Plum Crazy Meets British Grand Touring: A 1976 Jaguar XJS with Big-Block Attitude

What happens when a luxurious 1970s Jaguar grand tourer loses its sophisticated twin-cam V12 and gains the unmistakable rumble of a big-block Mopar? This 1976 XJS is living proof that cross-Atlantic engine swaps can be as wild as they sound. It’s a machine that pairs English leather-and-wood elegance with American horsepower.

The seller describes the car as a project that’s already been modified, but the exact extent of the work remains unclear. What is clear is the visual punch: the body is bathed in a vibrant shade of Plum Crazy purple, a color that was never offered by Jaguar but was a favorite among Mopar enthusiasts of the era.

Under the hood, details might be scarce, but the promise of 440 cubic inches of American torque gives this classic a completely different personality. While the original V12s were smooth and refined, a wedge-shaped engine from Chrysler would transform the XJS into something far more aggressive and visceral.

For collectors who value originality, this car will not be their first choice, but for those who crave a unique fusion of British styling and American muscle, this Jaguar could be an irresistible one-of-a-kind project.