It is time to move on our current daily driver and start piling miles on another unsuspecting diesel hatchback. We bought this 2 keeper example on 16th May 2011 when it had covered 34,000 miles. There was one dealer stamp at this point at 15,187 miles and was immediately given a large service by us as the intervals are 20,000 miles or 2 years.

Since then it has been pressed into daily action scouring the country for classic cars, being completely reliable over the last 40,000 miles.  This is a VTR+ spec giving it the body kit, 17 inch alloy wheels, sports seats, cruise control, speed limiter, climate control, CD player, multi function steering wheel, electric windows and mirrors, as well as all of the safety features you would expect such ABS, airbags and traction control.  The body work is in fantastic condition with only a small mark on top of the rear bumper (made by a chrome bumper from a Jaguar Mk2) and some small kerb marks on the alloy wheels.

The interior is fresh and in first class order.  We have maintained it in our workshops so it comes with a full service history having recently had brakes and tyres done.  It is 10,000 miles from its next service and does not require a cam belt till 100k.  Dan has given her a thorough detail and she has 8 months MOT to run.  All in all a great daily driver that has plenty of poke and has even managed to return ‘heavy footed Stu’ 48 MPG.

First on the list is an annual oil and filter change along with a good check and possible replacement of the brake fluid and coolant. After this Jonny is going to adjust the drivers door which is difficult to close and fix the window winders.

Martin is fitting his new bathroom today so Jonny will also have to make the afternoon tea and get the biscuits from the corner shop. Glamorous life, isn’t it?

Standard Equipment

Power Assisted Steering, Electric Windows, Convertible Roof and Wing Mirrors, Automatic Transmission, Cruse Control, Chrome Wing Mirrors.

Additional Equipment

Solent Blue Metallic Paintwork with Doe Skin Leather and Walnut Interior Trim, On Board Computer, Heated Seats, Heated Rear Screen, Front Fog Lamps, Carpet Over Mats, Period Radio Cassette, Jaguar Alloy Wheels.

Model History

Built as a luxury grand tourer, rather than a sports car the Jaguar XJS was billed as the replacement for the legendary E-Type but it never shared its sporting heritage. The Mark I XJS was powered by a 5.3 litre V12 engine and was initially offered with a choice of manual or automatic transmission. There was criticism of styling, especially the ‘flying buttresses’ behind the rear window but the car’s image was aided by appearances in TV shows such as The New Avengers. This did help boost sales a little, although Jaguar dealers reported slow sales as the fuel crisis had coincided with the release of the XJS.

In 1981 Jaguar gave their 5.3 litre engine an over-haul improving fuel economy by nearly 50% and bringing more performance with it. These upgrades made the XJS the fastest automatic-transmission car in production with a top end of 168 MPH and 60 MPH arriving in just 5.7 seconds. 1983 saw Jaguar release a cabriolet XJS, using a new 3.6L Jaguar AJ6 engine. The Jaguar XJSC was purely a 2 seater and came with a removable, middle hard-top much like the Porsche Targa. Initially the Jaguar XJSC was a 6-cylinder car, however in 1985 Jaguar began offering the V12 for the XJSC.

1988 saw Jaguar introduce a fully convertible version in place of the previous Targa style roof before the XJS was significantly re-engineered in 1991 which are referred to as “facelift” models. The rear side windows appeared enlarged (although the body glass aperture was actually the same size as the earlier car), and the buttresses stayed, as designer Geoff Lawson argued that they were part of the car’s character. The car received a new 4-litre version of the AJ6. In 1992 a 4-litre convertible was added to the range. The V12′s capacity was enlarged to 6 litres in May 1993 and at the same time the car benefited from a revision to the rear brakes, they were now fitted with outboard rear disc brakes, instead of the more complicated inboard items on previous models.

In April 1994 substantial revisions were made to the 4-litre AJ6 engine which became the 4-litre AJ16 with coil on plug ignition being amongst the most noticeable of the changes. In 1995, the final specification changes were made and the car was referred to as the Celebration model to celebrate the 60th year of the Jaguar company. Celebration cars are easily identifiable by the diamond turned wheels, Jaguar embossed seats and distinctive wooden steering wheel. These latest cars are the most desirable of all the later XJSs, especially the convertibles. The 6-litre V12 had all but disappeared by this time and was only available during the last year of production by special order.

