Highlights

Highly original example of Jaguar's legendary tourer
Rare factory-fitted sunroof
Recently serviced by classic restorers
Owned for about a year and a half

The Appeal

When Jaguar launched the XJS, it raised a lot of eyebrows. This was no successor for the E-type, as people had expected - this was a big, luxurious grand tourer with modernised angles and distinctive rear buttresses. The cars couldn't be much more different, and that big, thirsty V12 powerplant was being launched in the middle of a fuel crisis. Sales remained stubbornly low until 1981 when Leyland opted for a facelift. as a last-ditch effort to renew the car's image - which proved to be a masterstroke.

In July '81, the car received a new High-Efficiency V12 engine for much better fuel economy, with a 'fireball' combustion chamber that increased the car's grunt and a light restyling. They also offered a convertible and a smaller, more affordable six-pot - giving a wider audience the chance to get behind the wheel. Of course, as soon as they did, they were thrilled. By the skin of its teeth, the XJS got the immense success it deserved.

This example carries the rare factory-fitted sunroof, and is accompanied by a very sizable paperwork file.

The History and Paperwork

Registered in 1981
The DVLA records 10 previous keepers
In current ownership since 2023
Purchased from Mulliner Park Ward in the Wirral
Indicates 57,625 miles on a five-figure odometer
Accompanied by an impressive paperwork file including:
- Original handbooks and manuals
- Old MOT certificates
- Plenty of invoices, including for a full service and renewal in 2023
- Correspondence from the XJ register
- Photographic record of an older restoration

The Condition

Highly original condition
Bodywork is in good overall order
The paintwork has lost a little of its lustre
Some areas of blistering and blemishing
Coachline is in good condition
Brightwork contrasts well but does have a gentle patina
Original alloys in good order
Some gentle patina to the underside
Highly original interior
Some patina and sag to the leather upholstery
Some marks and scuffs to the dash, particularly around the ignition
Some marks and wear to the wooden veneers
All instruments are clear and legible
Rare factory-fitted sunroof
The headlining could do with a replacement, as the sunroof has led to some wear

The Mechanics

5.3-litre HE V12 engine
Automatic transmission
Engine bay looks in fine order
We understand that the car is in fine mechanical health
Recent servicing and brake work completed by classic restorers
We've no reports of any mechanical issues

BEFORE YOU BUY

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