Is this Jaguar XJ Coupe V12 manual the best sounding car in my garage? Maybe..

[@KiwiStag74]

Harry, I have tears of....I have no idea....rolling down my cheeks as I listen to that engine tell its story. That sound affects me on such a deep emotional level. A Lamborghini in the low revs has little to no pickup and the sound it makes until it's up around 4000rpm does not do the looks justice. The XJC in contrast has a low burble, then a growl that turns into a snarl and then a full-on scream of happiness - as if the engine loves being pushed hard. I got the impression that the 5.3 litre V12 would happily rev way past the red line and keep going until it exploded if you let it. I have not seen or heard another rev that quick, that beautifully or that audibly superb since three green XJSs attended a little race in Australia called the Bathurst 1000 in October of 1985....with a little-known (haha) Scotsman named Tom Walkinshaw taking the lead car out. For eight hours we got to hear them sing their V12 song and although they were each beset with the odd problem, they still finished first and third after the 1000 kilometre endurance took out many well-known and seasoned vehicles and drivers. That XJ12C of yours is not a race car, but she's no plodder either. She's a gentleman's cruiser that would happily respond to a poke on the throttle if the day, situation or one's mood demanded it. She's a sleeper in some ways - ready to take up any challenge when and where it is demanded. I cannot think of a better combination - a very sexy bodied pillarless coupe, painted in a modern colour that could easily have been a factory one, with period wheels and correct sized tyres being turned by a fuel-injected 300+ horsepower balanced V12 through a 5-speed manual gearbox and the soundtrack being delivered to you in stereo when all windows are down through a set of enlarged and tuned pipes. One could not ask for more..... To me, it just shows you what happens when money is put into the RIGHT sort of modifications or changes to how a car initially presents. Tasteful, solid-bodied and exactly what the doctor ordered. The wheels and tyres, steering wheel, number plate placement and everything else got my vote. Initially, I'd have loved to see her with a black vinyl roof, but that green roof just looks too good to cover. White leather interior eventually? Nah.....shows up the dirt too easy! Leave her as she is and just keep driving her......and take the camera along. You don't even need to say anything after the introduction......😊 I just wish I didn't live 13,000 miles away on the other hemisphere, where there is no way I will see this beauty in person.....or could ask you very nicely if you would take me for a run in it....pretty please?! It's made the decision for me as to my next classic when I sell my Stag though.......

[@harrysgarage]

Thanks for your fantastic comment. I'm so pleased it's not just me who is overjoyed with how this car turned out. As I hope I summeriesed at the end, it's actually quite a simple recipe we followed to change a regular Jaguar 3-speed auto XJC into this gentleman hooligan spec V12 manual coupe! I can't ever imagine selling this car for something else, as I can't think what could be better for the money. The Espada is perhaps more glamorous 4-seater Coupe but I don't think it drives as well as this XJ-C and the Ferrari 400i feels leaden in comparison. I just wish Jaguar had produced this car in this spec in the first place, rather than dropping it from the line-up and making the rubber-bumper XJS the hero car instead but then BL were in charge at that point, so it's easy to understand how it happened..

[@KiwiStag74]

​@@harrysgarage - My friend, you are so very welcome. I realise she cost you a heck of a lot to get her to how she is, but in so many ways, if I had the money I would have done the same......especially as so much was uncovered on the body after the commitment to other areas of her upgrade. Once you start down that road, it is so hard to stop, but I think you've well and truly got bang for your buck. That XJC is such a beautiful combination of all things - a family car, a sedate cruiser, something o give a bit of stick that will respond as desired and handle nothing like it looks, a showpiece in the centre of a classic car display - all are within her purview. Whatever reason you are out in the beast for, you know it is going to be enjoyable.....and that is hard to say for many NEW cars, let alone a 44-year-old BL Jaguar! As you say, what has been done is what BL would have been better off doing spec-wise for the XJ coupe.....and in a large way, the XJS also failed to deliver in that department as so few were manual from the factory....unlike the XKE....which may also explain why the XJS copped such flak for so long, while the XJC also remained largely a forgotten (or ignored) option. Had they dropped the XJS and concentrated on developing the XJC, it would certainly have rationalised the line-up somewhat at the time.....but would the successive owner(s) have carried it on through to the early 90s like they did the XJS and eventually thrown a manual box behind the AJ6? Who knows. The XJC remains a beautiful example of what could be achieved within the (then) current model designation.....but it has not been done since. It does make one wonder a little as to the rationale back in the day, but we cannot turn back the clock. All we CAN do is do our best to right the wrongs of that wayward era, truly recognise the potential of these vehicles and rebuild them how they were always meant to be. You have set a precedent with a very high benchmark, Harry.....but I will also enjoy every time you take us out in that beast All the best.

