​We currently have a Jaguar XJS-C V12. Our philosophy is to buy classic cars that we admire and enjoy and then pass them on to the right clients. When we were offered this beast of a car it had sat forlornly for a number of years. Although it had been locked away we took on the challenge of a light restoration. As with all projects there is always more than meets the eye and this Jaguar has been no different!

We first addressed the seized brake calipers and installed a pair of rebuilt rear units. We reconditioned the original front units. The inboard rear discs are not much fun to work with and very costly to repair. It is a time consuming job and took us a day to complete! It was interesting to see that the brake pads that were originally on the car had seen many better days so we think maybe many XJS owners do not like to update/replace these parts (and we can see why!)

Once the car was rolling and stopping we turned to the V12 engine. It was running but did hesitate on acceleration so we changed the fuel filter and cleaned out the injectors which improved the performance and allowed the V12 to burble as Jaguar intended. We then noticed a small leak on the front and changed out the radiator and flushed the coolant. This was also a bit of a challenge with some forums suggesting to remove the bonnet for access but after some maneuvering we managed to retain the bonnet in place. We serviced the bonnet struts and checked all the pipes and connections to make sure this Jaguar will be as reliable as possible!

Once the engine was running and brakes working it was time for the exciting first test drive. This is when we noticed that it would not shift from first gear! It had reverse and park but only one forward gear. Although it does do 50 in first we thought it better to investigate. After a lot of head scratching we changed the governor gear (thanks to a great YouTube tip!) and replaced the oil and filter. As if by magic it is now all up and working and drives very well indeed. Whilst under the car we took the opportunity to check for any other rust and it is rock solid. We undersealed the entire car from front to back and repainted the sills so it is good for another good few years before this needs doing again.

Next up was a clay bar and full machine polish followed by a valet. The black paint has really come up very well and the interior is a masterpiece of British engineering. The originality of the interior is a sight to behold and includes the original radio and even the wood trim and dashboard is in excellent order. The black paint has a deep shine and is good order. There are a few blemishes - the worst being a slight dent on the drivers door and the rear wing but we think it still looks a million dollars especially with the roof tops out and the rear dropped down. When the car arrived it was shabby and dull and now you can see your reflection - it really is a head turner. 

As with any light restoration there is always something more that could be done to take a car to a mint standard and we think it is nice for a new owner to have room to improve and add value to a car should they wish or enjoy a high quality well sorted example as it is.

We put the Jaguar in for an MOT in May and it passed first time with no issues or advisories so now it is all ready to go. We are very pleased with this XJS - C and it really is one of those 'if we had to space we would keep it' cars. We are sure that in 20 years time, when there are even fewer left, this will be a true survivor. It is a pleasure to cruise the country lanes with the awesome V12 burbling away in the luxury this car - surely as high spec as a Rolls Royce in its day.

If you are in the market for a top quality cabriolet that is the essence of a classic Jaguar then feel free to come and have a look - we even provide a cup of tea!

Sometimes classic cars are like buses - you wait for one and then three come along! Currently we have a 4.2 XKR, a 4.0 XKR and a 1985 V12 XJS Cabriolet!

All of these cars have very different characters - the 4.2 XKR is a super fast car that reflects the top end of Jaguar engineering in 2003 whilst the V12 Cabriolet reflects the very best of the 1980s age of indulgence. It is super smooth and not concerned with such factors as fuel consumption managing around 15mpg!

We love sourcing these cars but if only we had a crystal ball as well - with the E Type now out of reach of many classic car fans it must be the turn of these top end Jaguars to reach these dizzy heights as well. Imagine this post in 20 years time when they reach the 40 - 50k mark....as always, we wish we could keep them all!

If you are looking to invest and see your capital grow - certainly more than your less than 1% on most investments - then now is the time to get involved.

Please follow us on Facebook at Barnes Classic Cars for live updates and future finds!

​Happy motoring and enjoy the summer.

​

We have found a number of great cars for the summer buyers! Currently we have the awesome VX220 all ready to go and being prepared is a good example of the super rare Jaguar XJS-C V12.

This 1985 beast will be added very soon so keep an eye out or contact us for early viewing. We are booking up for the shows this summer so we hope to see you all out and about - this weekend we will be at the Maldon Museum of Power for a great family day out (with lots of classic cars as well).

If you see us say hello! Enjoy the sunshine whilst you can!

Here at Barnes Classic Cars we are always on the hunt for classics that inspire us - there is no point in investing in something that you do not like!

