XJS Rouge Coupe

[tony barnhill]

So, what is it? On the way home today, I passed a little junky car lot & there wasa a red one sitting there. Body is straight & rust free, interior (tan) is nice, red basketweave wheels...doesn't run, hood is just sitting on it, grille gone...he wants $6500.

Is it something special?

 

[Steve]

The Rouge edition was a limited production car, rather like the MGB LE, only not so many of 'em. The car had lots of bells and whistles as standard. Not sure how "special" it really is, but a good, low-mileage example, straight, complete, is only worth around $10K, so for $6,500 it should be at least a runner. It would cost ten large (at least) to sort it, in my opinion. It's certainly not that special. Probably worth three to four, then find a decent V-12 to drop in it and you should be okay. My two cents worth.

 

[tony barnhill]

Oh, its not a V12?

 

[Steve]

It is, but it sounded as if the original motor is no good, hence my suggestion of getting a replacement. Depends on why it doesn't run I suppose, but trouble-shooting that V-12 will be costly.

 

[jessebogan]

Oh its a V12 alright. If it does not run in your presence, it has basically no value. It might be worth 1500 bucks, if the interior (ALL OF IT) is cherry, and no rust at all. I buy parts cars fairly often, and it takes a really nice one to break 500 bucks. Neglected V12s are prone to overheating, and then dropping valve seats. Big buck$ to fix. Now that I have said all that, they are great cars. Clearly, you have the mechanical ability to fix the car. Make a low ball offer, and when they get tired of looking at it, you can pick it up for what it is worth. Invest the time and money, and you will be delighted with it as a road car. Most parts are available, but interior trim is hard to come by. Repro stuff is readily available, but it ain't connolley leather. Good luck!!

Jesse

 

[tony barnhill]

Jesse - thanks...I left after telling the guy he was asking top dollar for a pristine car....I'll wait a few weeks & go back....what things are different on it compared to a normal XJS?