To me, the series 1 XJ6 is the one to have. That being said, I’m glad you love your car. It’s a cool car and I hope you enjoy it for many years to come.
I bought a 1991 Daimler XJ40 some years ago and had to sell as I ran out of places to park it. The fish tank headlights look much better than the quad headlamps imo. Keep an eye on the hoses, fan belt & fan. Loved driving it, mine used to glide around. Was always an event taking it out.
I agree I love the XJ40 and it's finally getting the recognition it deserves. Also Lloyd vehicle Consulting and Matt from Furious driving were up for reviewing an XJ40.
As a decade-plus previous owner and well-traveled `88 XJ40 and the owner of two 6.0 V12's I can say they are very reliable. Many electrical issues are caused by unseen galvanic corrosion on the main ground cable to the frame.
These last of the line Xj40s are a world away from the pre 1991 cars. My father knew one of the engineers that Ford brought in to analyse the Xj40 when they bought Jaguar - to put it mildy they were frankly appalled at some of the inconsistent engineering - they immediately set about making major and crucial changes to the car to improve its ease of build and reliability which ultimately resulted in the Xj300. Its definitely worth giving this car the extra love and tlc - beneath some of its weathered patina lies a very sound car. A well kept Xj40 is a lovely car to enjoy and cherish and an increasingly rare one at that - I can see why you have fallen for its charms.
XJ40 is the most reliable jag ever made. Mine 89,000 miles never left broken down. Keep it clean and the engine bay, check hoses, oil return hose crack. Tune up and drive often short rides for good seals. I recommend Dura Lube in USA it really works. my last car had 400,000 on the same engine. Get a used cpu for back up, down the road. Clunking or bad ride in back are rear shock bushings. Common after 30 years.
I love the XJ40. I remember when it was launched. It was a square-jawed, quite buth looking version of the XJ. The rear lights have always been cool; how they're smoked and so you don't get the amber/red/clear patches. I also love the XJ S1, S2, S3, X300, X350 & X351. I have an E39 M5... so I don't get the (good) fuel consumption but it is worth 3x what I paid for it now !
I've had a 3.2 x300 sport and now I have a 4.0 x300 Sovereign and I get more mpg out of the 4.0, she moves when you want it too, not so much 0-60 but overtaking is easy when put into sports mode also the AJ16 engine is bullet proof.
My '94 XJ40 is a left hand drive US spec. When the door lock started acting up, I replaced the front right (passenger) actuator. Fixed the problem. I bought a pair of five wire, universal ones for about $11. The rear actuators have also been replaced with two wire universal units. So the only orig. actuator is the left front one.
I had a 93 from 2008 to 2011 replaced power steering, completely overhauled the suspension, tidied up the interior, gave it new brakes, serviced it every 5,000 kms, drove it just over 100,000 kms in that time, was about to repair faded doco then unfotunately 2nd pot blew. It really was a nice car and I would have continued to maintain it , but I needed a reliable car for work. So I bought an S type and that was a total disaster costing over 20 grand in repairs over 5 years. In hindsight I should have replaced the engine of the 40 but having bought another car it proved too much. Now years later I would love to buy a daimler version preferably a 94 but here in Australia they are few and far between. Hope to see more of your videos doing up the sovereign I was stunned to hear you say you bought yours for 6 hundred pounds the cheapest I have seen a sovereign in Australia that is in reasonable nick is $6,000 but most are still well over $10,000 and currently there is a 90 sovereign with low mlieage for sale for $45,000 - too much cheers R
The least looking curvacious shaped xj6 made. However it is actually a better balanced and harmonious design than the Italian modified series 3, as the square headlights match the square tail lights and square bumpers. I was lucky to be around when the very first XJ6 (series 1) was released back in the late 60's and even luckier to have owned one in the early 70's. It was really out of this world. William Lyons the founder of Jaguar had a brown series one himself and did not swap it for the series 3 when released. As he said in a 1972 interview. It was the best car he ever made.
Good on ya for not selling the xj40 they are a real nice car have a 89 xj40 good on fuel for such a big car people always come up to you and talk about it love how they drive on the road and handle for a big car so cheap to buy at the moment but will think they will go up in value one day.
