I'm a little confused as to whether this car is the HE version or not. CA DMV shows it as a 1982 model but it was was manufactured and first sold in 81. As shown on the back of the car, it has V12 on the driver's side and XJS on the passenger's. Is there any way of telling from the VIN what series motor (and car) this is?
Thanks in advance

Submitted by fastxb2003@aol.com on Fri, 03/12/2010 - 17:47

Look in the driver's side doorjamb, there is a plate there that tells the month and year of manufacture.

Does it have a secondary ignition coil in front of the radiator? If so, this was part of the HE makeover.

I have an 84 HE.

Submitted by dougdwyer1@com… on Tue, 03/09/2010 - 23:51

Yup, it's an '82...the tenth digit being a "c" confirms it....if you're using the VIN off the windshield tag versus the cowl tag, that is. The cowl tag VIN is the one the car was born with that doesn't follow North American VIN convention. The windshield VIN is the one assigned to the car to meet the North American requirements.

It would be interesting to know the production date. Looks like you have a very early HE which would have some unique details.

Cheers
DD

Submitted by profcough@yahoo.com on Tue, 03/09/2010 - 23:19

Doug, you seem to be right. Looking at the concours section there is a picture of an 82 XJS that has the same emblems as mine but reversed.

Submitted by profcough@yahoo.com on Tue, 03/09/2010 - 23:06

Thanks everyone. I recall a sprite once that was registered as a 69 even though the VIN clearly showed it to be a 67. British cars are British cars after all
George, I'll gladly post the VIN:
SAJAV5844CC105642 Year first sold, 1981
I don't think the car has been repainted and there is an emblem on the hood.
Were there varous levels of trim and accessories? This car doesn't have a trip meter,or any place for one as far as I can tell. A base model? was there such a thing. The only thing I'm worried about is getting the proper parts for it.

Submitted by dougdwyer1@com… on Tue, 03/09/2010 - 20:20

Yeah, the emblems have been messed with.

The left side should be "XJS" and the right side should be "HE". Later...maybe '87 or so....the HE engine was no longer considered to be particularly noteworthy so the "HE" emblem was replaced with a "V12" emblem.

The car itself definately looks "HE".

Cheers
DD

Submitted by SE98-32482CJ on Tue, 03/09/2010 - 15:42

Carl your car is confusing. The chrome on the bumpers is a mark of the HE but for that you should have an HE badge on the boot--do you have an emblem on the hood (bonnet)? DO you think the car has been repainted--that might explain some of it. In any case you can check the judging guide and the vin--not sure why Bleasie's vin start and Jaguar US is different but think it might be a lag in US production. Let us know.

Submitted by SE98-32482CJ on Tue, 03/09/2010 - 15:29

Bleasie I took the vin I quoted off of a Jaguar Cars INC (that is the US company) spread sheet. Where did you get yours--are we talking about US cars (federal) or world market?

Submitted by SE98-32482CJ on Tue, 03/09/2010 - 13:23

Carl I show the HE model starting at SAJNV584CC105338. There was no 1981 model as the retooling for the HE was underway. Have you looked at the jugding guide here (concours section)? I think it will answer all of your questions but it seems you have a 1980 model sold in 81. Do you mind sharing the vin?