looking to buy part 2

I analyzed my neighbor's Van Den Plas side-by-side with my XJ-6 and here's what I noticed: Van Den Plas models have different rear seats, more like two "bucket seats" emulating the two front seats which are wider than the XJ-6. it also has a larger rear center console section, with an added ashtray and cigar lighter,and a large center armrest with a picnic table and compartment to store your Grey Pupon, Ritz crackers, and Swedish cheese. Unfortunately that compartment is not air-cooled like the new Volkswagen glove box, where you can save your Quizno's sub and beer for later comsumption. the XJ-6 does not have those, but the wiring plug is there in-the-ready. The interior trim colors are also reserved for it, and they are not available in the XJ-6, although the XJ-6 interior trim colors were available for the VDP, i.e., Biscuit, Grey, and Black. The VDP carpeting is wool, as opposed to the XJ-6 carpet which is, well, carpet. The VDP has rear seat Headrests, and the XJ-6 does not. Then there is the Sovereign model, which has not been mentioned, I call it the "corporate" and "ambassador" trim model. The Sovereign is a very "sterile" model of which some are bullet-proofed for duty in political hot spots. Those weigh double the 3,800 lbs. of a normal XJ, so they ride lower. Tony Blair and Princess Di must have had those issued to them. But look where Princess Di died, in a Mercedes which according to the MB spokesman, "did what it was supposed to do", (i.e., kill all the occupants??). I don't think there's any of those in the US since they are closely monitored by the government. Last, The VDP had the "chromed gooseneck" Map Reading light in the front as well, which the XJ-6 does not come with, but the wiring is there in-the-ready. The headliner in the VDP and Sovereign is also wool. The steering wheel horn-push emblem/badge in the VDP and Sovereign was initially gold, (fades to silver) and in the XJ-6 it is silver/chrome. Similarly, the VDP and Sovereign exterior badges say "Van Den Plas" or "Sovereign". Just little details like that. I believe the name Van Den Plas comes from the Daimler company which Jaguar purchased in the mid 1960's. There was a Daimler Van Den Plas, and a Daimler Princess.

Tee hee hee

I just wanted to be mission specific so as to save Gregory Andrachuk the trouble.

He HATES having to explain these things. Isn't that right, Gregory ?

David, keep us posted as you search for your Jaguar.

Cheers

Doug Dwyer
Longview Washington USA
1987 XJ6 Ser III
1988 XJS V12 Coupe

doug ,thanks for the reply....you make me laugh....pedantic...anal...lets just say detail oriented or mission specific....lol david

I'll add, too, that "VanDen Plas" means different things for different markets.

In my remarks above I am referring to USA 6-cylinder cars.

Doug Dwyer
Longview Washington USA
1987 XJ6 Ser III
1988 XJS V12 Coupe

You'll think I'm being pedantic here, but for the record....

"VanDen Plas" was not an add-on option. It was a separate model. In other words, it was not a case of buying an XJ6 with the "optional VanDen Plas package". You bought a Jaguar XJ6 ....or you bought a Jaguar VanDen Plas.

Doug Dwyer
Longview Washington USA
1987 XJ6 Ser III
1988 XJS V12 Coupe

Correct. No mechanical changes on a VDP.

Doug Dwyer
Longview Washington USA
1987 XJ6 Ser III
1988 XJS V12 Coupe