Beautiful cars !!! . They just put you into a different world when driving !!! . The design was never as perfect as the XJ series 111 .... or the XJS ..... but they still outweigh the SUV's on sale today !!! ... (apart from the Dacia Dusters as they're the best of the bad bunch) . But just look at the design of the driver's seat - pure comfort !!!
Replace yellow radiator fan It cracks and may explode. ALL xj40's need it. Important for safety. Look for crackss where the blades meet the hub, but all need upgraded.
They were lovely cars that unfortunately had a tendency to dissolve when showed a pippete of water. You have a good one there unlike the XJ40 that HubNut bought. Any progress on Annie the Alpine? I am rather fond of them as I learnt to drive on my Dad's Beige Solara Minx. There literally are only a handful left in the UK, a much underrated car.
Mine's been protected with axle grease & always had proper welding done before my ownership. As for Annie, the rebuild is done & I've paid the first £800, just need the other £1300 now
Just watched this and really enjoyed it. I purchased a 1990 XJ40 Daimler last September. I'm currently using it as my daily driver, but at the same time trying to eliminate a limp mode issue which is quite annoying. I'm based in Walsall so only 10-20 minutes away from Cannock Chase and often go there. If you're on Facebook or Instagram I'd love to have a chat 👍
Grey, I would strongly suggest getting a lapel microphone to do your videos with. The background noise even when you are driving in the car makes it difficult to clearly make out everything you are saying. BTW, I own several of these XJ40 cars (and one XJ81) and I agree they are excellent classic cars.
…hey, Grey…. …totally agreed that the XJ40 represents one of the best values in Classic Cardom…and a quantum leap above your Fiesta, Fifi… …but do us all a favor…either adjust your headrest to its lowest position, or forgo the stylish hat…I was just waiting for it to flip off your head into the back seat…major distraction from your presentation… …looking forward to your presenting other comments concerning tenders for the “best value in classic cars”…for there are quite a number of them…😮🧢⁉️
Thanks for the comment! I have the headrest high & angled towards my head as a precaution in an accident. In that position you're less likely to sustain whiplash (or at the very least, that's what I've heard) & me losing the hat? That's a tough call, I'm very conscious about blinding people behind me with my developing bald spot & most people wouldn't recognise me in my personal life if I went without it. Plus that hat has sentimental value, being gifted to me by my departed best friend
Sorry but as soon as they put those horrendous big Volvo looking headlight on the XJ40 they ruined the Jaguar brand,luckily they realized there mistake and quickly went back to the trade mark quads lights of the XJ.
It's not about selling Judith but whether Judith feels she would benefit from a new enthusiastic custodian. If that becomes the case for Judith let me know I'm sure we can come to an adoption arrangement that Judith would be happy with.
I GAT THE SAIIM CA R CAN YODO A VIDIO AVAUT AII THE INSTRUMANTS . VAT MY IIN ON GO PAS 10 .MPH . THEY REPLAS THE CONBOTORS .AND THE WAEROS AND SPARK PLUGS.AND THE OIL. AND ITSTEL WONT GO OVOR 10 IS MY FRST J6 1992 .AND I LOVE IT .HALP
You must be kidding me! This is just about the ugliest Jaguar ever built. It always amazes me how Jaguar went from one of the best looking saloons they ever made, the Series III XJ6, to the very worst in one model change. Have to admit though, I might be a little biased. I once had a Series III XJ6 in Cobalt Blue that was stunning. It turned heads. I was always getting compliments.
It's probably generational. I'm 48 and the XJ40 was the car I grew up envying. My dad had an xjs for about 45 minutes before realizing he's too tall and that he had children who needed to sit in the back so he got rid of it. We currently own a '90 sovereign that my wife bought and I fully expected it to be a complete POS. I'm partial to old Volvos so I had no interest in her purchase. After a month I absolutely fell in love with it. AC is wonky, ABS needs an accumulator, its got the rust in the usual spots...but for some reason i dont care.
A classic? How is the XJ40 a classic? Series 3; the last proper Jag. That’s a classic. The ‘40 is just a cost cutting exercise to increase profit. Fact, not opinion.
