Classic Car Mart Spring 2016 3
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IncorporatingClassic variety
I
write this column at the end of a couple of weeks which have
seen me driving both a Rover P5 and a Mk2 Vauxhall Cavalier
as well as covering some 1000 miles in our own XJS and a
few hundred more in another Kelsey pool car, a mid-’90s BMW
5-Series diesel. It’s a disparate collection of vehicles admittedly
but each one can wear the classic tag with some justifi cation.
The Rover and Jaguar are accepted classics but a standard Mk
Cavalier – especially in humble 1.6L fl avour – is now so rare it makes
them both look common. Meanwhile, the BMW is admittedly a very
modern car, as evidenced by the numbers still in service as everyday
transport, but is signifi cant for being the company’s fi rst cautious
foray into diesel power in the executive market. Of course a rattly
four-cylinder motor wouldn’t have cut it, which is why the Bavarians put
considerable effort into developing a smooth six-cylinder oil-burner. I’ve
had extensive experience of the newer BMW diesels and so it comes
as something of an eye-opener to realise that in many ways the older
‘tds’ engine is in fact smoother than the high-pressure common rail-
injected engines which replaced it.
None of them however can equal the XJS for refi nement and it
remains one of my favourites in our company fl eet if only for the
constant challenge it presents. Those familiar with old Jaguars will
know where I’m coming from and will picture my delight when I
discovered the reason the heater had stopped functioning was that
the heater valve had been fi tted
backwards and its operating
arm was simply jamming against
the cylinder head casting. A
simple fi x saw the cabin warm
once more, but harder to sort
was the bulb warning system.
I asked an XJ40-owning colleague for advice
on this subject but all I heard down the phone was slightly hysterical
laughter, so notoriously fl aky is the system. However, I can report
that a combination of a spare Sunday afternoon and a lot of patience
has seen the warning lights fi nally extinguished... for now, at least.
Doubtless something else will be along in due course to keep me busy
but as ever with modern classics it’s the little electrical niggles which
are so satisfying to sort out.
One thing my spell with the Jaguar has neatly reminded me though
is that old cars just don’t like not being used. Speaking of which, I’m
told spring is on the way and there’s the thorny subject of an Alfa
Romeo and an MoT test to consider. I’ve a sneaking feeling there will
be more than a warning light to sort out this year, so wish me luck.
Paul Wager
Editor In Chief
I asked an XJ40-owning colleague for advice