1. Jaguar XJS V12 Manual Gearbox with Straight Pipes Exhaust, awesome noise!

[@nor0845]

I wouldn’t go overboard with the satin black, she looks good as she is and I have to say these cars get better looking as the years go by. Very nice.

[@DaveBears]

The black paint makes the car like it came straight out of a British gangster movie. Awesome

[@andypresland]

Like a junior Harrys Garage!

[@8000Christopher]

Thanks for that and you are quite correct. I have an '89 XJS V12, it's an automatic, and although it is a great cruising auto, I do wish it had a 5 speed manual.

[@davidbelcher6224]

I have an almost identical car but without the mods. Mine is a convertible but otherwise very similar. My xjs is a barn find in my own barn where I put her for 13 years after a fuel pump / rusty fuel tank problem. For the last 8 months she has been in one garage or another having repairs done. Finding a replacement fuel tank is currently the biggest problem. Many of my issues are similar to Jimbos which attracted me to his videos. I have a lot of similar detailing work to do when my car comes back from the shop so I would have liked more detail on exactly what he and others did to get the car looking so smart particularly paint work, engine bay clean and what he did with those chrome bumpers. That said, I have enjoyed this series.

[@Jamiexjs83]

I did this conversion to a 1983 red xjs. I wish I never sold it. I now own a black 1983 xjs I am planing on doing the conversion again. Great video looking forwards to the next one

[@rmyrie5963]

How does it handle, is it nimblish or does it have some body roll

[@christophermcelmoyl8753]

How much was the automatic to manual conversion??

[@Jamiexjs83]

@@christophermcelmoyl8753 I spent around 3 grand but that was 8 years ago. I noticed all the parts to do it now are very expensive. I believe it would cost double that now. I wouldn’t do it again, I would rather keep my Xjs as an auto and use that money to Purchase another classic car to have along side my Xjs

[@livingroomguitarist7]

I feel black is the best color for this car. It has some great fender and hood lines, just beautiful.

[@andylaws4247]

They are only unreliable when people don't keep on top of the maintenance and don't pay for essential servicing or for replacement items. The HE fuel injected system is very reliable.

[@Rassilon72]

You're dead right. Any car that is neglected will eventually let you down. I thinks the XJS has pretty bullet proof mechanicals...so long as you look after it.

[@illinoisvisuals]

@@Rassilon72 I'd say they're pretty bulletproof mechanically, I've heard it said that the bottom end of the engine can actually take 900 horsepower stock

[@livingroomguitarist7]

If you can keep the engine heat from frying everything underneath they are very reliable.

[@MarriedToTheKGB]

I've always wanted one. To me they are the most beautiful car i've ever seen. One day, one day......

[@AsinineComment]

😮🤯 Is it the huge overhangs? Do you swoon over the awkward mush of harsh angular lines, and attempted softness of sweeping and curved features?

[@baldilocks1914]

@@AsinineComment says the guy who probably drives a Prius 😂🤣😂

[@haroldgodwinson832]

Jaguar did produce a number of 5 speed manual XJS cars, (maybe 1500 or so) but most were powered by the Advanced Jaguar (straight) 6 engine in either 3.6 or 4.0L. These were the true XJS sports variants. As quick as the V12s (but with lower top end) but hundreds of pounds lighter so with much better handling; and almost economical.

[@keithfrmcov]

I cannot wait to get my 1987 New Zealand Import XJS V12 on the road. Finger Crossed. I will have on the road in February 2021.

[@rossilake218]

Hi, I have an 89xjs class coll conv. Your spot on about the car mate! Had to say that. Mine has 66k miles, have been restoring it for years. Kirby’s book is the Bible for the XJS here in the (Chicago)states. I want to do a 5 or 6 speed conversion. I,m looking for the pedal box.

[@geoffclarke8934]

Great car. I've always quite like the looks of the XJS but have never been tempted to buy a V12 partly due to the rather soft suspension but mostly due to Jaguar only offering a 3 speed auto. As you say, Jaguar could have offered a slightly sportier version with a manual gearbox and a firmer suspension and it would have proved very popular I'm sure.

[@markstevens2993]

I'm pretty certain Jaguar did offer a 4-speed manual gearbox at launch and for a few years after. However, there was next to no take up of the manual so it was dropped. It was, by all accounts, a pretty slow and clunky gear shift.

