Chris Harris on Cars: I bought an XJ-S 3.6 manual because I love pain.

The 3.6 manual was the best XJ-S to drive, by miles. For this reason, and the fact that recent resto-mods were a bit extreme for my conservative taste, I am going to embark on a process of improvement that leaves me with a very competent and fast car - one that retains the standard styling that I like more and more. In this film we examine the condition of the car. A huge thank you to Classic Engine Workshop, and William Heynes. And my school pal Graham, who has a lovely voice.

[@Lentlebeanify]

When the world needed him most, he came back. Pure and simple. The influencer we all needed!!!!!!!!!

[@xslytitanx]

All he needs now is to start advertising some scam product and he's completed influencing

[@PoopDeckSwabber]

That’s a weird comment. He’s not going to F you.

[@dronevader1541]

But not the one we deserve!

[@jordanridgeway4601]

Get ready for a Chris Harris crypto alt coin 😂

[@spewp]

Is that why he was on Rogan? To influence his love of Nazis?

[@theessexracer]

Please keep this up Chris… loving having you back!

[@dylanparry5712]

Hear hear!

[@Assyl.Yacine]

I second that

[@afroaliens]

and also don`t grow up

[@Team33Team33]

I can remember when this man was slim and a good driver only a few years back. What has happened to him ?

[@BrendanEvan]

Chris could upload an hour of this kind of content every day and I wouldn’t miss a moment. Cheers to his son for being willing to participate in the family business as well.

[@milesmacnz]

Good camerawork, that lad.

[@themodernclassiccarco]

Pleasure dealing with you Chris. We are delighted you and the guys agree it's a decent solid example and that you're happy with the purchase. We are looking forward to seeing your plans coming together with it and we wish you and the guys many happy years of motoring with it! All the best for 2025! Stephen & Mark.. The Modern Classic Car Co, Scotland.

[@123Jokkmokk123]

Chris Harris has officially started his journey to 'Old Man' by buying a Grandfather's Clock! A drop or two of oil-leakage underneath as you'd exepect from a ol'Jag. Headliner that sag & sway like a motel showercurtain. But in all seriousness, for £9,000, you've done good, lad!

[@blackdoublezero]

more Argos Carriage Clock..... ;) the national trust badge has to stay

[@nathandrake6531]

Thanks for coming back chris. This is the way forward

[@johnkodera9926]

Car hero doing hero things. In a time of out-of-touch restomods and hypercars, it’s good to see this.

[@Winston.S.1984]

Amen!

[@jaromirr7720]

Oh my word. My grandfather had one of these, exact same spec. It's the sole reason I became a car nut. Looking forward to more.

[@tptrsn]

Chris Harris on Cars has always been some of my favorite content, and this project promises to be phenomenal too! Thanks Chris!! :)

[@robertlevasseur6843]

Chris, please carry on with the channel. Your videos are so compelling.

[@a9503128]

Passed the lift test, the front and the back of the car went up at the same time. It’s perfect

[@RichardMorrow-t8c]

My old man had one, a 3.6 auto in light blue, he would approve. I took it to Maccies 5 up with the lads back in the day. Burnouts ahoy too. The old man never knew bless him

[@MrTitaniumBG]

I quite like the wooden beams holding the roof lining up, reminds me of an old cottage. Suits it well.

[@robbell4339]

Should have painted them black for the full faux-Tudor effect 😂

[@surgecaliber]

He literally bought the car I have future plans with I’m definitely keeping this video in my archives folder

[@NRoss-ep6ow]

Excellent..a good restoration series has worked a treat for Mr Metcalfe so I'm looking forward to the Harris version.

[@1258-Eckhart]

That Metcalfe XJC is a concours candidate and an extreme work of art. By the sound of it, this XJS will get a bodyshell makeover, a tidier interior and a bigger engine and will serve as a communal hack maybe even for track use.

[@peterbradburn9115]

Appreciate that TWR resromod might be for some people, but all that body pack stuff just seemed a massive disservice to the old girl. This looks like exactly the kind of job I wanted to see 👍

[@EvilEndz]

Glad I wasn't alone in how I felt about the TWR.

[@andrewwhalley1839]

It looked awful.

[@Samiamd663]

To be fair I Don’t even care for Jags, or even this model. But thoroughly loved this episode and can’t wait to see what happens. Absolute brilliant entertainment to watch as always !