Personally I disagree, everybody's interpretation of a classic is as unique as the individual. I love the XJ40 as it stands out from all other iterations of XJ. As for cost cutting, the series 3 XJ6 still carried an engine that was in production since the forties, rendering the car pretty much uncompetitive against other sports saloons of the era, the AJ6 engine was the only economical way of building an efficient & reliable power plant. Don't get me wrong, I love the original series cars but ultimately it's down to preference & for my particular requirements, an XJ40 is my preferred choice
@freepieanchipsgarage Even it’s straight six engine wasn’t as nice as the old XK in its predecessor. At least Ford recognised that it would probably be a good idea to put some curves back in with the X300. I remember being gutted as a young boy when the ‘40 came out and relieved at the arrival of the 300.
@freepieanchipsgarage There are even people that venture to call the X Type a classic; it simply isn’t and never ever will be. There’s a difference between a classic and something that’s just an old car. A classic is born while it’s still being produced, the prime example being the Series 3. That could not be said of the 40, and as for the X Type? That’s just a bad joke. Telling the truth is well and truly out of fashion sadly these days…
@freepieanchipsgarage I never owned a 40 but owned a manual 4.0 X300 for ten years. It was a fantastic car, but I ended up swapping it for a Manual TWR V12 Series 3. I currently run an ‘81 XJ12 Series 3, totally standard. There’s nothing like a good Series 3. Nothing.
To me, the series 1 XJ6 is the one to have. That being said, I’m glad you love your car. It’s a cool car and I hope you enjoy it for many years to come.
Thanks for such a positive & upbeat review. Great video.
I bought a 1991 Daimler XJ40 some years ago and had to sell as I ran out of places to park it. The fish tank headlights look much better than the quad headlamps imo. Keep an eye on the hoses, fan belt & fan. Loved driving it, mine used to glide around. Was always an event taking it out.
I agree I love the XJ40 and it's finally getting the recognition it deserves. Also Lloyd vehicle Consulting and Matt from Furious driving were up for reviewing an XJ40.
As a decade-plus previous owner and well-traveled `88 XJ40 and the owner of two 6.0 V12's I can say they are very reliable. Many electrical issues are caused by unseen galvanic corrosion on the main ground cable to the frame.
These last of the line Xj40s are a world away from the pre 1991 cars. My father knew one of the engineers that Ford brought in to analyse the Xj40 when they bought Jaguar - to put it mildy they were frankly appalled at some of the inconsistent engineering - they immediately set about making major and crucial changes to the car to improve its ease of build and reliability which ultimately resulted in the Xj300. Its definitely worth giving this car the extra love and tlc - beneath some of its weathered patina lies a very sound car. A well kept Xj40 is a lovely car to enjoy and cherish and an increasingly rare one at that - I can see why you have fallen for its charms.
Yes, later XJ40s were well sorted by then, as were the X300s with the same engines.
I am fully with you. I, drive a xj 81 majestic, 12 cyl, 6 liter.
@@flodurpups9846Question
How do you fix the main ground cable issue that other ppl noted
XJ40 is the most reliable jag ever made. Mine 89,000 miles never left broken down. Keep it clean and the engine bay, check hoses, oil return hose crack. Tune up and drive often short rides for good seals. I recommend Dura Lube in USA it really works. my last car had 400,000 on the same engine. Get a used cpu for back up, down the road. Clunking or bad ride in back are rear shock bushings. Common after 30 years.
I love the XJ40.
I remember when it was launched. It was a square-jawed, quite buth looking version of the XJ.
The rear lights have always been cool; how they're smoked and so you don't get the amber/red/clear patches.
I also love the XJ S1, S2, S3, X300, X350 & X351.
I have an E39 M5... so I don't get the (good) fuel consumption but it is worth 3x what I paid for it now !
I've had a 3.2 x300 sport and now I have a 4.0 x300 Sovereign and I get more mpg out of the 4.0, she moves when you want it too, not so much 0-60 but overtaking is easy when put into sports mode also the AJ16 engine is bullet proof.
My '94 XJ40 is a left hand drive US spec. When the door lock started acting up, I replaced the front right (passenger) actuator. Fixed the problem. I bought a pair of five wire, universal ones for about $11. The rear actuators have also been replaced with two wire universal units. So the only orig. actuator is the left front one.
