SPL498F

ebay

Feb 2016: £2100
Mileage 95,000

This is a very rare model 2000 TC as it is the early HD8 carb'ed version but with the advantage of the later Girling brakes. The heritage certificate shows that it was first sold by Henlys, the main Southern Rover/Jaguar agents which ties in with it's Guildford registration number. The really special aspect of the car is that it is fitted with an original steel Hollandia sunroof. This was a very expensive option when new and in 30 years of owning P6s I have never seen another for sale.
It appears that the second owner laid the car up in 2007 with head gasket problems. It was dry stored until the beginning of last year when it was found by a local Jaguar restoration specialists.
I bought it from them and had them re-commission it for me. This was somewhat more involved (and expensive!) than first expected. The work included fully restoring the cylinder head, setting it up for Super unleaded. At the same time a new water pump was fitted, the radiator re-cored and all hoses replaced.
The brakes were fully overhauled including reconditioned callipers. new brake pipes and master cylinder and reservoir. The clutch master and slave cylinders were also renewed.
The de dion tube was subject to new seals and gaitor.
All in all there was in excess of forty hours labour which is fully documented.
At the same time the car has been fitted with a full stainless steel exhaust and  five new (re-manufactured not old stock) Pirelli Cinturatos.
Since being MOT'd in July it has covered around 1500 miles. During that time I have had the rev counter reconditioned and the heater professionally rebuilt. It is now very efficient, a pleasant change in old cars. The heated rear window also works which is unusual.
I have also replaced all the door to window seals with new. The interior was very original but the carpets had suffered in storage so have been replaced with new from Wadhams. There is an original Rover rubber mat for the drivers side. The original radio works perfectly with twin speakers and the original Radiomobile fader.
The last job I have had done is the replacement of all the drain tubes in the sunroof so that is fully working and water tight.
The base unit is remarkably solid. The only welding apparent is a high quality repair to the bottom of the inner sills. With the interior stripped out it was clear that the floor, inner sills and under the back seats were totally rust free. I have hammerited the floor before adding extra sound proofing.
The body work is very sound. It has obviously been resprayed a very long time ago and still looks smart. There is some filler in the front near side front wing and the odd localised rust spots. The roof has suffered microblistering, presumably as a result of being covered when stored.
The carbs are a bit worn meaning it can be a bit spluttery when cold but I have obtained a nearly new replacement pair. The engine has very good compression and runs very well once warmed up. I have driven it regularly on runs of 150 - 200 miles without problem
It comes with some valuable spares, as well as the carbs there is a full set of export spec series one side strips, new bullet mirrors, brand new original wheel trims and a mint spare bottom arm and drivers outer sill.  I also have a mint grill badge and excellent straight front bumper.There are also routine spares such as filters, headlights etc.
I had intended to keep this car but have unexpectedly lost the garage where it is parked. I have spent a small fortune so that the car was preserved for the long term. It is very useable as it is but with further work it could be something special with the sunroof, wood effect wheel and other period extras.