2026-08-22 20:27:25 | pauls writes:

Car offered in Hemmings:

www.hemmings.com/auction/1985-jaguar-xj-cheyenne-wy-285904

No-Reserve 1985 Jaguar XJ Vanden Plas Sedan

Seller dtg

Location Cheyenne, WY 82001 USA flag

Title Clean check

Odometer 71,502

VIN SAJAY1344FC428180

Engine 4.2-liter DOHC inline-six

Trans Automatic

Exterior Brown

Interior Doeskin (off-white) leather

The Vanden Plas was the top trim level for the XJ sedan.

The seller has owned the car since 1994, and he has the car’s full history from that point.

It has been in a storage unit for the past 15 years and will need work to be roadworthy.

The Jaguar was running when stored, he states.

The seller says this was a California car.

He notes two small rust spots at the base of the rear window, "common in these cars."

The speedometer was replaced at 9,719 miles, according to the seller.

He calculates the mileage to be that much over what the odometer shows, or 81,221 miles.

The CARFAX vehicle history report does not show reported damage.

The last reported mileage on the CARFAX was in 1994, at 48,652 miles.

The seller states there has been no body damage under his ownership.

He says the Jag was repainted prior to his buying it but does not know when.

The interior and trunk present in clean condition.

He says the car’s equipment and features were functional prior to storage.

That includes A/C, trip computer, stereo, power windows and antenna, and moonroof.

Work noted below was done in the years before the Jag went into storage.

The A/C was converted to R134a, but its current operability is not known.

An engine stakedown kit, to prevent tappet guides from coming out of position, was installed.

A custom bolt was made to secure an exhaust system heat shield.

The car’s steering bushings were replaced with urethane bushings.

A metal radiator fan was installed to replace the original plastic fan.

The rear suspension, brakes, shocks, and bushings were refurbished.

That work required dropping the rear subframe.

Speed bleeders were installed on all brakes.

The seats appear in good overall condition, with some light wear.

He seller says the seats were renewed / dyed using products from Leatherique to match original.

The Jaguar has a CD stereo installed.

The seller says the car’s wheels were chromed under previous ownership (except the spare).

COMES WITH

Manuals and dealer documentation are provided, including marketing materials.

Shop manuals on CDs are included.

Some tools come with the car, including for setting cam timing.

The emergency crank to open the sunroof is also included.

Spare parts seen in photos come with the XJ6.

The original jack is included.

A CARFAX vehicle history report, with limited information, is included.

NEEDS

The seller emphasizes that this Jaguar cannot be driven as it sits.

He has not attempted to start the XJ sedan after its long storage.

Stabil was added to both fuel tanks before storage, but the gas should be considered spoiled.

The cooling system, engine, and heater core should be flushed and tested.

The transmission is currently empty and needs gasket replacement.

Two exhaust pipes were repaired and should be evaluated for replacement, the seller says.

The seller reports “minor” oil drips.

Rubber items (hoses, fuel lines, etc.) will likely need replacement.

The tires are old and dry-rotted and must be replaced.

The battery will require replacement.

The dash pad is cracked on each side.

The urethane finish on the wood dash trim is crazed, especially evident on glovebox.

The seller says the wood beneath the urethane appears in good condition.

The windshield has some stone chips.

The original paint also shows some stone chips.

The hood has what appears to be sand scratch swelling in one small area (see photos).

The seller notes a small defect on the passenger front seat leather (see photos).

The chromed wheels show some peeling.

Finally, the car could use a good cleaning and detailing.