One and be done...
1988 MERCEDESBENZ 560SEC
ROBERT COUCHER WITH THE RANGE ROVER Classic and Porsche 911 Targa now gone, I can concentrate my energies on the Jaguar XK. It last received attention at Twyford Moors in September last year, which included a new 123 Ignition distributor and coil, and a polybushed steering rack. Since then it has been running beautifully. So what to do next?
The Jaguar doesn’t have a cutoff switch fitted. But the battery never seems to go flat and it always starts. The troublesome Lucas fuel pump was replaced ages ago with a powerful and reliable Facet pump, which also helps. If it does stand for a week or two, I have to admit I do squirt a little Bradex Easy Start into the carb chokes. Some say this is not a good idea because the engine ‘gets used’ to the stuff. Can’t really believe that. Which reminds me, there is an engine start spray sold in Australia by Nulon called ‘Start Ya Bastard’. Yes, it does exactly what it says on the tin…!
I really am trying to exact some fixes to report on in this Octane
Cars but the Jaguar just seems to keep on going. The engine is superb, the brakes and suspension are perfect and the bodywork is solid and clean. The car doesn’t use any oil or water and the tyres don’t even go flat. I suppose I should do the woodwork, which is now looking rather patinated, but the job is expensive and timeconsuming and it won’t make the XK run any better. And I actually like the interior being functionally worn and original.
One thing I really should attend to is the the driver’s side rain gutter. These gutters are welded on separately and mine is beginning to fracture. But it’s entirely serviceable with a dollop of mastic, so no rush.
In the meantime, I continue to enjoy simply driving the XK. Even slow and easy trundles around London are fun. If the weather is set fair for the weekend I text a few of the local chums and we meet up early for coffee on Elizabeth Street. Last time Duncan Moir came in his attractive, pared-down XK120, as did Arnoud van Leuwen in his 120 DHC. Arnoud is about 6ft 3in, so it’s amazing he fits into the cramped cockpit.