[@mariemccann5895]

Why do old men get emotional about car noises?

[@crampons2431]

@@mariemccann5895 Replace "old" with most.

[@mariemccann5895]

@@crampons2431 lol I suppose so, but not sure about the modern generation, cars a lot quieter now and people more socially aware.

[@davidrbrtsn]

Thank you for NOT switching out the wheels. You've modded this PERFECTLY. Enjoy!

[@michaelcrouch5708]

Yes, it seems to be almost the fashion to ruin a nice old car with hideous wheels.

[@lewbaldwin]

Yes!!!

[@MisAnnThorpe]

@@michaelcrouch5708 These are hideous wheels! Vintage Jaguars/Daimlers just don't look right with alloys, in my honest opinion.

[@nikolajsander1393]

@@MisAnnThorpe you do realise those are the original alloy rims?

[@mercoid]

@@MisAnnThorpe ….Even if you think the wheels are hideous, the fact that they are original means everything. They are true to the car’s history…, hideous or not. There is value enough in that. I happen to think they look fine.

[@TeamCGC98]

I don't think I've ever saw Harry this happy reving out that V12. Gorgeous car. Harry's got the best taste.

[@thebigpicture2032]

He’s positively giddy! 😀

[@clockwork9827]

​@@thebigpicture2032 it's great to see !

[@888ssss]

he wont be happy if he meets me as i will charge him with reckless driving.

[@timstott7845]

Possibly my favourite car in the stable, partly because it is almost attainable and I can see myself driving it, and partly because it is simply a superb rebuild! An unmitigated success! Well done Harry 😎

[@Gaudine]

Lotus elan is very affordable. Also just save up and buy a Testarossa easy

[@jeramiebradford1]

You saved me all that typing.

[@Hugh-TF]

Probably? Most definitely in my case! What an absolutely magnificent motor car!

[@SilentRacer911]

Yes, I completely agree. It sounds amazing Harry and it’s attainable. If my Bitcoin weren’t thrown away, I’d have one built as well. I’m very impressed with it overall!!!

[@lebojay]

I bought a V12 XJ-S last year for ~$15k USD and it’s very nice. Go get one!

[@ZGearbox_AT]

This is maybe one of the best Jag I've ever seen; and it's a proper Jag at that! Props for mantaining a period correct set of wheels, they look gorgeous!

[@peterblackmore7560]

Totally agree about keeping the wheels and rubber. The obsession large wheels and low profile tyres is stupid - harsh ride, especially on Sydney roads.

[@robertfish4052]

Its perfect for leaving a suave restaurant, without paying accompanied by someone elses wife. They don't make them like they used to.

[@robertfish4052]

Its a bloody torture not having one.

[@jahnemann]

I haven't been behind the wheel of my 77 xj coupe in 11 months and 3 weeks and this is helping hold me over. Thank you Harry.

[@matthewcurry425]

I too am just getting my 75 XJ6C back on the road after an engine rebuild and other updates. Can’t wait! It’s been in my care going on 20 years. Just came across Harry’s series on this 5.3C rebuild and it has kept me moving forward. A real pleasure.

[@WorldwideDarts]

My dad inherited one of these things from his friend that passed away. What a beast of a car!

[@MultiICR]

I love seeing how happy and excited Harry gets with the XJ Coupe

[@BenJamin-rt7ui]

He turned into Hooligan Harry.

[@Peter-MH]

The colour is what has really transformed this car! Looks absolutely incredible!

