in

Jaguar XKR. Predatory cat with moth-eaten fur

Abandoned, lost classics are everywhere. Many of those old-timers go into 'the melt'. They are reborn as a table frame or coat hangers. But if you see three of those lost specimens standing on a neatly paved yard behind a fine farmhouse? That is mildly surprising.

Verkeerd afgelopen?

Norbert Jansens is the recent proud owner of say 'the cadavers' of the Rover SD, the Beetle and the Renault Estafette in the photos. And he bought them because otherwise they would be thrown away. Norbert sees it differently. “I would feel sorry for them if they went into the blast furnaces. Because there is still all kinds of stuff on it that people are looking for. They didn't cost me much. And if I sell some parts of it, I have a few euros extra for my dream project. My normal work - Norbert makes stickers for motocross and the like - is very quiet because of the Corona fads. So I mess around and don't count my hours. And actually I find that relaxing, despite the fact that some serious money will have to come in soon.

There is another challenge in the barn where Norbert will not count his hours. He looks with satisfaction at 'the mothest Jaguar in the Netherlands. Whatever else the Jag proves, he proves that exuberant rusting does not only occur on cars from the seventies.

The XKR, neo classic or young timer?

Chic lines, burly eight cylinders and generous standard equipment with all the leather and wood veneer you could wish for: the XKR has everything you would expect from a real English sports car. That even applies a bit to the build quality, because despite the influence of then owner Ford, the cats were not really bulletproof. From the money side, healthy technology and proof of correct maintenance * are more important than minor cosmetic shortcomings.

However, it's the major cosmetic / technical issues that can break you down. A regularly driven and well-maintained car is often a better choice than a car with fewer kilometers that has been stationary for longer periods. Finding a 'correct' XKR isn't that easy, but even a good one doesn't have to cost the world. That in turn is an advantage.

A predatory cat? A cash cow!

In the meantime, it is true that the 400+ hp, turbo V8 from the first owner was 'on the market'. And the trader who was impressed by the seller, the first owner and a huge pile of invoices where, among other things, 'body restoration work' was written with four figures, had to take a loss. The older, first owner had been in good faith. But the dearly paid 'body sheet metal restoration work'? That was simply the highest paid polyester filler stucco of all time.

Norbert adopted the predatory cat with his moth-eaten coat for little and radiates with uninhibited joy that everything will be all right. And so it takes a few more hours, but then there is a nice Jaguar in front of the famous 'little'. So if you don't count those hours ...

Don't shit, but brush. And welding

That stopping grumbling and continuing with what is possible is typical of many small entrepreneurs in these strange times. Also in our area of ​​interest. That is why we have also adjusted our purchasing strategy: We buy locally or at least in the Netherlands. And sometimes that takes a bit more effort than shopping via Ali or Ebay, but we keep money and 'work' with it in the Netherlands. And you will barely be in front of your Relay without a front bumper.

Also read:
- Renault Relay, multifunctional use
- The Rover SD1, a beautiful miss
- VW Beetles from other countries
- The Aston Martin DB7: the unintended Aston budget

* feel free to be critical of that though.

DON'T MISS ANY ARTICLE AGAIN

REGISTER FOR FREE

AND WE SEND YOU OUR NEWSLETTER EVERY DAY WITH THE LATEST STORIES ABOUT CLASSIC CARS AND MOTORCYCLES

Select other newsletters if necessary

We won't send you spam! Read us privacy Policy .

7 Comments

Leave a Reply
  1. Still, I still find the rover sd1 a great beautiful car, always want to buy it again.
    Especially the v8 I have experience with it, because I once owned one triumph tr8 with that blissful 3.5 v8 regret that I ever sold it.

      • Congratulations on your good taste. But Norbert's one is unreasonable. You could contact Rene Winters of the SD (and all kinds of other Rover goods) for the safest possible adoption process. And also with the six-cylinder it is a wonderful car

    • If you hit a bad one, you run out of it. Just like any bad classic. But a good copy is still fantastic with proper maintenance. And due to the various blemishes on the reputation, it is also affordable

Give a reaction

The email address will not be published. Required fields are marked with *

The maximum upload file size: 8 MB. you can upload: image. Links to YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and other services inserted in the comment text will be automatically embedded. Drop files here




Now on newsstands

View the nearly forty-page preview at this link or a click on the cover.

