A car enthusiast and YouTuber recently embarked on a mission to acquire a Porsche 944 at auction, only to drive home with a significantly different classic car: a 1988 Jaguar XJS. Harry, the personality behind the YouTube channel “Cash Machine Cars,” had initially set his sights on a Porsche 944 that had been sitting idle for approximately five years. However, the allure of a Jaguar XJS at a potentially bargain price proved too tempting to resist. This unexpected turn of events raises the question: could this impulsive $530 Jaguar purchase be a hidden gem or a costly gamble?
Auction Ambitions Take an Unexpected Turn
Harry’s original intention was clear: to bid on a Porsche 944. The Porsche 944, a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive sports car produced by Porsche in the 1980s and early 1990s, is a popular choice for enthusiasts seeking a blend of classic design and accessible performance. However, as the auction progressed, a 1988 Jaguar XJS entered the fray, diverting Harry’s planned course. Driven by curiosity and the thrill of a potential deal, Harry decided to throw his hat in the ring.
“I put in $633,” Harry explained, reflecting on his bidding strategy, “because I thought, ‘It’s a Jaguar, it’s got to be worth it’.” To his surprise, and perhaps slight disbelief, his bid was successful. “We won it for $530 in the end, which is mad cheap,” he admitted. However, the excitement of the win was quickly tempered by the reality of the Jaguar’s unknown condition. Upon closer inspection after the auction, the challenges became apparent. “We went to pick it up and… yeah, the brakes were seized,” Harry recounted. The sheer weight of the Jaguar further complicated matters. “The thing is so heavy, it weighs an absolute ton,” he noted, highlighting the logistical hurdles of transporting the immobile vehicle. Despite these initial setbacks, Harry successfully brought his unexpected auction prize home.
Jaguar Porsche Auction
Unveiling the Jaguar’s Condition: Rust and Rodents
Once the Jaguar XJS was offloaded, a trail of fluid immediately signaled a problem – a broken brake line. This was just the beginning of the diagnostic process. A closer examination revealed rust issues plaguing the Jaguar’s bodywork, particularly noticeable on the doors. Harry’s assessment was frank: “The underneath looks kind of okay, but I don’t think there’s a panel on here without some rust bubbles.” The interior presented another unwelcome surprise. The boot, or trunk, had become an unexpected habitat. “Inside the boot, it appeared that a family of squirrels had taken up residence,” Harry revealed. While squirrels might be considered less problematic than a mice infestation, as experienced with a Honda Acura NSX restoration project, their presence certainly added to the list of issues to address.
Salvageable Classic or Lost Cause?
Despite the rust, seized brakes, and squirrel tenants, the Jaguar XJS wasn’t without its redeeming features. The interior, aside from the compromised boot, seemed reasonably intact. “The floors don’t look completely rotten,” Harry observed, finding a silver lining in the pre-owned car’s condition. This qualified as a positive sign, especially considering the potential for far worse discoveries in neglected vehicles, such as the biohazard encountered in the backseat of a BMW 745i. Harry’s overall assessment of the Jaguar’s structural integrity was cautiously optimistic. Referring to the underside, he concluded, “it’s nothing tragic.” While acknowledging the work needed, Harry expressed confidence that the Jaguar XJS was not beyond saving. “We need to sort the brake line out,” he stated, outlining the immediate repair priority. Looking ahead, Harry was enthusiastic about the cosmetic potential, “I can’t wait to give this thing a proper mop and polish.” His initial inspection suggested that major structural repairs might be avoidable, “I’m really surprised at the condition of it, I don’t think I’ll need to do any welding on it.”
Jaguar Porsche Auction
From Porsche 944 Plans to Jaguar Project
Ultimately, Harry’s auction trip, intended to secure a Porsche 944, resulted in an unexpected detour into Jaguar XJS ownership. Whether this $530 gamble will prove worthwhile remains to be seen, but the journey of restoring this classic Jaguar is undoubtedly underway. To witness the full inspection and initial steps in reviving this Jaguar XJS that almost wasn’t, viewers are encouraged to visit Cash Machine Cars’ YouTube channel. There, you can follow along as Harry tackles the challenges and hopefully unlocks the hidden potential of his auction surprise.