Exterior

This is a very genuine XJS V12. During our time we have been to see plenty of XJS’s and as a general rule you are nearly always disappointed. Not in this case! It is simply one of the most original and best kept examples we have ever come across. The previous owners have kept the car in professional storage and this shows when the car is put up on the ramps and checked through. The underside is in fantastic condition with no visible structural rust on the floor pan or panels, and we have not found any evidence of previous repairs and the paint work is in fantastic condition with out any dents or scratches to spoil the looks.

Wheels, Tyres and Brakes

The car is fitted with its original equipment lattice spoke 15 inch alloy wheels with Pirelli P6000 (235/60/R15). These are pretty much unmarked and the tyres are in fantastic condition with over 6mm of tread. Inspecting the car it is clear to see that the brakes have all been recently overhauled with new friction parts and they stop this big car very quickly and effectively.

Engine and Transmission

The 5.3 litre High Efficiency engine is in fantastic condition as you would expect from a car with such low mileage and such a comprehensive main dealer service history. She fires quickly, without any blue smoke from cold and settling down to an even idle as the V12 warms through. Under load the engine is smooth and feels like it is putting out all of the circa 300 BHP it left the factory with. The three speed gearbox changes nicely with a quick kick down as you bury your foot in the carpet. The cruise control is also in working order.

Interior

One of the ways that you know a car has had genuine low mileage is to look hard at the interior. Where as it is relatively easy to ‘tart up’ tired paint work getting an interior as prone to ware as a 90′s Jaguar is almost impossible. The interior on this car is stunning with pretty much untouched leather, carpets and headlining. The interior gauges and electric’s work as they should and the hood is in fantastic condition. The electric hood goes up and down quickly and seems in good working order.

Road Test

These cars provide one of the finest ways to cover distance in total luxury. It is smooth, fast and capable of covering continents with great ease. If you are looking for a weekend car that will make you and your occupant feel like a million dollars when you turn up in a hotel car park miles from home, with all your baggage safely stowed in the boot. Look no further.

History File

This XJS was first registered on 1st August 1991 at Wadham Stringer in Southampton and has a complete Jaguar service history. It has been serviced at the following intervals:

12/02/1992 – 75 miles – First Service – Wadham Stringer (Southampton)
12/02/1992 – 221 miles – 15,000 Mile Service – Westover Jaguar Poole
27/06/1994 – 3762 miles – 22,500 Mile Service – Westover Jaguar Poole
08/06/1995 – 6411 miles – 30,000 Mile Service – Westover Jaguar Poole
30/05/1996 – 7765 miles – 37,500 Mile Service – Westover Jaguar Poole
13/05/1997 – 9354 miles – 45,000 Mile Service – Westover Jaguar Poole
11/05/1998 – 10147 miles – 52,000 Mile Service – Westover Jaguar Poole
05/05/1999 – 10897 miles – 15,000 Mile Service – Westover Jaguar Poole
24/07/2002 – 17796 miles – 67,500 Mile Service Dutton Forshaw Gosforth
21/07/2005 – 24,401 miles – 75,000 Mile Service HA Fox Cheltenham
14/04/2011 – 26,660 miles – 82,500 Mile Service HA Fox Cheltenham

There are also MOT’s from January 2008 in the history file and the car has a clear HPI. She shows 6 keepers on the log book, but we are told by the owner that 3 of those have been when the car has been shuffled between the company and personal use as well as a change within the family. The last keeper has had the vehicle since February 2005 keeping the car in professional storage for use on sunny days and holidays.

Whilst every effort has been made to check the accuracy of the information above, some errors in compiling the information may have occurred and we cannot accept liability for loss or damage arising from misleading information (other than for death or personal injury caused by our negligence or breach of duty). You are therefore strongly advised not to rely on the information provided in respect of vehicles, and to examine the vehicles and to check the accuracy of the information supplied before deciding to purchase a vehicle described below. Your statutory rights as a consumer are not affected by this statement.