[@RichardHarrold1991]

@@EvilEndz it was a tribute to what Lister did to them in Leatherhead back in the day. So broadly period-correct. Just not for everyone.

[@peterdaisleyworrall9458]

This is great stuff. I too am involved in such a project and have installed the AJ16 supercharged engine into an ' 88 manual XJ-S. The project is on going and a few problems need to be sorted but we´ll get there! As I am remote from the car, progress is slow so I will be watching with interest - and may even end up paying these chaps a visit! Good luck and well done.

[@totitu1812]

Graham a great guest would love to see him on again. Seriously knows his stuff

[@etherjoe505]

More Chris Harris on Cars !!! I remember the Autocar days with the brand-new E92 M3 Nurburgring run in the pouring rain. "Well I guess the limiter doesn't work then ..." Still one of my favorite vids on youtube. And the Veyron top speed run with the incredible-o-ometer. Epic ! Keep posting Chris !!!

[@bicyclist2]

Finding a manual XJS is like finding a needle in a hay stack. I've only ever seen one other one. This one needs a little love. I'm excited to see how this comes along. I hope that others are inspired by this build, and other people start resto-modding old Jag XJS's. The new TWR car is very nice, but it went way too far. Thank you.

[@robf5374]

I did a milder mod on an XJS last year. You don't need to go far to make them a wonderful drive. 1st and biggest improvement is the steering rack bushes. For a few £ it turns the steering from vague to sharpe with lots of feed back. Next was a TWR steering wheel which are smaller. Then 6 new shocks but don't go too stiff. Turn the bushes 90deg on the diff to chassis arms. So few understand how good the xjs really was in straight 6 guise. Wonderful cars and so capable at speed.

[@geoffreystearns1690]

I bought a '92 XJS-V12 and had the auto trans replaced with a Tremec 6-speed trans (by Keisler auto). The transplant was transformative. If you can find one of these, drive it before you say the 3.6/manual is the best experience.

[@FraxinusExelsior]

Few moments are more tense then the first look under an old car...

[@Koerdow]

That car with some firmer suspension, wider tires and a little supercharger whine is dream material.

[@TimShaw1]

I’m all about this. I want to do the same, but starting with a 94 4.0 auto convertible, BRG/tan of course.. I agree that the TWR is amazing but garish and the XJS realm deserves more than one subtle restomod alternative. I wish I was surrounded by the same crew.

[@ninja12lawbreaker]

The second car I ever bought was Jag XJ6, I loved it and was gonna be Jag forever until I was given a BMW 730 courtesay car one whole summer, I was susequently perverted to the German side, but still love jaguars, I look forward to the next installment Mr. Harris

[@julianlord2697]

I changed my XJS headliner in the summer. New shell cost 150 GBP delivered and took several hours. Put the seats back, open the doors, no need to take off the steering wheel. Hang the liner on the tabs behind the doors, offer up front and find the screw holes. There are side trims to recover and push back on. Hey presto, more headroom. One easy fix on an XJS. The drivers seat piping always goes, needs a trimmer and a few hours. But feel the quality of the hides, very comfy. I have the. xjRS 6.0 V12 with the same sort of power as a supercharged XJR, it is fine. The auto box suits the car, even though the Jaguarsport version, and I leave it in 2nd gear for fast roads, 3rd is for cruising.

[@Diesel27px]

Guess I’m back to watching every Chris video. No one has a passion, driving skills like Chris

[@davidthomas1424]

00:55" I went to school with him. He remembers me from when I was very little.. and a "bad influencer" 😊 Good choice of car. Looking forward to this series!

[@IS300Spartan]

Watching you play influencer is a joy Chris. Keep at it, you’ll storm the KZbin car world in no time !

[@LivingLifeSlower]

Erm...

[@triaxe-mmb]

Umm...he was the OG influencer before there was a name for it but he took that into journalism...

[@triaxe-mmb]

It's basically what guys like him, Doug Demuro, Matt Farah etc all did...they came in and just started doing things and broke into the journalism space as part of their YT careers and some of them left it

[@triaxe-mmb]

It's basically what guys like him, Doug Demuro, Matt Farah etc all did...they came in and just started doing things and broke into the journalism space as part of their YT careers and some of them left it

[@JustBadly]

Chris will redefine the phrase KZbin Influenza.