The December issue, containing:

  • Alfa Romeo Giulia 1300 Super
    Erik van Putten explores the timeless charm of the Alfa Romeo Giulia 1300 Super, with images of Bart Spijker and himself. The story delves into the world of Alfaenthusiast Koen de Groot, whose family is deeply rooted in the Alfa Romeo culture. Koens' special relationship with his Giulia, a car he has cherished for years and which will soon receive an impressive upgrade, is highlighted. The Giulia symbolizes car love and heritage, a passion enriched by Koen's father Frans, a Alfa Romeo expert and enthusiast.
  • Double Used Type Designations
    Peter Ecury unravels fascinating stories from the automotive world in the 32nd episode of his series on double-used type designations. This edition provides an update on the rumors surrounding Peugeot and Porsche and delves into the history of the type designation '142', used by brands such as Volvo and Austin. Ecury also discusses the evolution of the term 'GT' and the controversial use of the letters 'SS' in car names after WWII, with examples such as the Chevrolet Impala SS and the Alfa Romeo Giulietta SS.
  • Ducati 750GT, 860GT and 900GTS
    Hans Smid highlights the Ducati round carts, produced from 1972 to 1974, which combine minimalist beauty with unique technology. This article describes Ducati's drive for innovation and the creation of these models, highlights the challenges and costs of collecting them, and shows Ducati's journey from near ruin to iconic status.
  • Horex Imperator
    Marina Block tells the story of the Horex Imperator, an iconic motorcycle from the 50s, known for its sportiness and advanced technology. Despite the closure of the factories, Horex remained known, partly due to the cartoon character Werner and recent reissues. The Imperator, with its innovative parallel twin and overhead camshaft, inspired later designs and has been praised for its quality and design, despite limited sales success.
  • ClassicPost
    Readers of Auto Motor Klassiek share their discoveries and experiences. Eddy Joustra discovers a Peugeot 203 pickup in Heerenveen, while Robert Reessink photographs a unique Moto Guzzi moped in Italy. Stories range from Chris van Haarlem's Scottish scooter adventures to Bram Drooger's discovery of a Rolls-Royce Corniche and two FIAT 850s. Ben de Man finds a special Chevrolet Step-Van in the Netherlands, and readers share corrections and additions to previously published articles.
  • Nissan Silvia 1.8 Turbo
    Aart van der Haagen reveals the history of a rare Nissan Silvia 1.8 Turbo, originally registered as a commercial vehicle. The first owner transformed the car into a family-friendly vehicle, and Jan Manenschijn now cherishes this unrestored gem with only 67.000 kilometers on the odometer.
  • Peugeot 205 collection Team VCC Twente
    Aart van der Haagen highlights Team VCC Twente's collecting passion for Peugeot 205 models. Brothers Peter and Niek Olde Veldhuis collected unique examples such as the GTI and CTI, and even a rare 1.9 GTI Dimma. Their collection shows the transformation of a once ordinary model into a special classic.
  • Volvo and Classic Cars
    Alain Pondman from Volvo Lotte speaks about the true value of classic cars. He criticizes the trend of cheap, poorly maintained classics on Marktplaats, emphasizes the importance of making memories with vintage cars, and advises buyers to invest in quality and durability.
  • Volkswagen Beetle 1955 - Second life
    Max de Krijger tells the story of Hendrik Jan Hofman, a passionate Kever restorer. Hofman brought a badly damaged 1955 Beetle back to life with a dedication to perfection and detail. This green Beetle, complete with handmade high chair and open roof, reflects his craftsmanship. Hofman is now considering selling the Beetle to focus on a new project.
  • ClassicPost
    In the KlassiekerPost section of Auto Motor Klassiek enthusiastic readers share their unique finds and personal experiences. Eddy Joustra comes across a rare Peugeot 203 pickup in Heerenveen. Robert Reessink captures a unique Moto Guzzi moped on camera in Italy. Chris van Haarlem shares his Scottish scooter adventures, including an unexpected encounter with an Austin A30 on the Isle of Skye. Bram Drooger spots an elegant Rolls-Royce Corniche and two FIAT 850s. Ben de Man discovers a special Chevrolet Step-Van in the Netherlands. This section illustrates the diversity and deep-rooted passion of classic car and motorcycle enthusiasts, with stories ranging from local discoveries to international treasures. In addition, readers provide valuable corrections and additions to previously published articles, such as PBTM Matthijssen's input on the Ardie/Dürkopp Dianette, which contributes to the rich and versatile content of the magazine.
  • Once again almost twenty pages of short messages about everything that has to do with classics
  • And of course our section 'Classics' where you can shop around in search of your next classic.

The perfect reading material for an evening or more of undisturbed dreaming. It is now in stores. A subscription is of course better, because then you will no longer miss a number and you are also much cheaper. Not bad in these expensive times.

Panther Kallista: Spring is coming!

My father's Vedette