A Series III Jaguar XJ (1979-1992) is a seriously wicked automobile and it deserves the respect of the automotive community. This includes respect for the splendid inline-6 (or V12) engine that was originally installed in the stately saloon chassis. But there comes a time when maintaining that cantankerous DOHC beast becomes prohibitively expensive and yearly maintenance starts to cost more than the value of the vehicle. This is the time when you pull out the measuring tape and realize that a small block from the General will fit inside…and since you’ve got a GM 3-speed auto as factory transmission…well…it is just a matter of time before your overhead cams are exchanged for pushrod actuated valves inside of a Chevrolet LT1 V8. I figure it this way — until Britain has paid off the debt of two World Wars were we saved their bacon, they’ll have to put up with American hillbillies shoving V8s into their fancy Jags. Sounds fair to me, but I’m not sure if Jeremy Clarkson would agree. Find this 1986 Jaguar XJ6 offered for $5,500 in Irvine, CA via craigslist.

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