[@Gaudine]

I prefer it in brg

[@levelcrossing150]

@@Gaudine I normally go for originality and I particularly liked this car because it was originally registered local to me, but I have to say that Harry has made a beautiful job in making this car his own.

[@TwinCam]

I don't know why it's taken me eight months to watch this episode, but this car is dreamy! Despite their BL overlords, Jaguar design was simply spectacular in this period, and your car finally brings the XJ-C's potential to life. I adore it.

[@garethdesborough7960]

Tom Lenthall is brilliant, nobody knows Jag engines better. He did plenty of work on my aging XKR convertible a few years ago and was always cheerful and communicative about options as more and more horrors were uncovered!

[@Steve-rv1ql]

Harry is like a kid in a sweet shop, he does the stuff you always wanted to do yourself but never had the cash! Great great vid and a car who’s mods have been so perfectly judged to be a great drive and not a slave to trends, beautifully done.

[@shirleyboy8859]

"Kidd in a Sweetshop" that is a great channel as well......:-))

[@martinfisker7438]

And a massive thanks to Harry for sharing it all with us:)

[@mrdainase]

@@shirleyboy8859 Absolutely agree - I think Jodie should visit Harry as well as Iain Tyrell.

[@shirleyboy8859]

@@mrdainase I would like to see those videos... :-)))

[@bradford_shaun_murray]

3:53 the animal!

[@robsawalker]

Bigger wheels and tyres... no. No, no, no, no, no, no! You have totally made the right decision sticking with those fantastic alloys Harry! Sounds absolutely amazing

[@sharg0]

Rim and tire combo suits that car perfectly aesthetically wise in my opinion. An awesome car overall! And personally I love the character of short stroke engines.

[@anthonyfarnan5935]

Not sure about the fake spokes though…

[@grahamw56]

If I remember correctly, the original 205/70 tyres fitted to the XJ6 were specifically designed for that car (in the 1960s)... so enabling the low front wing line ?

[@bradford_shaun_murray]

14:07

[@paulroper8649]

Have watched most, if not all of Harry’s Videos.. have never heard him so exited 🤣 Like a kid with his favourite new toy especially that right hand sweep at about 10 minutes😎

[@chrishartley7275]

My late Mum had a XJ6 of this era which she loved, but that this one would have amazed her, lovely noise and handling, well done Harry

[@benpenagonzales6014]

When Harry’s laughing to himself you know he’s having fun 🤩

[@hamishyoung494]

Has to be said, and I am sure others will say the same, that this is a personal favourite on the channel. Sounds and looks amazing, what we see now is perhaps what it always should have been?! Top effort. Brilliant.

[@Fulloctanegarage]

A quintessential Jaguar… right there. Had no idea they could sound like that.

[@rudeboysw9]

My Grandad always had Jaaaags... I'm in Jag heaven listening to that car!!

[@InfiniteImprobabilityRacing]

The smile on Harry's face as he gives it some welly is a wonderful thing to see.

[@R8_Jake]

‘If I want a quicker car, I’ll buy a quicker car’ well, you actually own a fair few much quicker cars. You’re so humble and that’s why I so enjoy watching your videos 😄

[@UAPJedi]

Just watched the Interview with Johnny on the Late Brake Show. Brilliant.

[@ashleychambers7602]

Not only the best sounding car in the garage but probably the best ever sounding car you’ve ever reviewed

[@johnbowler8454]

...👍and best looking!!!

[@goaty1964]

@@johnbowler8454 - like Harry said, " it's in the sweet spot" - the trick is always "just enough". That goes for the set up, paint & finish, the engine, wheels & the whole thing.. wow

[@gritnltw]

Came here to decompress from Harry's presentation of the pink new jaGuar... just to check my favorite jaguar ever.

