side and all can corrode. |
| Front Subframe | Check mounting points and the subframe itself for corrosion. This carries the engine and front suspension. |
| Rear Subframe | The independent rear suspension is mounted on a subframe — check all mounting points for cracks and corrosion. |
| Floors | Check all floor sections from both sides. The front floors rot around the pedal box area. |
| Windscreen Frame | Rust around the windscreen aperture is common and difficult to repair properly. |
| Doors & Bottoms | Lower door skins corrode. Check door bottom edges and also the door shut faces. |
What to Look For — Mechanical
| Engine | The 4.2 XK engine is the better choice — more torque and better parts availability. Check oil pressure (40+ psi driving) and listen for timing chain rattle. The 2.8 suffers from overheating issues. |
| Gearbox | Most are automatic (Borg-Warner). Check for smooth shifts and no slipping. Manual with overdrive is rare and desirable. Late cars got the GM400 auto which is stronger. |
| Cooling | Critical — XJ6s run hot. The 2.8 is particularly prone to overheating. Check radiator, thermostat, water pump, and all hoses. An electric fan conversion is highly recommended. |
| Brakes | Four-wheel discs with twin-circuit servo. Excellent when working but check for seized calipers, worn discs, and servo function. |
| Power Steering | Check for leaks at the pump, rack, and hoses. Heavy steering at idle indicates low fluid or a failing pump. |
| Electrical | Lucas electrics need attention. Check all lights, gauges, windows, and climate controls. Rewiring may have been done — check the quality of the work. |
Parts Availability
Good — specialists like SNG Barratt, David Manners, Welsh Enterprises, and Coventry Auto Components carry comprehensive stocks. Most mechanical parts are readily available. Body panels can be harder to source for early Series I cars. Trim parts and chrome are available but expensive.
What a Good One Should Feel Like
The XJ6 should feel like a magic carpet — the ride quality is legendary. The engine should be smooth and quiet, pulling effortlessly. The cabin should be hushed at cruising speed. Steering should be light and precise. The car should feel substantial and planted, wafting over road imperfections. It is one of the finest-riding cars ever made and a good one proves it immediately.
Price Guide (Approximate, 2026)
| Project / Needs Work | $8,000 – $18,000 |
| Good Driver | $22,000 – $40,000 |
| Excellent / Restored | $45,000 – $75,000 |
| Manual with Overdrive | Significant premium — 30%+ over equivalent automatic |
4.2 litre cars are more desirable than 2.8. Series I is considered the most attractive. Condition is everything — a poor one will cost more to restore than it will ever be worth.