With this mind, we have a collection of Jaguars at the moment reflecting the brands best offerings from the 1980s to the mid 2000s. The 1985 XJS V12 is tipped to rise in value and our barn find one we are itching to start working on. It is a very solid car so a good place to start! On the other end of the scale we have a 2003 XKR 4.2 Supercharged which is a masterpiece of engineering with stunning performance in great all around package. As Jaguar once advertised - their cars have grace, pace and style!

Our VX220 is also a great little car that we are enjoying now the sun is out and we have plans in the diary for many of the classic shows coming up - we hope to see you out there in the sunshine!

Our little MG Midget finishes (on a leading auction site as they say on Wheeler Dealers) this evening and has garnered a lot of interest - we are sure the new owners will have a great time - we have loved every minute of driving it.

Happy motoring and remember - they are they to be used not just polished!

Finally the clocks have sprung forward so we find ourselves with time in the evening to enjoy our cars - plans are being made for summer tours and club meetings so we hope to meet you at some of these!

Currently we have an MG Midget from 1977 which is a cracking drive -it has been lowered and really does go very well indeed. Fast forward 25 years after the MG's production we have also just secured an a Vauxhall VX220 - we are amazed at the technical progress made. It is true though that they both offer something unique which we guess is why the classic car market continues to thrive - different horses for different courses!

We will be at the Anglia Classic Car auction on the 8th of April so we hope to see lots of you there - hopefully securing a bargain - usually there are lots of people and a great range of classics - even if you are not buying it is a great day out! Please see more at http://www.angliacarauctions.co.uk/en/classic-auctions

Enjoy the sunshine and remember - buy a convertible! 

Finally there is a light at the end of the tunnel - literally!

As the Spring draws in we are building up our portfolio of finds. We have a new garden office installed and we have recently upgraded our forecourt so our clients have more space to view our classic car finds. 

We are sourcing some interesting cars at all price points - from the Vauxhall Carlton - which we love - to the Jaguar XKR - which how could anyone not love?

We will continue to grow this year - please feel free to drop by and have a look at our cars - we aim to please.

While competition for excellent examples of quality vehicles to source remains high, we feel this is a good sign as it means the investment market is growing steadily. We have said it before but as its Spring we will say it again - buy a new car for £25000 - the moment you drive away from the forecourt you have lost the VAT value and the countdown begins. On average in three years your purchase (asset) will be worth roughly half what you paid for it - say £12000.. If you divide this down into additional monthly costs on top of insurance and tax then you could add roughly an additional £300 a month to your actual costs. If you buy a classic then it can be cheaper to run, they are cheaper to insure, they are cheaper to fix, they look cool, you can go for weekends away with local clubs and when you sell it you should return your investment if not increase it. So it seems that Classic Cars may be the way forward.....

Happy motoring and roll on the summer nights.

So here we are a few weeks into the New Year and we are building our new stock. We have made some very interesting connections with many car suppliers across the UK and we will be bringing you a range of great additions very soon. 

Our 1951 Morris is tucked away in storage but is ready to view and we have an MGB awaiting preparation. We are viewing some Porsche cars this week so keep an eye out and do drop us a line if you are looking for something special - we may be able to help.

We hope you are looking forward to the arrival of Spring - now is the time to prepare for those awesome classic car days out and about.

​Happy motoring!

After a busy weekend servicing and cleaning the early Morris it is a pleasure to offer her for sale. This old girl has only had two owners from new and has been extensively restored. The interior is a real treat and this is one that if we had to room we would keep - how many are left of this model? it cant be more than 100 - let us know if you have one! Under the bonnet is mint and it is ready to show - what a fun spring and summer it could be!

We are longing for the summer to come back already! There is nothing worse than preparing a car for sale and ensuring it is as good as can be then it being rained on. This was the tale of the weekend so we are currently working on extension plans to our storage unit. Our garden office is almost built and ready to welcome our clients.

We have sourced a few nice cars since our last update and we are beginning to focus on affordable but good example of the iconic Morris Minor/1000. We love the simplicity of these great little cars and we was just discussing the other day the relative environmental offset of using a car that was built some 50  fifty plus ago that gets around 35 to a gallon compared to a new car that gets around 45 to a gallon. The classic cars are already here so why not use them daily? Which brings us back to the problem of your lovely classic getting rained on..... choices, choices......

Please keep an eye out for our latest finds - we have access to two barn finds at the moment so if you are interested in a split screen Morris Minor that is solid but needs putting together and painting for around £3000 or a Mk1 Mini in the same order for around £6000 do let us know!

​Happy Motoring!

Today we have had the pleasure of working with a new valeting and detailing team who have taken this 1964 Morris to the next level. They worked through the rain from early morning to late afternoon and they have uncovered a diamond! Please take a look at the website for all the pics - we are confident this car will not available for long so please book a viewing today.