[@nickwilson8853]

Well, what a wonderful video. in the 80's and 90's I spend a fortune on buying XJC V12's - some in better conditions than others, Leyland motor cars didn't have the best reputation for build quality nor reliability when the XJC's (eventually) came to market. The optional extras were believe it or not velour seats, air conditioning (many problems), manual gearbox, and as stated Kent alloy wheels. All of my cars (Red or Carriage Brown !) needed a lot of work, and all had the obligatory vinyl roof (very 70's) The engine was rated at 330bhp, for the standard V12 3243 cc displacement, but of course due to the oversquare design, this could be massively increased if required up to something like 8 litre for marine applications ! The AJ6 manufactured kit split the manifolds open, installed 'equalising trumpets' to balance the airflow, then re-welded up the manifold, plus adding the additional air ram inlet pipes, but the modification I was aware of had one pipe going down to draw in cooler air. Bushings and springs etc definitely make a difference, and keeping the period tyres is completely correct, I never swapped out Kent alloys on my coupes, to keep the ride comfortable if you do a lot of miles, then a hard ride is well...'hard' I like the colour of this car, it's not British Racing Green, by the look of things, it seems to have a 'silver sheen' to it, but really nice, especially without the black vinyl roof ! One of the problems with the vinyl roofs were that they trapped moisture and made in some cases for a very rusty roof. One of the biggest technical issues was the back windows and the 'wiggly path' that they followed to raise and lower, caused the Leyland production team and Sir William Lyons some massive headaches with the design and to get the back windows to seal properly and calm down wind noise when moving. I remember the 'twin fuel tank' design had problems with relays, interconnecting fuel pipes and generally when they went wrong they were a pain. I miss my coupes, and 70's Jaguar XJS's, but they are so expensive to maintain and finding a good garage that deals with these period cars (unless you do a full restoration such as here) seems to be getting ever harder to find. Brilliant video, you don't see many of these on the road these days, more's the pity.

[@kasperkjrsgaard1447]

Yes 🤗 I just love the XJC 🥰 I know it may be a barge compared to a lot of the other marvels in Harry’s Garage, but it is my absolute favourite, and the very car that led me to Harry’s Garage back when it was blue and hadn’t been tinkered with. But to answer your question - if that was a question - yes, i think that it’s the best sounding car in your garage, and in total the coolest car in your collection too.

[@Retro-motoring]

What an absolutely fabulous car. They've always looked stunning but the XJCs look better than ever these days!

[@Gaudine]

XJS looks better

[@RRRRefuelRideRace]

Very classy look and unique styling. Details matter. Drop by mate.

[@julianrichards2175]

Can't remember Harry giggling whilst conducting a road test, what a sound.

[@weallfollowmanutd]

What an absolutely fantastic car. Perfect looking, perfect sounding and the colour is the best I've ever seen on this car. I would've never thought I'd say this, but of all the cars you have, with everything you've done to it, it's possibly my favourite. The car is so good, I watched this video again!

[@stevethomson9069]

That car was pretty special when it first appeared, now it’s just incredible. Great job .

[@mattquerio]

The sound is truly staggering. You'd never expect it to be so good. It is spot on, slight clap on upshift and all. Very properly specd build.

[@timvins]

To add to the sound, I don’t think I’ve seen a better engine bay, when you open the bonnet it’s just a thing of beauty 👍

[@stephenkayll5241]

The engine of Harry's Espada since Iain Tyrrell's rebuild looks pretty special.

[@MrGaryGG48]

It's very clean and orderly... as opposed to the late '80s XJS. I worked in a small shop for a couple of years that sold used Jaguars and a mix of other foreign cars. I drove that XJS several times and it ran "OK" but was down on power due to the inescapable smog crap it was burdened with. The first time I open the hood (bonnet!) I was so disappointed with the ancillary plumbing all over the top of the engine! Honestly, I could not see the plug wires for several minutes, they were buried so badly!! That mess on top of the engine reminded me of a large mass of spaghetti dumped there wet, and then the lid was mashed down and left until it all dried. It wasn't just Jaguar though. Most of the desirable cars of that time were choked with similar equipment that just ruined cars that were actually pretty good in some other markets. US/California cars suffered badly.

[@buggerall]

That engine is enormous. Mechanics used to make jokes about having to turn the car upside down to retrieve anything you dropped in the engine bay.

[@simono.sniper3214]

Sounds and looks fabulous, Harry. Great project. Just proves how the engine and transmission are the soul of the car. It clearly brings out the hooligan in you!