[@deanstevenson6527]

352 manual XJ-Ss were produced before the option was withdrawn in 1979. That's why XJ-S Jags raced with homologation manual gearboxes. Harry Mundy had an updated LT77 design on the boards, but cash strapped BL instead used the Moss based all synchro 4 speed, and there wasn't the strength for the overdrive to be added. 3 years of manual V12 production was not insignificant when Jaguar was selling 5000 executive Sport coupe's a year, but it was just 7% of yearly production that was 93% GM THM 400 or Borg Warner Model 12 automatic.

[@groovealate74]

It is NOT a noise.. It IS a SOUND... A VERY GOOD SOUND!👍🏻😁

[@kerryL]

This was weird for me to watch because it was done so well like a professional show/ reviewer, but there were no flashy transition animations or music and it was only one guy and the camera. Wonderful job and thoroughly entertaining

[@JimbosDriveway]

kerry L That is some really wonderful feedback and thank you so much for sharing it.

[@jjefferyworboys8138]

Excellent video James.

[@kennethrine8171]

Thank you for the video. I really in joyed it

[@theotendleeey]

Gorgeous car and simply perfect in that black paint. Thank you!

[@gekoexpeditions]

Well done. Would love to find a xj-s like this one. Not so easy to find in Switzerland... thanks for sharing.

[@johnreed3576]

Very little good XJ-S content on KZbin Interesting mods! Tempted to do the manual swap on my 1977 basket case. Great vid, keep em coming

[@JimbosDriveway]

john reed thanks John, much appreciated. As it happens I’ve just finished another video today and will be live tomorrow at 15:30 GMT

[@johnreed3576]

Great news! Beats waiting for project Binky vids!

[@chriscomparescars4416]

Great content, pretty funny too 🤣 Nice to hear some positives running an XJS. Would love to own one, not many manuals over here in Aus unfortunately

[@mikedugan8320]

Thoroughly enjoyed this. Keep 'em coming! Thanks.

[@TheChrisParkhouse]

Really enjoyed this video, James. I think it’s a great time to buy an XJS. It’s the 30yr turn from undesirable to cool. My dad had two in the 90s and it is THE car of my childhood. As I approach 40 I think it’s time! Please let me know if you ever intend to sell!

[@JimbosDriveway]

Chris Parkhouse Thanks Chris, they are creeping up in desirability and value, for sure, but are very much a car that can be enjoyed still. Don’t hold your breath to buy mine, this one’s a keeper 🥰

[@SS-uq6wv]

@@JimbosDriveway do you still own the car?👀

[@T0mrse]

Great vid James along with a cameo appearance from AP!

[@johnviano4584]

Enjoyed the video. Looking forward to seeing more of your journey with the XJS. Best regards, John

[@katemellor7522]

Great video from Bobby☺️

[@biroldjoshan3745]

Sounds absolutely awesome

[@garybarnes3746]

Great video - beautiful car.

[@leedoak2274]

I have done this conversion on two XJSs and it is fantastic, word of warning though if you intend to rev it the rear main rope seal will fail and leak oil...unless you are lucky enough to have the later facelift engine.

[@JimbosDriveway]

Lee Doak good to know, I will expect a puddle 🙈

[@leedoak2274]

@@JimbosDriveway Just an excuse to upgrade to the 6.0 😉

[@AndrewBarry65]

I rebuilt my engine completely in '96. No oil leak from that rope seal, which I remember sizing very carefully. Only 10,000 miles since. I intend to do the manual box conversion soon. Do you think I could have problems with that seal? I think it is possible to convert to the 6l seal. thanks

[@leedoak2274]

So far as I am aware there was no conversion from the rope seal to the later rubber type, but I can say for certain that as soon as you start using the revs (which is the purpose of the conversion) the seal will leak, they overheat. Theres a detailed account of this in Allen Scott's book on the TWR XJS and it's early development. If you haven't got this book, it's a must read. Don't let it put you off, a change in diff ratio to the 3.6 and a manual conversion makes the V12 XJS an animal.

[@AndrewBarry65]

@@leedoak2274 I really want my car to be low RPM on cruising for trips between the UK and Italy, rather than a track day car. So I was planning on sticking with the standard 2.89 (is it?)