[@adamwynyard4065]

So good to have an “influencer “ that actually knows about cars and can drive !! You tube flooded with top gear wannabes, rich kids with super cars and used car dealers pretending to give a shit. Brilliant content from a brilliant and authentic automotive journalist 👍

[@dhdove]

Had 5 XJS’s back in the naughties. £9K for that? OMG how times have changed. Still should be a fun project, subscribed.

[@jay_behr]

What a great return to form, and a return to KZbin. You, sir, are still one of my very fave car people "in the world".

[@jamesslade554]

That oil leak has put underseal all over the floor pans. Very helpful! Gently marinaded.

[@krime2001]

Came to give your son his props, he's a bloody good cam op!

[@howardlake6178]

Am I alone in absolutely loving the colour combination? Well bought sir 👍

[@chrise2329]

Following with interest. For a car bought blind from Scotland I'd say that's a pretty good result! Loved the headlining.

[@russellmalone3532]

A supercharged xjs now there’s an idea. Love it. Cannot wait to see more

[@Jagggggg88]

Bought a 94 coupe 4.0 in BRG this summer, , i love it!

[@Zedsnotdead-w1h]

This looks awesome. The XJ-S is one of my dream cars from my childhood. I’m 46 now and twice have been so close to buying one and then bottled it. I did have a V12 for a short while but it was a £500 shitter and got moved on very quickly. A nicely sorted, modern XJ-S sounds utterly perfect. Watching this with interest.

[@johngarnham5772]

XJ-S, one wonderful cruiser. One of the best models Jaguar made. Cannot wait to see the result Chris. Good luck to all. It may throw up some little surprises but hey, well worth it, with that engine and gearbox. Jealous.

[@stevem-h3562]

I had a 94 one, last of the AJ6's, Moroccan Red, bought from Dave Clarke in Lewes. Took it to Italy and back, kept it for a couple of years and had to move it on as I had nowhere to keep it. It made friends wherever it went. I have a very soft spot for XJS's and would have another in a heartbeat.

[@southerndiy1]

My new favourite car channel. Can’t afford toys like these so I have to live vicariously through Mr Harris.

[@penman8985]

Great to have you back Chris. Such iconic cars these. Hope the restoration goes well, looks like it’s in capable hands. Simon

[@jamesstaggs4160]

Very nice. I've always loved these. My aunt had one back in the 80s and I thought it was just the coolest thing ever. I kinda wish everyone would stop praising them on KZbin until I can get one. Every time a car is talked about on KZbin someone raises the price because they think they have the next air cooled 911. They're starting to fall into those two categories, high miles and clapped out or restored. Getting tougher to find a decent driver for decent money.

[@tahirsaid6993]

This is so cool. There's an audience crying out for this and I'm so happy Mr Harris has obliged.

[@alexluke84]

Supercharged inline 6 in classic XJS huh what lovely combo 😎

[@Sinnistral]

Hats off to young master Harris for the camera work. Wonder if your purchase will do for xjs's what Harry's did for xjc's? 🚀

[@josephkelly4893]

Can not wait to see this one progress, the manual box just transforms these unbelievably, once that supercharged lump is in there it’s going to be a serious bit of gear, well done Chris, living the dream, thanks for taking us for a squiz

[@chrispig7748]

Always wanted a white XJS since watching the Saint many years ago, never forgotten it, had a big effect on me

[@Paulruk]

Had a 3.6 same year but an automatic about 30 years ago , was a dream car of mine. Gearbox failed on the way home from the dealer, total rebuild. Cost about £2k. I hope you have better luck. I sold mine after 6 months just couldn’t afford anything going wrong on it. Still the nicest car I’ve ever owned.

[@muckle8]

@paulruk I had a 3.6 auto ‘90 G reg , 88k on the clock when I bought it , had 116k when I sold her , never missed a beat , great GT cars and I loved the driving position , still miss her 20 years on.

[@Paulruk]

@@muckle8 mine was an F plate. Just had a very bitter sweet feeling driving it. Gave me a warm fuzzy feeling driving but with a nagging fear at the back of my mind something will break.

[@muckle8]

@paulruk I’d say that the Xmas were probably one of the most reliable and hardy modern jaguars , maybe you had a particularly bad example ? , what did you get afterwards?

[@muckle8]

#xjs not Xmas - bloody auto correct!

[@Paulruk]

@@muckle8 a mk1 ford focus 😀 just bought a flat, girlfriend moved in and the rest is history as they say. I hated that ford focus, i went on the glowing reviews. It was only 2 years old but was dull as dishwater.