[@keymanmtj]

Boy, Harry, that's the best sounding Jaguar I've ever heard! I ran a Series 1 XJ6 (sable over black leather) in the '70s, and was duly infected by the Sirens of Coventry. I've always loved the coupes for their purity of line and more sporting appearance than the sedan, but I've read articles about problems with both their structural integrity and the V-12. Your build addresses these issues and the modifications you've made are both appropriate and tasteful. And your attention to detail is meticulous. Well done, sir! When I win the lottery, I'll be knocking on your door to pick your brain so I can build one for myself!

[@petermolloy992]

I’ve always loved the XJ-C, but the addition of the V12 and the subtle tuning mods makes this an amazing car. I was a teen when the XJ-C arrived and it’s still as attractive today as it was in the ‘70s When you accelerate, I’m immediately brought back to the sound of cars racing at Road Atlanta. Beautiful engine! I didn’t realize it was a short stroke engine!! I did own an XJ8 for a few years and enjoyed galloping around the SE states in the US, doing around 30k miles a year. It was also a mighty car, but the seat and my back couldn’t get along, so sadly I had to part with it. Jaguar had so many amazing cars in the era (e-type, mark II, mark IV) I’m glad I was alive to see them in their hay day!

[@8arcbal]

Definitely one of the best if not the best test drive in the history of youtube. All the credit to Harry and the dazzlingly beautiful Jaguar.👍

[@robinfoster7597]

Hey Harry, I think you've built probably the best XJC in the world! Your spec is perfect! Quality 70-series tryes are great, low profilers don't know what they're missing. I had a 635 CSI with 195/70/14 VR tryes and you could throw that around like a mk2 escort - the close ratio dog leg box was mega in that too - but very heavy on fuel! Seeing and hearing your giggle as it took off is priceless - brings back geat memories! Thanks for a great show and the Jag, she sounds great!

[@AJSpinDrift]

A thing of absolute beauty. I love how much of the car is original, yet the performance and handling has been brought right up to date. Sure there are faster modern saloons, but nothing that has the looks, character and charm or the XJC. Nice work Harry.

[@bobbycard7785]

the best XJC ive ever seen, absolutely stunning. That noise is just unreal, the range, it really is a thing of beauty!

[@ozeskiman]

One word describes this car..fabulous. well done, Harry. Money well spent. Sounds glorious, puts a big smile on your face.. and mine. Such a beautiful car. And rare too.

[@Matteo_Licata]

It's hard to pick a favorite among the fantastic cars in your collection, but the Jaguar XJC you so tastefully resto-modded may well be the one I'd take home! A truly gorgeous car that now goes as well as it looks: It's been a pleasure to see this project on your channel.

[@robgordon9396]

Wow…what a car, the looks, the engine, the performance, the sound, it has everything, love it!

[@JamesGadbury]

Yep, puts the modern bling crap to shame imo. This is real automotive engineering.

[@hissingoose]

So you missed the part about him calling the rear end a complete mess and that you could split the a-Piller if too much grip from the tires was achieved eh? To me, that’s shoddy engineering. Lol

[@reinmansmith]

I think you have created the most elegant, beautiful, gentleman’s express with this car Harry and that sound…. Your smile while you’re driving says it all 😊….. when you have a collection such as yours and you find so many of us lusting after this car above the others tells you that you’ve done everything right with this car and it’s worth every penny you’ve spent…. 👍

[@doctorzaius4084]

Oh my god that sound is unreal, one of the best notes my ears have ever heard. Beautiful car all around!!

[@Thomas63r2]

Harry's love affair with this XJC is infectious - I would not at all be surprised if as a result of this video in particular, that there will be an uptick in owners updating their XJ/XJC to the marvelous "Harry spec." Bravo for Harry's wonderful update choices. There will always be more powerful and faster and more expensive cars - but few as glorious as this fine example.