[@richardjohnson3463]

Great way to start!

[@MrVaghag]

Beautiful car and great video!

[@bigcontour3222]

Like the car Jimbo. Very tidy. I have an 82 V12 XJS with exactly your specs as above for the last 20 years. But my stainless exhaust has a small steel box on the back normally used on track cars. this produces a deeper note than a pure stainless exhaust and I think a bit louder. The manual box is great fun but it needs care on the roundabouts. Easy to spin the tyres up from a standing start.

[@bobBob-yg9br]

Love this car 👌🏻

[@TheBishMan]

Lovely Jaaaagggg, that V12 purr 😍

[@SS-uq6wv]

I honestly think black is the best colour for Jags. I miss my black XJ8 - they're so rare to find!

[@stevestone4346]

Good luck with your channel. Nice motor that! Enjoyable video.

[@zingyearth]

I'm buying a 79 xj-s and most people are asking me why. For the price of it, how beautiful the car looks, and that V12.

[@JimbosDriveway]

That's reason enough in by book!

[@annahopp]

Great video. More!

[@JimbosDriveway]

Andy S. as soon as it stops raining in the UK 😩🌧🌧

[@annahopp]

@@JimbosDriveway June?

[@paulfitzgerald7513]

Lovely motor mate. I’ve got a pre he with a manual conversion too, not many of us about.

[@JimbosDriveway]

Thanks 👍 Although it seems every time I see a post on one to the Facebook groups, someone else is chucking a manual box in one 😆

[@paulfitzgerald7513]

Jimbo's Driveway Got to be running out of getrag boxes soon though..

[@gregdubly8013]

Paul Fitzgerald I Fully agree

[@gregdubly8013]

Paul Fitzgerald One question: did you change your fans for full electric ones?

[@paulfitzgerald7513]

GREG DUBLY I’m still running it as normal, one electric, one mechanical. I recently changed the radiator to an aluminium one and found out that not only was the pipe that leads from the top of the radiator on the right hand side to the left bank blocked, there was also no belt driving the clutch driven fan yet it never overheated at all. With it all back in place it runs even cooler now, the only problem being that the radiator is slightly bigger than the original causing the bonnet not sit flat. I may put some extended bonnet pins in to lift the back end up slightly nearest the windscreen, it’ll let excessive heat out too..

[@kom2falcon]

Great car! There is another YTer called V12gents that has a great setup like this, you two should talk shop. Also thanks for pointing out the history misconception about it being the E Type replacement. That job SHOULD have gone to the glorious XJ13 which I felt would have been a natural evolution of the Jaguar sporting tradition as the E Type replaced the first super car of it's day the XK 120. Keep it on the road and the videos coming.

[@JimbosDriveway]

kom2falcon hey, thanks for the comments, I’ve seen your vids, and I think we have some similar mods. I really need to upgrade the intake as this is still stock and can hear the car needs more air! I also need to deal with various cosmetic issues too. For now the car is off of the road due to COVID-19, hopefully will be out again in the summer 😎

[@kom2falcon]

@@JimbosDriveway Your welcome for the comment but I'm just an old Jaguar enthusiast and wanted to introduce you to the V12Gents channel. Just trying to help network. I know he picked up a XJRS air intake and those big trumpet intakes to get more air and some cooler air as well. Stay safe for now and I'll look forward to future videos. The car show one was nice as well.

[@MickehPuppeh]

So there's a 5-speed manual conversion kit available? Welp, I might have to keep this car in mind after all! That's awesome!

[@Schlipperschlopper]

costs 20 grand

[@frankkemble2103]

Is the transmisson a Tremec? I have an old 5 speed from my truck ( Chev- small block SM465) ) and am wondering if I can make it work on y XJ12?. The GM400 is the tranny normally used for the small block trucks hence the reason I'm wondering if the manual would be a direct fit of if the Jag's GM 400 had an altered bell housingor if the bell housing unbolts? I understand also that the seal fails because the torque convertor distorts and vibrates at high revs and I'm wondering is the manual conversion might prevent this issue? great car and sounds good So many Jag here get V8's installed ( usually LS1) which is a tragedy.