Back from the bank holiday break and Martin and Jonny have spent this Tuesday morning taking the engine and gearbox out of a 911 3.2 Supersport so we can replace the clutch. Although this looks drastic, there isn’t too much to this job, just like a Beetle a Porsche engine can be removed in under 2 hours so the whole job should take about 5 to complete. With the engine and box on the floor we will split the two, fit the new clutch and get it all bolted back in time for tea. A quick inspection of the now empty engine bay shows that the structure of this example is in very good condition. Good news for the owner!!

Today we are cracking on with giving a Ferrari 308 GT4 a check over and a service. Our man is complaining of a number of minor ‘issues’ such as erratic electrics, hand brake that doesn’t work and door fit. Martin and Jonny will get on with working their magic!

We were lucky enough to get an invite to the Hagerty Drive it Day. We started at Silverstone after a much needed cupped and Bacon Roll and headed across the Northamptonshire countryside towards Donnington Park Circuit for lunch and a walk around the Museum.

The weather was pretty good and it stayed dry for all but the last half hour. It was great to see two Eclectic supplied cars (a 3.0 Carrera and a Rover P6) out enjoying the day as well as a Dart we have recently had in the workshop.

Our trusty stead was the Blue 2002 which was in its element blasting across the country lanes. Our thanks go to Angus Forsyth and his team for an excellent event. See you all next year!

Standard Equipment

This UK supplied Right Hand Drive VW Karmann Ghia Coupe is finished Orange and Black Paint with Black Vinyl Seats.

Additional Equipment

She is a stock standard Ghia – Not many of those left!

Model History

In the early 1950′s VW decided that their model range needed a bit of a lift. The Beetle and Type 2 Van were doing well, but there was a lack of sex appeal to the model range so they contracted Karmann, the German coach builders, to produce a 2+2 body for the mechanicals of the Type 1 Beetle. In turn Karmann contracted out the design of the car to Italian styling house Ghia who designed two bodies, a coupe and a convertible. The car was launched in 1955 and proved to be an instant success. With beautiful Italian styling, German build quality and of course those reliable Beetle under pinnings, proved to be a winning formula. The Karmann Ghia was never really a true sports car but it was a great looking coupe that could be run on a meagre budget which proved perfect for cash strapped and oil starved 1950′s Europe and America too.

As with other models, multiple changes were made to the Karmann Ghia throughout its lifetime. The most notable exterior changes came in 1961 including the car’s new wider, finned, front grilles, raised headlights relocation and rear tail light lenses which became taller and more rounded. Cars made from 1955 to 1959 are referred to as “lowlights” due to the lower placement of the headlights.
The Italian designer Sergio Sartorelli, designer of Type 34 or Razor Edge Ghia, took part in the various restyling of Type 14, until he went to work for Ghia. 1970 saw the introduction of larger tail lights integrating the reverse lights and larger wrap around turn signals in contrast to the earlier “bullet” style lights. In 1974, the Karmann Ghia was replaced by the Golf based Volkswagen Scirocco.

Exterior

This is a very original Karmann Ghia Coupe, recently awoken from 20 years of living in a barn the body work is in good condition. The paint has seen some cosmetic tidying over the years, but presents very well as does the chrome and other trim. We have had this car on our ramps quite a few times over the last couple of months to do various bits of mechanical work and the floor pan, suspension, front wheel well and bulkheads are all free from structural rust. Dan has been working away on the paint with his potions and ‘waffle pad’ and has made a beautiful job of bringing the paint back to life. It is currently sitting in the corner of our showroom radiating orange vibes around the place!

Wheels, Tyres and Brakes

The car is fitted with a set of standard 15 inch steel wheels with chrome hub caps and brand new Bridgestone 165/50 R15 tyres. The brakes recently had a full overhaul in our workshop including new discs, pads, drums, shoes, wheel cylinders, flexible pipes and calliper and master cylinder overhauls. The car pulls up quick and true and is ready for many more miles yet.

