New Member

[Jim Evans]

Hi From Jim 

Just signing in as a new member, but not really, I joined in last year as I was about to lose the battle with my 4Ltre XJ8 308 I think. I hereby confirm that I lost the battle, and Cat, as she was known to the family, has gone to the great scrap yard in the sky. She was a fabulous car I bought her new for about 54k in 2000 and had 23years of wonderful driving in her. She looked just like the day I bought her, as I always kept on top of the bodywork, but she then went and failed the MOT. A local engineer then agreed to do a quality welding job for me, only to take all of the £1000 to do the underside, have it totally dismantled, cut up and on axle stands, all the new parts made ready for reassembly, he then went and died on me! I know what I should not have done, but. End of story.

However, I did make contact with Mark on here, member name Ashton, who helped me enormously with his knowledge of X150 models he was Chassis engineer on the  X150, amongst other things. He led me along all the bewildering nuances of the XK range, which he won't ever really know how much I valued this.  Eventually, after quite some time sorting out what I really wanted and then realising as a 75-year-old pensioner I could not afford one, but I came very close and have just taken over the new "Jag". This one is called Zero (let you know why this name at a later point in time)  She is a Silver Grey XKR 4.2 litre Convertible. I have to say I am besotted with this monster, what a car, and it seems well looked after. That's part two, concluded, recorded and reported. I will report again as I get used to Zero and keep you all informed. 

I am new to this forum and not sure how things work, but I thought the best way to find out is to do it my way (first post) and see what comes out of any response.

Best Jim  

[LairdScooby]

Welcome aboard Jim. Sorry to hear of the fate of your XJ but things sometimes happen that way - might not seem like it at the time but it's probably for the best.

Hope you enjoy Zero!

[Jim Evans]

12 hours ago, LairdScooby said:

Welcome aboard Jim. Sorry to hear of the fate of your XJ but things sometimes happen that way - might not seem like it at the time but it's probably for the best.

Hope you enjoy Zero!

Thanks for the comment. You are absolutely correct. That's why I bought an aluminium-bodied car this time. I have had a varied career, but spent thirty years in the motor industry building cars. I have always had the same intention; it's only now I can afford to buy what I wanted all along. I was in senior management, but not that senior that I could affect what we made. And I am an engineer and know that aluminium is not completely the answer but it is getting nearer. 

Jim

My other cars are a Suzuki Swift Sports (just a day-to-day car but fun) and a track car a fibreglass-bodied, but properly chassisied Porsche 550 Spyder copy, with an Alfa flat four Engine.

My general nickname is Spyderromeo

[Jim Evans]

I welcome any comments, as I have to understand what you, the experts, are doing. I have got to keep plugging away until I find out how the J.O. site works (what's the real nickname). I want to join in and get involved. As I have said, I have spent years in the industry, deciding how your cars should be produced, without the opportunity to really hear what you wanted, let alone think about what to do about it. I am absolutely in awe of my XKR. I think the one I have bought is a wonderful example. I keep slipping outside to have another sneak view of it. What a car! I think love comes into it!

But it's not the best one in the UK, I want to make it that way. So research is required, and any help will be appreciated.

I have one of the best replica 550 Spyders in Europe, maybe the world and need to put my mind and fingers to the NEW "JAG". I am a compulsive.

Jim Spyderromero

[N6 JMX]

Welcome aboard Jim, and I hope you have many happy miles in your XKR Convertible - Zero. As you will note if you have already been trawling in this section of the Forum, there is a lot of knowledge and a willingness to share this with fellow Enthusiasts.

If you have already suffered from the dreaded tin worm on your unfortunate XJ, then I am assuming that you had the underside of Zero fully checked out ahead of purchase. The main body may be aluminium, but that doesn't guarantee no corrosion, just a different version, but the underside has steel subframes that can get into a really poor state very quickly. This is especially the case if the car has been used year round and seen salted roads or, strangely enough, if the car has spent some of its life living by the seaside.

Let's see a few photos when you can.

N6 JMX

[N6 JMX]

Incidentally, if you are looking for a Club that deals exclusively with the Modern XK, you could think about joining the XKCC, see link below. The annual membership fee is only £10 and well worth it for the camaraderie and outings alone.

Home | XKCC 

N6 JMX

[Jimbov8]

13 hours ago, Jim Evans said:

I welcome any comments, as I have to understand what you, the experts, are doing. I have got to keep plugging away until I find out how the J.O. site works (what's the real nickname). I want to join in and get involved. As I have said, I have spent years in the industry, deciding how your cars should be produced, without the opportunity to really hear what you wanted, let alone think about what to do about it. I am absolutely in awe of my XKR. I think the one I have bought is a wonderful example. I keep slipping outside to have another sneak view of it. What a car! I think love comes into it!

But it's not the best one in the UK, I want to make it that way. So research is required, and any help will be appreciated.

I have one of the best replica 550 Spyders in Europe, maybe the world and need to put my mind and fingers to the NEW "JAG". I am a compulsive.

Jim Spyderromero

Welcome to the forum, enjoy.😊