[@JimbosDriveway]

I’ve seen various different transmissions fitted, I think the most common is the one I have, which is the Getrag 5 speed, which is used on the 3.6 XJS. You can buy a mounting kit to attach to the bell housing from Simply Performance in the UK (they ship Worldwide). As for the rear main oil seal, these should be changed whenever you can, but a big job.

[@johndavey72]

Hi James. It appears that no one's had the misfortune to drive the original XJS manual. I have and it was dreadful ! The later 5 speed has to be an improvement but that silky V12 was at it's best in Auto' form.Yours looks a very nice car . Coincidentally the XJS I drove was in factory black and l repainted it for a client. It was a 1979 model.

[@JimbosDriveway]

John Davey I’ve not driven a pre HE manual and only realised that they are in fact a three speed, with overdrive, recently. A different proposition entirely. I’ve heard of some more modern, auto gearboxes being fitted and that would be very interesting to experience.

[@johndavey72]

@@JimbosDriveway Hi . The Black '79 was a manual 4 speed with overdrive . But l forgot to mention l had a '78 Auto' . I called it the elastic band. Wish l still had it , they are becoming pretty valuable . Back in ' 95 l did a straight swap with my 1984 Vauxhall Cavalier !! Cheers .

[@christianmani1730]

Lovely car. I'd love to own a manual XJS. Btw, at 7:54 is that a McLaren entering the roundabout as you are exiting it? Planned or happenstance?

[@JimbosDriveway]

Complete coincidence!

[@CDN296]

I just checked Australian prices $40-60k for a xjs which is pretty good considering

[@fishtricker1]

Jaguar actually produced 300 manual V12 factory cars in the pre HE vehicles.

[@JimbosDriveway]

Yes, although these were carried over from the e-type production and 3 speed manual with overdrive.

[@jacobwidhalm1576]

I have an 83 XJS with an idle problem, it won't stay running for more than 30 seconds without my foot on the gas. Do you have any insight into that? It's a UK spec but I live in the US.

[@JimbosDriveway]

Jacob Widhalm I’m probably the last person you want to be taking mechanical advice from, my place is definitely behind the steering wheel. That said, I would hazard a guess that the air/fuel mix needs looking at.

[@01AnthraciteXJR]

Head over to the Jag-lovers forum there are some VERY knowledgable people there that will help you sort out your issue.

[@biroldjoshan3745]

The ultimate V12 xjs ...in manual ...very very nice car...by the way...they did 4 speed manual V12 xj s i..the series 1975 to 76 ...but not many ...just over a 100 I think...look after her mate

[@georgedoughly8682]

Very Beautiful Car 🤩

[@Celicarz11]

Lovely enhancements! So I really want to ask, what manual transmission was fitted to your XJ-S? And is that the only option to be fitted? Cheers!

[@JimbosDriveway]

Thank you, Charles. The gearbox I have is from the 3.6 XJS variant, which I believe is a Getrag 265. My car still retains the original LSD and final drive, which makes it great for touring but sacrifices some acceleration.

[@kljhkljhsdfgsadsdsds]

I'm about to do a full resto on mine. I'm in the UK. Did you take the cats off your exhaust? What are the MOT issues? I do want a bit more of that V12 noise out of mine!

[@JimbosDriveway]

This car never had cat's due to it's age. The new system removes the centre boxes and leaves the rears (although they are sport boxes so more free flowing). It's a good balance of not too loud all of the time with a glorious noise further up the rev range.

[@colinhoward74]

As far as I know , the last manual xjs's were in 1979 , still the D series engine (11.5 to 1) and single pulse injectors , unlike the Micheal May developed HE with 12.5 to 1 compression , looking at your under the bonnet pics , it does indeed look like a D series , unless your car had a conversion done , you bought an older car than the papers say . If it is a late D series , with its 4 speed gearbox , it is , as far as original xjs's go , the most rewarding to drive , a bit thirsty around town vs the HE , a good D series is becoming somewhat more valuable . If your car has a 5 speed manual , it is from the 3.6 , introduced in 1985/6 and is a Getrag box . That car then is definately a conversion .

[@ElHuaso89]

Gorgeous

[@astearn6546]

How much work have you had to do since you bought it, about a year ago now?

[@JimbosDriveway]

Not loads to date, but keep watching as there's a storm brewing... Jagenomics was never going to last!