I had a 93 from 2008 to 2011 replaced power steering, completely overhauled the suspension, tidied up the interior, gave it new brakes, serviced it every 5,000 kms, drove it just over 100,000 kms in that time, was about to repair faded doco then unfotunately 2nd pot blew. It really was a nice car and I would have continued to maintain it , but I needed a reliable car for work. So I bought an S type and that was a total disaster costing over 20 grand in repairs over 5 years. In hindsight I should have replaced the engine of the 40 but having bought another car it proved too much. Now years later I would love to buy a daimler version preferably a 94 but here in Australia they are few and far between. Hope to see more of your videos doing up the sovereign I was stunned to hear you say you bought yours for 6 hundred pounds the cheapest I have seen a sovereign in Australia that is in reasonable nick is $6,000 but most are still well over $10,000 and currently there is a 90 sovereign with low mlieage for sale for $45,000 - too much cheers R
I have an 89, 3.6 litre xj40, beautiful to drive and actually reliable, if you maintain, then they worth it
The least looking curvacious shaped xj6 made. However it is actually a better balanced and harmonious design than the Italian modified series 3, as the square headlights match the square tail lights and square bumpers. I was lucky to be around when the very first XJ6 (series 1) was released back in the late 60's and even luckier to have owned one in the early 70's. It was really out of this world. William Lyons the founder of Jaguar had a brown series one himself and did not swap it for the series 3 when released. As he said in a 1972 interview. It was the best car he ever made.
Good on ya for not selling the xj40 they are a real nice car have a 89 xj40 good on fuel for such a big car people always come up to you and talk about it love how they drive on the road and handle for a big car so cheap to buy at the moment but will think they will go up in value one day.
Beautiful car. What wheels are those?
Beautiful cars !!!
.
They just put you into a different world when driving !!!
.
The design was never as perfect as the XJ series 111 .... or the XJS ..... but they still outweigh the SUV's on sale today !!!
...
(apart from the Dacia Dusters as they're the best of the bad bunch)
.
But just look at the design of the driver's seat - pure comfort !!!
Replace yellow radiator fan It cracks and may explode. ALL xj40's need it. Important for safety. Look for crackss where the blades meet the hub, but all need upgraded.
thanks for the info. My car has a pair of black electric fans so I don't think that'll be a problem but again, thanks for that. Always useful to know
@@GreyTheFloydianSergal
I could re do the exterior roof for you. No charge. Love the video
Hi Grey, are you coming back soon? missed your videos and Annie the Alpine.
Great car thanks for sharing 👍
I remember a program year back when one guy and his wife went around the World in 80days with an XJ40
They were lovely cars that unfortunately had a tendency to dissolve when showed a pippete of water.
You have a good one there unlike the XJ40 that HubNut bought.
Any progress on Annie the Alpine? I am rather fond of them as I learnt to drive on my Dad's Beige Solara Minx. There literally are only a handful left in the UK, a much underrated car.
Mine's been protected with axle grease & always had proper welding done before my ownership. As for Annie, the rebuild is done & I've paid the first £800, just need the other £1300 now
@@GreyTheFloydianSergal crowdfund for it :)
@@riseandshine75 Afraid you're a bit late bud, Annie's back & has been in service since November but thanks for the suggestion
Just watched this and really enjoyed it. I purchased a 1990 XJ40 Daimler last September. I'm currently using it as my daily driver, but at the same time trying to eliminate a limp mode issue which is quite annoying. I'm based in Walsall so only 10-20 minutes away from Cannock Chase and often go there. If you're on Facebook or Instagram I'd love to have a chat 👍
The best!
how was this only 600?
Grey, I would strongly suggest getting a lapel microphone to do your videos with. The background noise even when you are driving in the car makes it difficult to clearly make out everything you are saying.
BTW, I own several of these XJ40 cars (and one XJ81) and I agree they are excellent classic cars.
I intend to get a proper lapel mic at some point. Currently, I just use the integrated mic from a pair of headphones
4:05 your face! .."stop talking to me I`m trying to film"
I love it...