[@skeelo69]

You are on the top of the curve Mr.Harris as the recent controversy has peaked the interest of Jaguars by the KZbin creator's 👍👍👍

[@jeremyfdavies]

...and now the bills start piling up! Wishing you all the very best as yes you're right, it can be a lovely car. Been there, done that, but in the end it´s always worth it.

[@tommatiushyk7878]

Thanks Chris! You reaffirmed my XJ-S purchase.

[@richardcarter1000]

Brilliant. Always loved the XJS. I'm with you on a more gentlemanly modified car. Can't wait

[@andybroer651]

AJ16 322 bhp 378 lbs/ft stock... lovely engine - proper Jaguar history too. Had one in my XJR and should have kept it.

[@J4cko999]

Nice to see the XJS getting some love these days, reckon this could be epic, it not being utterly rotten is a good and surprising start.

[@PYCCKNN86]

One of the coolest looking cars ever made. Dad’s friend had an xjs-he when I was little, and riding in it is one of my first car memories. Should give it a 🌈 wrap to bring a little modern jag into it. Maybe rig up some sort of glitter filled tank in the trunk that’s connected to the exhaust which blasts little glitter 💨 each time you hit the accelerator, lol. Seriously tho, I can’t wait to see how this turns out.

[@C64SX]

XJS is such a beautiful car. Good choice! Really nice colour combination as well. Cheers!

[@nicksmith4361]

When I was a Jaguar salesman my company cars were often XJS 3.6 Manuals which I thoroughly enjoyed. When I had my own company I ran an XJS V12 but the 3.6 manuals still hold good memories.

[@Haffschlappe]

A Handschriften 3.6 will outperform any 5.3 automatic v12 jag

[@jsquared1013]

​@@Haffschlappe that 3-speed autobox really is a boat anchor. A 5-speed swap really frees up the V12 and from what I am told really changes the character of the car (hence the long-term plan to manual swap mine)

[@micronaught]

Love the British inspecting mumbling when they all piled under the Jag, this will be a cool build.

[@caspar2155]

I'm looking forward to seeing this project evolve. I've always liked the XJ-S and have come close(ish) to buying one a couple of times, but never did. About 20 years ago Autocar did a "150MPH for £150" feature where they brought a V12 XJ-S with about 2 weeks MOT and TAX for £150 and took it to a track to see if they could get 150 MPH out of it, they didn't, the engine expired at about 110 MPH. They then tried to tow it round the track with an AMG Mercedes, but only got it up to 135ish, as I remember.

[@richardbrayshaw570]

Looking forward to seeing how this project pans out. I've got a soft spot for the XJ-S.

[@toyotawagons4584]

This is chuffing brilliant Harris! Genuinely excited to see the journey with this car. Really refreshing to see a resto mod with a proper English gentleman’s car & not the usual German. Love it🙌🏻

[@brendanhurst7308]

Nice engine choice had a ride many years ago in a brand new jag xjs saloon with they showfer who was an ex rally Driver! That engine wow what a lovely sound

[@edthered26]

The chunky knit jumper is superb

[@mattm9619]

XJS is just a great looking car.

[@trenchtown69]

My mother had a 12 cylinder automatic, and crash it of course. I think it is amazing you're doing a restomod; the TWR version is too fugly and too on the nose for my liking. You're going a different route and I appreciate your journey a lot more (I recon). Restomodding a small Japanese RWD car myself; will be keeping an eye on you and your jag!

[@ElvisKremmen]

Got to love a Harris project car, cant wait to hear that supercharger whine when its all done. Have a great New Year everyone.

[@SpinalSolutionsChiropractic]

Chris you are the man. Really fun to watch dudes who have enthusiasm and talent work together on cars. Appreciate your hard work.

[@MisterIm313]

Chris Harris is back baby!!! More of this please! Just what we need.

[@skyhigheagleer6]

My father owned the v12 coupe that was the Jaguar promo car, used on puzzles and all sorts. Sadly doesn’t own it anymore, however his bank balance is definitely not sad about the cost of changing those spark plugs every year!!!

[@marokiousb5247]

Tremendous amount of respect to you Mr Harris. Your concientious handling of your own struggles involving and the overall situation with Freddie. Wish you all the best! Good to see you doing this!

[@pampalazz]

Fully agree on the TWR Supercat. I know mechanically it’s awesome but looks wise to me it just looks like a car some KZbinr would build for Sema

[@Politica1unify]

He Vanished, now he’s back when we thought we had lost it. Thanks for the memories coming forward.