[@mattbod]

Is the manual conversion easy to do? I don’t know why Jag did not offer it officially in later cars.

[@JimbosDriveway]

I suppose it depends what you class as easy, ha ha! For an experienced mechanic with the right equipment, not super hard but very labour intensive. I bought the car with the conversion already done. The previous owner had done it as a DIY project. To get it done at a garage would probably cost the best part of £8-10K.

[@mattbod]

@@JimbosDriveway Ouch I guess if I get one it will have to be the auto! No idea why a lot of people don’t like the XJ S but I think it is far nicer than the bloated 2+2 E Type V12. I guess very expensive petrol and 10 mpg makes them affordable. A neighbour when I was a had a 3.6 manual and that was a lovely motor.

[@drcharlestennant8658]

Lovely car I have a 1986 XJS HE V12 but your exhaust sounds sublime and it seems to go great as a manual - I’m guessing it was converted to manual from the 3 speed auto?

[@JimbosDriveway]

That's right. It was all carried out by the previous owner to a very high standard. It transforms the car. I love it!

[@joshuabell6476]

Seems like a daft question, but what sort of fuel consumption domyou get out of her? My father has a 1986 automatic and we get about 14MPG around town and 20-22MPG on the motorway. That being said, we have had her up to the giddy heights of 26MPG once whilst cruising at between 55 and 60. Not bad for a 40'year old 5.3 litre automatic. Excellent video by the way. Best of luck with your channel.

[@JimbosDriveway]

Joshua Bell thanks for the words of support. It’s a hobby project I’ve wanted to have a go at for a while. I’m glad people seem to think it’s okay 😊 regards the fuel economy, I’ve not even worked it out. Partly because I only use the car occasionally, so just stick in some juice and enjoy driving it until it’s gone, 😬 What I will say is, the manual is much less thirsty than the auto. I had one a few years ago and it was definitely drank more, by a fair margin. This is down to the long gearing of the final drive though, which is from the original drivetrain. At some point I hope to change the diff for one with a shorty final drive, so I can use more of the rev-range, even though this will kill the ‘reasonable’ fuel economy.

[@sumporfuk]

You should be in the 30 mpg range if your foot isn’t in it - highway of course

[@phil955i]

As you say a Marmite car in the looks department but the quad headlamps go some way to improving that. The manual 'box & fruity exhaust would change my mind to ownership. Nice car.

[@user-xt5qb2yr6x]

What boots you wearing in this video?? Cheers

[@JimbosDriveway]

A Timberland, soft ankle boot in grey, most likely. Don’t know the exact name of them!

[@chrismaley895]

Jimbo, straight pipe. Does this affect the ECU?

[@JimbosDriveway]

No, I don’t think so. Mine has had the uprated ECU installed, which allows you to adjust the fuel/air ratio. Another job to get done see if it is all setup properly, as I’m sure there’s room for improvement!

[@chuckbradley1]

E Type is hugely overated. The XJS is a unique and timeless design.

[@brandonwatson8218]

Would you recommend an xjs in good shape with low miles for a daily? I would have an emergency backup with the wife’s car but wouldn’t want to be out of commission for too long. I do all my own work on all my are btw and have basic mechanical skills

[@JimbosDriveway]

There are simply so many factors to consider to this and many will have their own, contrasting opinions, I’m sure! Ultimately, you can do it or not, it just comes down to whether you can afford it? Workout a budget for your monthly fuel usage, based on around 15-18mpg, insurance, road tax and if you’re making a loan repayment specifically for the car. Then, take that figure and add it again for your ongoing maintenance budget. Be prepared that some months you’ll have some bigger bills as old cars need more care and parts can be expensive, even if you are saving on the labour. If the total monthly cost comes out more than you’d be prepared or able to afford, lease a base spec Kia and be done with it.