[@martinclapton2724]

Despite my life long love of Italian cars , I’m sure I’m not alone in saying the Jaguar V12 is the best production engine of all time, and it certainly sounds the part here, yes even better than V12 of Ferrari and Lamborghini heritage. I think the modifications are spot on and the colour scheme simply beautiful. The XJC of the 1970s is such a graceful looking car , and as far as 2 door coupes go, alongside the Fiat 130 coupe, the original Alfa Guilietta Sprint coupe of the 1950s , and Alfetta GTV ( in chrome bumper form) being amongst my favourites. Wonderful .

[@markclevedon81]

Tremendous. Harry, you now have the V12 XJC as it should always have been. Jaguar went for the slightly soft GT like the 450 SLC but it is amazing to hear the DNA of the D type and racing E types in that modified V12. Thankyou

[@NFreund]

The 350 SLC was available with a manual box...i've had the pleasure to drive one. While Mercedes made horrible feeling gearboxes from the factory, they where relatively easy fixable with stronger bushings and a short throw. An R107 with a manual transforms that M116 as well...

[@John-Sacrimoni]

Harry in terms of up grading the radio, you should have a look at Blaupunkt Bremen SQR 46 DAB. Period looks with modern technology built in.

[@pekkokuopanportti6859]

I think he installed a Blaupunkt Bremen in the Esprit Turbo he had a while ago.

[@TheHeeksy]

"Bloody hell fire" my not be the most eloquent of comments but it encapsulates my reaction to this restoration. You are a very fortunate man and I'm very glad that you appreciate this automotive marvel

[@tomrussell7225]

Easily my favourite car in the garage by a massive amount, and I loved the little giggles at different points in the video - someone really enjoying their car without having to take it to licence losing speeds to have fun!

[@alexbrown7665]

The opening shot is breathtaking. The sound of it, my jaw is on the floor. The love for these machines just pours out of Harry. Thanks for sharing your on collection.

[@davidruddick3346]

Coventry music! A true Gentleman’s Express finished and honed to near perfection Hats off to you Harry and everyone involved in this restoration

[@ianworley8169]

"I now have, what is in effect, an as new body shell". Harry, there's nothing 'as new' about that car. The attention to detail will last for decades. So much better than any XJ12C that Jaguar ever produced. An absolute thing of beauty. I'm not sure what the final all in cost of the project was, but it's worth every penny. It has been a real joy to follow the journey.

[@gerryjamesedwards1227]

I'm back for the second viewing, I love that sound so much! I honestly think that this is one of the most tasteful, sympathetic, yet impactful restomods I've seen on KZbin. More power to your elbow, Harry, you're the car nut's car nut.

[@MrOvershoot]

Just such an icon of Jaguar, one of the reasons why the brand still just about keeps going these days. Still love my XFS Sportbrake

[@paulnewman2778]

When this build started I didn’t think that green would work. Today, it’s awesome . The photo of the car where you can see that the B Pillar is non existing is elegant. Great build.

[@jordanabraham1290]

I love the tasteful mods while keeping the integrity of the original design - which is perfect with 15” wheels. You have achieved the perfect balance. Truly inspirational and aspirational! Thank you for letting us come along! Looking forward to seeing the Lancia next!

[@philstadnicki7882]

I've forgot how truly gorgeous these cars are. When I was growing up I used to see the 5 door version everywhere, but my woodwork teacher had a burgundy coloured coupé. I love the front grille/headlight arrangement, so iconic

[@Prince_Pig]

It’s a beast dressed in a suit. You wouldn’t think much of it sat in a car park, but then that engine! Love it Harry.

[@geraldswain3259]

The whole package is absolutely wonderful Harry .

[@chrism2567]

The joy of driving , and what a sound

[@michaelsummerell8618]

Absolutely love this car - damn near perfect IMO. Elegant and beautiful, yet brutish and rorty. I love the absence of the B pillar and it's side profile with the windows open. Just so cool. An old school British gangster car with a whole lot of class. And whoever said it needs bigger wheels frankly should be ashamed of themselves. Nice one Harry.

[@mortdk]

The sound is the icing on the cake. Complements the beautiful lines of the XJC perfectly. What a georgous car.

[@ezraepizon5303]

I don’t know anything about Jaguars but I Just love how Harry presented this renovation etc. amazing! Principles!