Engine and Transmission

The engine is a stock 1,584cc flat four cylinder engine which has had a massive overhaul service to get it in great running condition. It fires quickly with your foot buried in the carpet and a twist of the key. Over the last couple of months it hasn’t used any measurable amount of oil and does not seem to suffer from any leaks, which is unusual! The 4 speed transmission is slick and all the gears engage easily and the clutch is positive and light.

Interior

Once again it is all standard in here. The black vinyl seats are in good condition and the instruments work as they should. The carpets, door cards and headlining are also original and in good condition. There is plenty of room for a driver and passenger, but I am not sure who VW expected would sit in the back!

Road Test

The Karmann Ghia is an absolute joy to drive, whether keeping up with the other traffic at 70 MPH on the motor way or cruising down Kings Road it has to be one of the coolest motoring experiences. The steering is precise and light, thanks to the fact that the engine is hung out the back and there is plenty of power from the willing 1,600cc engine. We have covered about 500 local miles in the car whilst getting it prepared and it will make someone a perfect classic toy!

History File

Last year we bought a good number of ‘barn find cars’ from a family in Ireland. Sadly the Karmann Ghia is the last in the line having been a ‘sleeping project’ over the last few months. There is little early history but we have been through this car back to front and top to bottom. Martin and Jonny have replaced almost all of the rubber, friction and service parts, tuned the engine, changed all of the suspension bushes, fluids, tyres and wheels to get it running properly and reliably. Dan, Frankie and Mr Mumford have been responsible for cosmetic paint, detailing and re-chroming the bumpers and with a fresh MOT she is ready for a summer of VW festivals.

Whilst every effort has been made to check the accuracy of the information above, some errors in compiling the information may have occurred and we cannot accept liability for loss or damage arising from misleading information (other than for death or personal injury caused by our negligence or breach of duty). You are therefore strongly advised not to rely on the information provided in respect of vehicles, and to examine the vehicles and to check the accuracy of the information supplied before deciding to purchase a vehicle described below. Your statutory rights as a consumer are not affected by this statement.

Standard Equipment

Renaultsport Extended Front Wings, F1-style Front Blade and Rear Air Diffuser, Anti-Lock Braking System with EBD, Double Optic Headlamps, Driver Passenger Airbags, Electric Front Windows, Front Lateral Airbags, Height Adjustable Steering Wheel, Insurance Approved (Category 1) Alarm System and Immobiliser, R.A.I.D. (Renault Anti-Intrusion Device), Remote Control Central Door Locking, See Me Home Headlights, Single CD Player, Tyre Inflation Kit, 17″ Renaultsport Anthracite Alloy Wheels, Drilled Aluminium Pedals, Multi-Function Trip Computer, Red Painted Brake Callipers, Front ‘New Generation’ Headrests.

Additional Equipment

Metallic Black Paint work with Anthracite Recaro Seat Package, Cup Chassis Pack, Satellite Navigation, Cruise Control, Climate Control, Keyless Entry and Start.

Description

This is probably the ultimate spec Renaultsport Clio 200 finished in Metallic Black with Anthracite Black Recaro Cloth. These Cup chassis cars are usually fairly basic on the spec side but this car has had all of the option boxes ticked at time of order! Both the inside and outside are in excellent condition with nothing more than a few very minor stone chips on the front valances to distinguish this car from a brand new one. It has covered just over 22,800 miles with one owner.

History File

First registered on 25th March 2010 (10/10) it is a one owner vehicle and has two main agent service stamps. These are on:

19th March 2011 at 12096 miles

8th March 2012 at 21809 miles

Therefore the last service was done 1000 miles ago and it looks like it has had new front discs and pads at the same time!

Whilst every effort has been made to check the accuracy of the information above, some errors in compiling the information may have occurred and we cannot accept liability for loss or damage arising from misleading information (other than for death or personal injury caused by our negligence or breach of duty). You are therefore strongly advised not to rely on the information provided in respect of vehicles, and to examine the vehicles and to check the accuracy of the information supplied before deciding to purchase a vehicle described below. Your statutory rights as a consumer are not affected by this statement.