[@unregistredhypercam]

No. I own a v12 and there's no way i'd daily it unless I really had to. They are thirsty and are a total pig in tight spaces. Turning circle is a complete joke and it can be hard to see at junctions because you sit so far back from the nose. Besides, It's nice to save driving it for special occasions. Basic mechanical skills will get you most of the way, but there's a lot of complexity. The wiring system for example consists of several ECUs scattered all throughout the car, instead of the modern, centralised way of doing things. Access to components is often an issue. Internally the engines are good but keep a constant eye on the cooling and ignition systems. If you need to use it often, make sure you get a series 3 car. They are dramatically better built than the earlier ones. The straight 6 is probably a better choice than the V12 too in that case, as it's much cheaper and easier to service. The V12 takes 10 litres of oil and 20 of coolant, demands regular changes, has 12 spark plugs, countless coolant hoses, 2 thermostats and air filters, ATF and filter, and drinks fuel like it's getting paid for it. It also has the worst ignition system ever designed.

[@joshuabell6476]

Absolutely. My father has been using one daily for quite a while now and the only issues we have had have come from it having only covered 300 miles per year whilst in the hards of the previous owner. Cracking car.

[@Jman45624]

How much was the manual conversion?

[@JimbosDriveway]

I bought the car with it already done, but I believe it stood the last owner for about £8k all-in

[@gregdubly8013]

Really Excellent video mate!! I also have a manual conversion. But I am facing over run issues when I am a bit heavy on the right pedal... How did you manage this issue? did you update your ECU cutting fuel or any other trick? Thanks a lot in advance? Greg

[@gregdubly8013]

And By the way, do you have electric fans conversion? looks like yes. just to be sure... what brand did you choose?

[@JimbosDriveway]

My car is running an AJ6 engineering enhanced ECU and it all seems to run really well. I’m pretty useless as a mechanic, so it probably could be tuned a little better, which is a job for another day. It’s not got the electric fan conversion but am seriously considering this too! Next video I will go into more detail about what’s on the car and what I plan to do. Thanks for the comments, much appreciated.

[@paulfitzgerald7513]

GREG DUBLY Have you still got the over run valves on the front end of the intake manifolds?

[@gregdubly8013]

Paul Fitzgerald Hi, at this stage yes! I do still have them. I have finally not changed my ecu after the manual conversion. My issue came from the fact the manual transmission is moving the engin slightly up. And in speed, the throttle tower, was touching the bonnet... the given effect was pretty scary... it took a bit of time to find this to be the real root cause of my issues... But now that this is fixed, I can say that my car runs really really strong. It is a joy to drive it fast! It respond very very well! It is not really clear to me, what the overrun valves cancellation brings? I am more than opened for clarification and discussions about this topic if anybody knows.

[@paulfitzgerald7513]

GREG DUBLY Hi Greg. The overrun valves were for the auto box to keep the revs higher when braking, something to do with preventing the engine stalling. The manual doesn’t have that problem apparently. This was what I was led to believe anyway, I remember reading it somewhere. Mine have been removed and blanking plates fitted and I don’t have any problems with it. Keep enjoying your car, it makes for an exciting drive.

[@christophermcelmoyl8753]

How can I find a manual in the US?

[@JimbosDriveway]

Buy one then speak to a company over here called Simply Performance. They can ship a complete kit to do the conversion. 😁

[@joshuabell6476]

Also, could we have an in depth video on exactly what has been done to the car? What EcU has been used, what gearbox (if you know), who did the manual conversion, and any other little bits and pieces. Cheers

[@JimbosDriveway]

Coming 1st July! A more in depth look around the car and work to be carried out 😁

[@EdAb]

I may have missed it, but which manual transmission is in this car? Was it purchased new, or was it scavenged from another car?

[@JimbosDriveway]

Yuk Tuk the gearbox is taken from a 3.6 XJS and the conversion was carried out by the previous owner.

[@stringer-ik1pc]

They did have a manual option. But it didn't sell. Back in 1978.

[@rjk69]

I believe the clutch was so heavy it wasn't a nice experience. I had a '78 auto and it would have needed more than just a manual gearbox to have been a drivers car. The suspension was too soft and the tyres were selected for ride rather than performance. I really liked mine but just had to accept its relaxed driving style.

[@ChloesamsophiaMarcus]

Can we see if the coin on the engine trick actually works?

[@JimbosDriveway]

Pikachu yes, it does and I’ll get it on camera some day!

[@AsinineComment]

This channel really is like Harry's Garage. He took years to get his audio sorted, his son's camera/lighting skills were often rubbish, and Harry still waffles in most of his vids.