[@sixtring73]

Congratulations Harry, she's a beaut! You've given it everything it needed and nothing it didn't. THIS is how you take something good and make it great!

[@simonelliott5956]

I can’t think of anything I’d want to do above what you’ve done, what a piece of pure class, delighted you kept period wheels and the number plate looks as it should have been, the sound is sublime!

[@je2688]

Harry, oh that engine! Something I never imagined possible especially when I think back years ago to my old series 1 2.8 manual xj6 and 4.2 straight 6 auto xjc. That thing you have is a beast and the detailed work (and money) put into it has paid dividends. Your face says it all. Thank you Harry and I hope all is well on the farm.

[@jonathancase2395]

Harry, I just have watched this after a year and still think this. That JAG is the best car I have ever seen, your specs are perfect and the whole car is magnificent.

[@v8turkish]

That sound is absolutely perfect and the car is stunning.

[@judebrown2672]

Wow what an opening sound. This series has been amazing. It's stunning. Good on you. This is hilarious... Looks like old bloke driving old xjc and then the howl kicks in. This has got me in hysterics. What a car. Real sense of a sleeper. It's chuffin brilliant.

[@timcollins380]

You have taken an already beautifully designed car and made it into what it should have been all along. No other word than "stunning", Harry. Love the colour you made from the Aston paint colour.

[@douglasjames4905]

Harry has proved that alchemy works in the garages in the UK. Bravo Harry, you judged it perfectly. My in-period dd/showcar 12C paled in comparison. When I was age seven or 8, I recall my parents mentioning my uncle, later a NW Airlines pilot here in the colonies, "...Barry returned from the UK with an convertible Jaguar sportscar." Instantly I asked, almost proclaimed.."Is there really a car called Jaguar !?" Have had one at least since age 24, have one to this very day. There is a reason my hotted BMW doesn't make us giggle with joy as Harry does driving his XJC.

[@_gray_]

I went back and rewatched one of the original videos from seven years ago... and then got all nerdy and starting comparing the acceleration sounds in second gear from back then to now... just amazing!

[@marcusFZ6]

That's the biggest smile ever & no wonder. That has to be the best sounding Jag from that period. Even without trying to tune the exhaust, sounds delightful. If there's a car in the garage to take out for a cheeky week blast then it has to be the Jag. Because as you said, it's not all about speed, you can do that in your our faster cars. This is all about that engine, the suspension and how the whole package drives. Bestest video.

[@raymondlynch5424]

Harry's nailed it in my eyes! Put together with thought and consideration executed to perfection! Driving it too. Best in the country.

[@iandonkin6762]

How can anyone fail to love the lines of an XJ-C. And in V12 / manual guise, it's the perfect classic indulgence. Wonderful Harry, just wonderful!

[@mrfrosty42]

A really competent update and upgrade to an interesting car - sounds gorgeous!

[@maxmaxijazz]

What a magnificent beast! I love the understated yet muscular feel of the original styling.

[@dobbsd6737]

the XJ12, this is the best example ever, none doubt two doors manual Jag12 well done Harry, we done

[@wardmontgomery9259]

Perfect ! Just perfect Harry ! Your innate Wisdom over ruled the temptation to over modify an already excellent machine ! Congratulations !

[@a20axf]

Holy… 😳 That sounds incredible through headphones, there’s just something about older cars without tonnes of electronics that can’t be replicated. A dark green, pillar less, V12 coupe and - manual, no less. Recipe for perfection right there. Fascinating series on the restoration and it’ll be interesting to hear it after the crossover is fitted.

[@bradford_shaun_murray]

9:59 12:29 14:07

[@gro9465]

Oh how I loved this review Harry, and seeing you giggling away, you are clearly having a lot of fun, and so are we sharing with you. What a wonderful machine. Reading some of the other comments, perhaps a Moto Lita steering wheel in leather would suit the character, either way the motor sounds utterly sublime. Worth every penny.

[@aderrrt]

Harry, when the car was new is had already been spec'd by the dealers and hence no A/C. I tested a Daimler 66coupe in Liverpool before buying the Jaguar. The 66 had A/C as standard and more wood, as usual the Daimler option, but I didn't fancy the "old man" Daimler image. Super video and so pleased the old girl has had this new lease of life breathed into her.

