CHASING CARS
ENGINE 3442cc/6-cyl/DOHC POWER 210bhp@5500rpm TORQUE 216lb ft@3000rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 119mph 0-60MPH 13.9sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 15-20mpg TRANSMISSION RWD, four-sp manual MoT 12 months on sale ODOMETER 64,847 miles
ASKING £30,000 PRICE
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
It drives and rides smoothly although the right-skewed pedals and vast steering wheel won’t suit the long-legged. Gear selection is very slick on the Jaguar-designed ’box and there’s a healthy set of readings from the dashboard dials once the engine – which starts immediately on the key with a dab of throttle, the auto-choke working perfectly – is warm. Water temperature sits at 70 degrees and oil pressure at 50psi under load. There’s no play in the light, positive steering although there isn’t much feedback, either, though this is an inherent trait of the car, not a problem. The disc brakes pull the car up quickly with plenty of feedback through the pedal and no untoward noises.
BODYWORK CHECK
This Jaguar has led a sheltered life. It has spent much of its time on the Channel Island of Jersey, where there is no equivalent of the MoT test and as a result the 64k miles recorded on its odometer can’t be verified. However, with four owners from new, all Jersey-based, it’s perhaps more likely that it hasn’t not suffered hard use or uncaring ownership. The chromed brightwork, however, displays light pitting all-round so it’s not quite in keeping with the bodywork’s sleek sheen whose flawless finish is marred only by a row of small bubbles in the paint down the leading edge of the front passenger-side door and a couple of tiny scratches on the driver’s door. Of greater concern, the Vredestein tyres, while not yet perished, do seem to be getting on a bit and should probably be replaced.
HOW’S THE INTERIOR?
Modern Pioneer stereo head unit aside, the interior is like new, w
