Jaguar/Daimler Xj6, Xj12 & Sovereign

Australian Classic Cars, April 2008Review by Patrick QuinnAustralian magazineCirculation: unknownIf you are on the lookout for a specific classic car, you can find yourself bewildered by the amount of information available. For some marques, there are books galore to read and also the advice that members of clubs happily provide. It can be confusing and sometimes it’s useful to have a reference source that cuts to the chase. That’s why I like this smaller format ‘Essential Buyer’s Guides’ from Veloce.This month I had a close look at two new editions and, as a past owner, I was especially interested in the XJ6 guide. Each follows a similar format containing information on what it’s like to live with the model in question, values, differing models and using the car in modern times. Each book divides the crucial inspection into two. First, the 15-minute evaluation that tells you whether to investigate further or to just walk away and second, a lengthy and thorough inspection in which you go over everything. It’s clear that I bought my XJ6 with my heart and not my head. Each book then moves on to how you should buy the car, whether to restore or not, problems from lack of use and finally where to find parts and what clubs to join. Very useful little books, they make essential buying for owners, would be or otherwise. The Automobile, February 2008Another in Veloce’s useful ‘Essential Buyer’s Guide’ series, this covers all Jaguar, Daimler and Daimler Vanden Plas models of Series 1, 2 and 3 over the period 1968-1992. None of the models look dated, even now, and they can still provide comfortable modern transport, even if they are a little thirstier than newer cars. The guide takes you through all aspects from first thoughts to a look at any restoration that might lie ahead. The cover price will only be a very small proportion of what you are paying, so the booklet is a good investment.

Peter Crespin is the author of two E-type books and has many years of experience working on his own Jaguars, which include classic and modern cars and a 1974 Series 2 Daimler used as a daily driver. A frequent contributor to various technical internet forums, Peter has four decades’ experience of building and occasionally racing classic bikes and working on classic cars from his well-equipped workshop. A medical writer by profession, he turns his analytical talents to the task of sorting through the three series, four engine sizes and three body styles of the XJ Jaguars sold from 1968 to 1992.