Jhdee

Quite likely to be the earth point - a common issue on the XK/XKR. There is an earth point located in the front wheel arch - forward end. It can just about be seen by turning the front wheel to full lock. Corrosion takes place causing a bad earth - give it a little "wiggle" but note it is quite likely to break off. Most are fixed by drilling a new hole and re-fitting the earth strap.

I had a 4.2 XK and then changed to a 5.0 XKR - there is a significant performance difference between the two. Fuel consumption is noticeably different too. Would I go back to a 4.2 ------absolutely no way ..... having way too much fun. Seriously though - it depends on what you will use the car for. When I had the 4.2, it was my daily runner and went everywhere throughout europe. My 5.0 is used for pleasure driving only - not sure I would be prepared to use it as a daily runner - just a little too expensive on fuel for me. Either way - they are both fantastic cars

Power steering fluid would be reddish in colour as opposed to the brown/black of engine oil.

Please see the attached - from the XK Service Manual Antenna 1.pdf Antenna 2.pdf Antenna 3.pdf

Q1 - The only certain way to ensure you have the performance active exhaust is to have a look underneath. I'd try using a mirror if you can't get it on a lift. As you probably already know - 1 centre box = performance active exhaust whilst 2 centre boxes = standard active exhaust. Q2 - Pulling fuse19 only affects the rear silencer box. Personally - wouldn't bother - just select Dynamic Mode on the centre console - has the same affect on the rear silencer as pulling fuse 19. It does however invoke other Dynamic Mode options like stiffening the suspension, tightens up on throttle response etc. Q3 - Really down to personal preference. I like the larger XKR plate. Many don't like it because it reminds them of a Rover 75 . Q4 - Purchase a box of lemons - the only thing that will get the smile off your face after you've driven to for a while ----- good luck

That's unfortunate Carole - but a typical case of the "little guy" against the "machine". Personally, I don't think you'll be missing very much by not using Pirelli again - never been a fan. I've just returned to my favourite - Michelin. I've just put a pair on the rear of our estate (not a Jag ) and I'm very pleased with them. When it comes time to change on the XKR, I'll be going with Michelin this time. Just a thought - have you thought about contacting the motoring press with details of your experience. They may be able to "persuade" the "machine" to re-consider its treatment of your good self. It could also benefit the public in general and alert them to the poor response they are likely to receive if they encounter any problems. I'd suggest something like Auto Express, Car Mechanics, Jaguar World etc - there shouldn't be any cost to yourself - just a little time to email - worth a thought.

Thanks for your kind comments Ralph. As much as I would love to have a purpose built garage to keep the XJS in, I'm afraid most of my spare cash has gone into re-commissioning the car. The rest, I'm sure, will go in petrol money - the pre-HE always had awful fuel consumption

Never been a Pirelli fan. Normally I would go for Michelin - a bit expensive but last much longer than most other brands. I've got Dunlop Sport Max on the XKR and had them on my previous XK and they were quite good. The winter tyre version of the Dunlop Sport Max is excellent.

All tucked up in her Carcoon - its an outdoor version but I've housed it in a temporary garage which is not much good at keeping out the rain but at least it keeps out the wind and bird sh1te

With the weather being a little kinder today, I've managed to get a few more photos of the old girl - took her out for a drive today - the first time in 28 years - boy did that bring back some memories and she's still as impressive as the day I bought her 35 years ago. We managed to keep the tax disc from the last time she was on the road - nice little souvenir

Hi Steve - bleeding auto correct - it should have read Carcoon - sorry for the confusion but at least it was funny one - some of these auto correct changes can get quite rude

Don't worry she's definitely going to be driven - its the storage for those wet winter months that'll be important for the future so I've bought a Cartoon. I've heard only good things about them so I'm hoping it will keep her in good condition. As Peter quite rightly states she has a 5.3 litre V12. Fuel consumption was never really the strong point hence the introduction of the HE engines with the Fireball heads. Not many pre-HEs about these days probably due to their awful fuel consumption and galloping tin-worm

Thanks Peter - I really like the colour too. Was never really sure about the black vinyl roof but over the years it has grown on me. I've owned sleeping beauty since she was 2 1/2 years old having originally purchased her for my father - the smile on his face when he drove her home for the first time was worth every penny. Since 1989 she has been stored in a rented lock-up garage. The amazing fact about sleeping beauty is she required no weld repairs to return her to roadworthiness !!! The conditions in that lock-up must have been perfect for storing Jaguars - I guess dry and draughty is the answer. She has done 43k miles and runs really well. One of her unusual features is an electric metal sunroof. Apparently, the first owner insisted on having the sunroof and the research I've carried out indicates it is one of 600 cars that Jaguar took off the production line for Webasto to fit the sunroof before returning to Jaguar for build completion. The main target now is to find another draughty lock-up to keep her in good shape for the next 37 years

........... my sleeping beauty has awoken and is now back on the road - am I pleased ??? - you can bet your sweet bippy I am

Congratulations Carl - really good looking motor Now you need to purchase a box of lemons - they help to take the manic smile off your face after a GOOD run