[@jogrobler]

The giggle from Harry every time the XJ starts to sing says all you need to know! I fully respect your goal with this to enhance it while preserving some of the original character that made the car great! I'll be honest, I didn't love its previous incarnation, but this journey and seeing your vision for it realised, it's likely my favourite car in the stable (barring the 930 since I'm a Porsche nut).

[@starfish370]

An absolutely fantastic motor car! It's so nice to hear a man who is happy with the performance and obviously he's really enjoying it. Well done, Harry 👏👏👏👌

[@paulie-Gualtieri.]

It's a glorious and gorgeous sounding car, only wish you had rear headrests to finish it off.

[@djben06]

oh my goodness that is exactly what I needed to hear on a monday morning! That is better than I could ever have imagined, and I'm sure it sounds even better in the metal. Congrats Harry and thank you for sharing!

[@550LMS]

So I watched this video after hearing it in your 2022 year review....WOW. Can't believe I skipped over this! What. A. NOISE! Your chuckling as you take it through the gears says it all. I want this for when I have young kids and can take everyone on a drive and still be entertained.

[@philedwards7174]

So fantastic to witness you enjoying the car. Money well spent when you raise a smile at an engine note as good as that.

[@morgankors1344]

What a glorious symphony! What a magnificent automotive icon! At some point I even heard an exhaust note reminiscent of an LFA (and yes, I know that's a V10), which is probably one of the greatest compliments a Jaguar V12 could get 😋 And although I'm not sure entirely why, the intense pleasure you derive from this characterful car - the smiles per mile, as it were - reminded me of the driving nirvana I experienced in my first car when I was 17: a rally prepared MkII Cortina 1600E. I've driven many different cars in many different places since then, but never really ever recaptured that pure driving pleasure. You just brought those memories flooding back, Harry, and for that I'm very grateful 🤗

[@chrisloukes424]

An absolute credit to you Harry. Tasteful upgrades all round. And a joy to watch and listen to!

[@timjones624]

Fabulous machine. I agree with all the decisions on tyres and tuning - it just oozes grace, has definitely got the pace, and the sound is magical.

[@keyboarddancers7751]

Fabulous vehicle. Unique V12 howl. Definitely one the world's best examples of an XJ and certainly an all time great. Looking forward to the cross pipe update.

[@soyounoat]

The exterior color on Harry's XJ is the finest green I have ever seen. I can't recall seeing many of these V12 Coupe models here in the US, and I have been a car spotter since the 1960s. This is a gorgeous example of British automotive styling; handsome and athletic, with subtle restraint applied properly. A+

[@subarnosinha8042]

This. This is exactly the kind of car that keeps solidifying my love for cars, the kind of content that keeps me hooked on to your channel and sending your videos to every single enthusiast friend I've. Thank you Harry, thank you very much for spending as much as you've on this car, keeping this on the road in top condition and sharing with us, the joy this car gives you. A small question though: why didn't you upgrade to the distributor-less ignition system when it was being rebuilt by Tom Lenthall? Surely it would've been an overall improvement and wouldn't adversely affect your car in any way.

[@mrdainase]

I'm going on memory here but I think it was down to chucking enough at it for the moment but is something planned for another time?

[@bradford_shaun_murray]

3:53 the animal!

[@craigheller9053]

Absolutely amazing! The sound comes through on video better than anything I've heard. Can only imagine in person how great it sounds!

[@miamimo70]

Pure class Harry, love this car!

[@oibal60]

As a wee lad growing up in Dublin, in the 70's, many of the 'biz execs' had either a Daimler or, my favorite, a Jaguar XJ(V12). My dad had an MG Magnette in 'British Racing Green'. Aaah I loved washing/polishing that car.

[@jaguarmgbgt2551]

I was envious when you bought the car. I remember telling you how much I wish I found it first. Now I'm over the top envious. The color. The gearbox. The suspension. The double trumpet air box honk and the tube header growl. You lucky guy. You must let me drive it. ~Dan