Jaguar/Daimler Xj6, Xj12 & Sovereign - (Essential Buyer's Guide) by Peter Crespin (Paperback)

About the Book

Just like having an expert by your side, this unique book will help you work through the long list of XJ variants to choose the one that best suits your budget and intended use. Full of practical first-hand tips and pictures to guide even a classic car novice through all the stages of becoming a Jaguar or Daimler saloon owner. Packed with 100 detailed pictures, and with a unique points system to assess the condition of potential purchases, this book is a must for any potential XJ6 owner, and could save you a great deal of money and heartache.

Book Synopsis

In 1968 the Jaguar XJ6 set new standards for luxury cars and spawned more than a dozen variants over the next 20 years, including the iconic 12 cylinder cars. This book guides you systematically though 3 different series of production, 4 engines and long or short wheelbase saloons or coupés, pointing out faults common to all versions as well as some specific to each model. Working via initial quick-check guidance and then in detail, step-by-step, through the strengths and weaknesses of your potential purchase, you'll avoid buying a bad example and maximize the value and enjoyment you get out of your investment in one of motoring's landmark cars. The book also points you towards the major players in the Jaguar community to help you maintain and improve your Jaguar. Packed with 100 new detail pictures and with a unique points system this book is truly ESSENTIAL for any potential XJ6 owner.

Review Quotes

The Automobile, February 2008

Another in Veloce's useful 'Essential Buyer's Guide' series, this covers all Jaguar, Daimler and Daimler Vanden Plas models of Series 1, 2 and 3 over the period 1968-1992. None of the models look dated, even now, and they can still provide comfortable modern transport, even if they are a little thirstier than newer cars. The guide takes you through all aspects from first thoughts to a look at any restoration that might lie ahead. The cover price will only be a very small proportion of what you are paying, so the booklet is a good investment.

Australian Classic Cars, April 2008

Review by Patrick Quinn

Australian magazine
Circulation: unknown

If you are on the lookout for a specific classic car, you can find yourself bewildered by the amount of information available. For some marques, there are books galore to read and also the advice that members of clubs happily provide. It can be confusing and sometimes it's useful to have a reference source that cuts to the chase. That's why I like this smaller format 'Essential Buyer's Guides' from Veloce.

This month I had a close look at two new editions and, as a past owner, I was especially interested in the XJ6 guide. Each follows a similar format containing information on what it's like to live with the model in question, values, differing models and using the car in modern times. Each book divides the crucial inspection into two. First, the 15-minute evaluation that tells you whether to investigate further or to just walk away and second, a lengthy and thorough inspection in which you go over everything. It's clear that I bought my XJ6 with my heart and not my head. Each book then moves on to how you should buy the car, whether to restore or not, problems from lack of use and finally where to find parts and what clubs to join. Very useful little books, they make essential buying for owners, would be or otherwise.

About the Author

With two E-type books to his credit, Peter Crespin has many years' experience working on his own Jaguars, which include classic and modern cars and a 1974 Series 2 Daimler used as a daily driver. A frequent contributor to various technical internet forums, Peter has four decades' experience of building and occasionally racing classic bikes and working on classic cars from his well-equipped workshop. A medical writer by profession, he turns his analytical talents to the task of sorting through the three series, four engine sizes and three body styles of the XJ Jaguars sold from 1968 to 1992.