[@JimbosDriveway]

Thanks for you comments. Part of the appeal of Harry's Garage is the sometimes sketchy filming, lighting and sound. He's really inspired me to make the channel, as my focus is on the shared passion people have for their cars, rather than big budget production. Really glad you're enjoying the channel.

[@calparnell5020]

4:38 you’re welcome

[@smackhead]

For anyone who cares (since he mentioned the Walkinshaw XJS in Australian touring car racing) here is an in car lap... it gobbles up the other cars from BMW, Volvo, Toyota, Ford, Holden and the rest. I miss this style of racing where cars were *way* less modified from street than they are today. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mWbNpZluaMp-fdU

[@JimbosDriveway]

Thanks for adding this link. Great vid!

[@lewis72]

5:45 Jaguar did sell this as a manual when first launched, It didn't sell well. [Edit: Changed "did" for "didn't"]

[@JimbosDriveway]

Lewis72 yes they did in the pre-HE era, however this was a 3 speed with 4th as overdrive. I think it’s a shame it wasn’t available later in production as a factory 5 speed.

[@lewis72]

@@JimbosDriveway You're right; it is a shame it wasn’t available as a factory 5 speed. However, I worked at Jaguar Cars as a development engineer in the late '90s onwards. The manual-option six-cylinder XJR had just gone out of production and I heard mentioned that there was no business case for a manual Jaguar V8 and the manual straight-six XJ was a very slow seller. The 3.6 & 4.0 AJ6-engined XJ-S was available as a manual but I don't know how well it sold.

[@JimbosDriveway]

Lewis72 I think it’s fair to say that the typical buyer of the time probably wasn’t after a jag to hoon about in and so they were probably right. Now it seems a lot of people are interested to see what untapped potential these cars really have. Nice to hear from someone with an inside track on these cars from when they were new!

[@haroldgodwinson832]

@@lewis72 I have one of the 3.6 AJ6 five speed manuals. I've had it for getting on for 20 years now. It is a wonderful thing to drive. The manual gearbox makes the car imo. I get that the XJ-S is essentially a GT car rather than a 'sports car' but the inherent handling qualities of the car, when mated to a manual 'box', make it very capable on tight twisty roads.

[@lewis72]

@@haroldgodwinson832 Yes, I think the manual 3.6 makes the XJ-S much more useable. Driving across the UK or even in mainland Europe becomes far less wallet busting. Even my E39 M5 managed 26mpg on a trip to France last year. A V12 XJ-S would be around 16mpg !

[@AsinineComment]

"Best value V12 for your money"? What about those who want value for their shovels, or collection of old CAR magazines?

[@AmericasChoice]

Easy on the revs when downshifting....valve springs...

[@Schlipperschlopper]

Sadly from 2030 on all combustion cars including classics will be banned from public streets in entire EU and Scandinavia :-( In Germany the Green Peoples Party gave order to shorten fuel supply from 2025 on by reducing all conventional fuel stations to only one state operated central gas station per city or county. Now they want to slow down all the gas station fuel pumps from 20 litre per minute to 2 litre per minute...From 2027 on in the EU certain car spare parts will be banned too....as exhaust systems, turbo chargers and even some engine and gearbox oils...California and New York will do the same from 2027 on.... So no investments should be done in oil burning cars any longer....They even created a new kind of crime here, called emissions and smoke crime.

[@frankielove31]

Those headlights are so wrong on that car

[@joeychaseable]

Can't hear you with my volume all the way up.

[@JimbosDriveway]

Stan Chase I think it’s fair to say I leaned a lot from my first ever attempt at shooting and editing video 😂

[@MickeyMishra]

If you EVER want to make this CAR Bullet Proof? Just rip out all the CHEAP BL Speced Parts, and Replace them with New. Go back to the OLD tried and TRUE simple parts that last for a lifetime. Get the GREASE out, and KEEP IN IN THE GARAGE that is FAR away from Critters.

[@hrcvf7505]

The audio quality is bad ... the mic is hitting something while you speak ..... you need to correct this asap!

[@JimbosDriveway]

I think it's fair to say I learned a lot at my first attempt at outdoor video. Hopefully resolved now as I have an external mic and wind-muff.

[@pod52ful]

Lots of talking, but nothing regarding the interior, exterior, or engine compartment. Disappointing video. Beautiful car. I’ve owned two.

[@maharishi9111]

👎🏻