If I decided to stow away the XJ for an extended period of time, are there any special considerations for oil that would help prevent dry-starts besides changing and priming the oil? That will only cover so much. In particular I'm thinking about the cylinder walls and piston rings scraping some unsavory items the first few turn overs into the oiling system.

That thick Lucas synthetic stuff is the first thing that comes to mind, the stuff that pours out like molasses.

 

Use a fogging oil. Its not really designed to prevent dry starts, but more to prevent corrosion in the combustion chambers after the oil has drained back to the sump. Priming, as you mentioned, would be your best safeguard against a dry start.

 

I should also mention that I usually put about a teaspoon of MMO in each cylinder and manually turn over the crank before starting an engine that has been sitting for an extended period, just for good measure.