[@neeklaus]

props to your son on the camerawork. captured from an authentic and dare I say somewhat sardonic perspective!

[@quackyduck1499]

Loved the TWR trio that came to Bathurst in 1985. Two failed to finish, and Goss and Hahne won.

[@English_Speaking_Fox]

Really pleased to see this pop up in my feed. Life‘s been good to you Chris. Clearly! Will follow this project keenly.

[@benshimmin2114]

Great project Chris, it’s crying out for ice blasting to get rid of all that old underseal 😉

[@endlessrage4062]

Sweet, I had a feeling you’d get a Jaaaaaaaaaaag following the company’s shit the bed exercise… I, too, have had a hankering for an XJ for nostalgias sake. I’m now pretty convinced that prices in future will soar for good examples. Bravo!

[@Damo-and-friends]

1. Well done on the purchase 2. Well done on the show format 3. Well done 🙂

[@careycummings9999]

Yes! Supercharged straight 6! It should provide plenty of UUUMPH, without weighing that old sled down. I'm very excited to see this project through, well done Chris.

[@JelloTypeR]

You spelt ‘old shed’ incorrectly.

[@kentishman5698]

@@JelloTypeR you must be a nightmare to live with.......

[@Temp-s7l]

Love the XJS

[@leeevernden]

Nice, you are joining an ever growing list of enthusiasts with a AJ16SC engine. Bags of torque available so the XJS should fly with one of those under the bonnet. Also, I thought exactly the same thing about the TWR, it’s great but too much for most people, and when you think about the ultimate straight six Jag it’s the AJ16SC so it’s the perfect place to start for something a lot more usable. Do consider mods to the supercharger, those Eaton gen3s aren’t that efficient but they can be tweaked to make them just as efficient as the later gen5s.

[@mattb4353]

Looking forward to this. I do hope the guys film some of the resto.

[@MrORLY]

My Dad had a 3.6 Auto many many moons ago. Honestly one of the nicest ways to cover a lot of ground. They're not a sports car by any sense of the word, but they handle surprisingly well for something so comfy. We're both well over 6ft and on the bulkier side, so getting in and out was a pain in the arse, but they are great once you're in. I can see a hot AJ6 XJS being a much better steer than a V12.

[@jsquared1013]

Some mild modifications to the V12 can result in similar output to a stock supercharged AJ16, but even with the supercharger kit the AJ16 does save a good bit of weight over the front axle. And of course, supercharged engines are generally easy to increase the power. At just under 6 ft, I don't have an issue getting in or out despite how low the car is, it's once I get inside that my hair rubs the headliner unless I recline the seat more than I'm used to in other sporty cars.

[@nicholaslopez7918]

Your son did a fab job of filming! Enjoyed the video and knowledge

[@rob989]

I've had two XJS 3.6s. One was the best car I've ever owned, the other was the worst. Good luck Chris!

[@simonjohnson1]

I had one of these. It was lovely but then I had the later XJS 4.0 celebration convertible and that was my favourite. The engine sound with the hood down was perfection. It did get a lot of admiring glances in the summer with the hood down and children in the back seats.

[@irsever]

Love the project, love the video, love the sweater. The factory undercoating and effluency of the motor have done well in preserving the chassis.

[@johngalt7818]

All your weekends are now spoken for.

[@Lot76CARS]

Top Gears loss is definitely our gain, having met Chris he just a total car guy to his bones and it shows. We’re glad to have you back on YT making great content like this!

[@shaunstrange1617]

Exciting project , love that your son is involved !

[@gurpratapsingh8059]

Nobody does it better! So happy that you are taking the KZbin crown back for yours - cant wait for this coming year and all the content you have planned

[@paintingclassiccars]

Great channel Chris. Love the relaxed, informal presentation. Genuine and relatable 👍

[@ashleybatt6667]

Was gutted when it all fail apart at top gear don’t get I wrong love the first three but also love Chris genuinely glad to see u doing your own thing now hope you all the success

[@CastleD2022]

Its a lovely thing the XJS

[@76sagman]

Thank the stars for Chris and his content. Keep it coming please!

[@1984rx7302]

Chris you are by far the best KZbin car guy out there! Please keep posting!

[@judykartadikaria2030]

I always loved the way an XJS look. The coupe one in particular