Keep your hands on the steering wheel
Duly noted. Thank you
…hey, Grey….
…totally agreed that the XJ40 represents one of the best values in Classic Cardom…and a quantum leap above your Fiesta, Fifi…
…but do us all a favor…either adjust your headrest to its lowest position, or forgo the stylish hat…I was just waiting for it to flip off your head into the back seat…major distraction from your presentation…
…looking forward to your presenting other comments concerning tenders for the “best value in classic cars”…for there are quite a number of them…😮🧢⁉️
Thanks for the comment! I have the headrest high & angled towards my head as a precaution in an accident. In that position you're less likely to sustain whiplash (or at the very least, that's what I've heard) & me losing the hat? That's a tough call, I'm very conscious about blinding people behind me with my developing bald spot & most people wouldn't recognise me in my personal life if I went without it. Plus that hat has sentimental value, being gifted to me by my departed best friend
Sorry but as soon as they put those horrendous big Volvo looking headlight on the XJ40 they ruined the Jaguar brand,luckily they realized there mistake and quickly went back to the trade mark quads lights of the XJ.
ha! i know the ford where you parked getting "advice"! lol
It's not about selling Judith but whether Judith feels she would benefit from a new enthusiastic custodian. If that becomes the case for Judith let me know I'm sure we can come to an adoption arrangement that Judith would be happy with.
I GAT THE SAIIM CA R CAN YODO A VIDIO AVAUT AII THE INSTRUMANTS . VAT MY IIN ON GO PAS 10 .MPH . THEY REPLAS THE CONBOTORS .AND THE WAEROS AND SPARK PLUGS.AND THE OIL. AND ITSTEL WONT GO OVOR 10 IS MY FRST J6 1992 .AND I LOVE IT .HALP
The first Jag that’s not a proper Jag.
You must be kidding me! This is just about the ugliest Jaguar ever built. It always amazes me how Jaguar went from one of the best looking saloons they ever made, the Series III XJ6, to the very worst in one model change. Have to admit though, I might be a little biased. I once had a Series III XJ6 in Cobalt Blue that was stunning. It turned heads. I was always getting compliments.
It's probably generational. I'm 48 and the XJ40 was the car I grew up envying. My dad had an xjs for about 45 minutes before realizing he's too tall and that he had children who needed to sit in the back so he got rid of it.
We currently own a '90 sovereign that my wife bought and I fully expected it to be a complete POS. I'm partial to old Volvos so I had no interest in her purchase. After a month I absolutely fell in love with it. AC is wonky, ABS needs an accumulator, its got the rust in the usual spots...but for some reason i dont care.
A classic? How is the XJ40 a classic? Series 3; the last proper Jag. That’s a classic. The ‘40 is just a cost cutting exercise to increase profit. Fact, not opinion.
Personally I disagree, everybody's interpretation of a classic is as unique as the individual. I love the XJ40 as it stands out from all other iterations of XJ. As for cost cutting, the series 3 XJ6 still carried an engine that was in production since the forties, rendering the car pretty much uncompetitive against other sports saloons of the era, the AJ6 engine was the only economical way of building an efficient & reliable power plant. Don't get me wrong, I love the original series cars but ultimately it's down to preference & for my particular requirements, an XJ40 is my preferred choice
@freepieanchipsgarage Even it’s straight six engine wasn’t as nice as the old XK in its predecessor. At least Ford recognised that it would probably be a good idea to put some curves back in with the X300. I remember being gutted as a young boy when the ‘40 came out and relieved at the arrival of the 300.
@freepieanchipsgarage There are even people that venture to call the X Type a classic; it simply isn’t and never ever will be. There’s a difference between a classic and something that’s just an old car. A classic is born while it’s still being produced, the prime example being the Series 3. That could not be said of the 40, and as for the X Type? That’s just a bad joke. Telling the truth is well and truly out of fashion sadly these days…
@freepieanchipsgarage I never owned a 40 but owned a manual 4.0 X300 for ten years. It was a fantastic car, but I ended up swapping it for a Manual TWR V12 Series 3. I currently run an ‘81 XJ12 Series 3, totally standard. There’s nothing like a good Series 3. Nothing.
The Series III is just a gap filler.