I had a friend who had an XJ12. He is a British car lover but the Jag almost made him change his mind. I can't remember if it had the Stromberg carbs or fuel injection but it was always breaking. He is in Florida so overheating was a problem.

Get an old XJ12 with a bad engine. (they are kind of old now so maybe not so many are left) and put a small block Chevy in it. I know if the head gaskets leak on the V12's, the coolant will oxidize the aluminum cylinder heads to the head studs and they can be impossible to get off!

I think if you go through with this that you will see the difference in quality of components, engineering and assembly that will make you appreciate MB.

With that said, I can remember a high school teacher that had and XJ12C of about 1976. A rare car and it had truly beatiful lines. It was painted a pale yellow and looked the epitome of a classic British car.

__________________
Doug

1987 300TD x 3
2005 E320CDI