1989 Jaguar XJS 5.3 Convertible For Sale

THE APPEAL

Elegant, comfortable and refined but at the same time very fast, the XJS was for many years, from 1975 to 1996, the most exclusive and fascinating Jaguar and is today increasingly appreciated by enthusiasts, who are looking above all for well-preserved and mechanically solid vehicles.

The XJS was born as heir to the legendary E-Type, from which it inherited the powerful 5.3-litre 12-cylinder engine, coupled since 1977 to the reliable GM Turbo-Hydramatic 400 automatic transmission.
From 1981, the XJS came with the new High-Efficiency V12 which boosted power to nearly three hundred horsepower, together with even more refined and pleasing bodywork and interior.

This beautiful example, originally sold in the United States and now in Italy, is in very good aesthetic and mechanical condition, having enjoyed careful and constant maintenance throughout its life, as evidenced by the impeccable cabin, with flawless soft leather seats and wood finishes and by the immaculate engine bay.

At the wheel, the deep and unmistakable sound of the powerful V12, for many years one of the very few on the market together with the most exclusive Ferrari and Lamborghini models, and its extreme suppleness, allow for a brilliant, engaging and at the same time relaxing drive, with very good performance even for today's standards and an high level of comfort.

In its charming cabin, full of precious materials and penned with elegant and essential lines, every journey becomes an event to be celebrated.

Presented in an extremely classic and desirable color scheme, with Jaguar Racing Green bodywork and tan leather interior and soft-top, this impressive convertible is equipped with original alloy wheels, electric soft-top, driver's airbag and a recently replaced ABS system.

Coming with its original handbook, Italian and US documents and an ASI Certificate of Historical Relevance, this XJS represents a very rare opportunity to acquire a highly sought after car in a particularly desirable trim, ready to drive and grant fun and great driving pleasure to its next owner.

THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK

Imported in Italy in 2021

Italian documents

ASI (Italian Historic Automobiles Registry) Certificate of Historical Relevance

Valid MOT

Imported to Italy from the USA in 2021, this beautiful XJS has received painstaking care throughout its life by attentive and knowledgeable owners.

It has benefited from further recent major maintenance work, including the replacement of the ABS system.

Registered in Italy and equipped with the original handbook and booklets and Italian and US documents, the car is also accompanied by an ASI Certificate of Historical Relevance.

THE INTERIOR

Original interior in excellent condition

Seats, door cards and central tunnel upholstered in soft tan leather

Beautiful wood finishes

Pristine dashboard

Original stereo system

The XJS's nature as an exclusive and luxurious grand tourer emerges in its sumptuous cabin.

The electrically adjustable seats, the door cards and the central tunnel upholstered in flawless high quality soft tan leather, the beautiful burr wood finishes on the dashboard and doors and the precious chrome-plated details are a real joy to the eyes.

The sporting soul of the XJS emerges in the instrument panel, rational and purposeful, which provides all the necessary informations with large circular gauges and peculiar vertically rotating dials, complemented by an efficient on-board computer.

The electrically operated multi-layer soft top perfectly insulates the passenger compartment or, at the touch of a button, allows driver and passengers to enjoy the thrills of open-air driving.

Every detail demonstrates the great care with which this charming convertible has always been maintained, from the soft over rugs that cover the beautiful carpets, which also lines the large luggage compartment, to the functional original radio.

All controls, instruments and accessories are completely operational, allowing to fully enjoy the great comfort offered by this extremely pleasant passenger compartment.

THE EXTERIOR

In very good overall condition

Jaguar Racing Green metallic paint

Electric multilayer soft top

Two chrome-plated electric rear view mirrors

Bumpers, brightwork and badges in very good condition

Clean headlights, taillights and side markers

Original alloy wheels

Very clean underbody

Jaguar's unmistakable and distinctive Racing Green metallic paint highlights the clean, sleek and linear design of the XJS, which is even more noticeable with the roof down and commands admiration and respect for the marque's long and glorious history and the great elegance of this vehicle.

The refined electric soft top, the beautiful original alloy wheels without defects and the many chrome-plated details that enrich the grille, the upper part of the bumpers, the four headlights, the belt line and the top of the bootlid, make the vehicle even more precious and refined.

The taillights still present the original design, prior to the 1991 restyling, with a marked bespoke and upmarket appearance.

The paint is free from any defects, as are all the chrome-plated details, badges, lights and windows.

The underbody presents no traces of oil leaks, rust or any type of damage.

THE MECHANICS

Jaguar 295bhp High-Efficiency 5.3 liter V12 engine

Three-speed automatic gearbox

Four disc brakes with ABS

Always carefully maintained

Opening the bonnet of this beautiful Jaguar, we can admire the very good condition of the mighty 12-cylinder engine that powered cars of great historical importance such as the iconic E-Type and remained in production in various forms until 1997.

All surfaces are clean, with neat wiring and hoses and still perfectly legible factory stickers.

Rarely used but always kept in perfect working order, this car allows us to enjoy the performance of an engine with proverbial elasticity and an unrepeatable sound with complete peace of mind.

The robust and efficient General Motors automatic gearbox is an ideal match for the ample torque offered by the engine, allowing rapid acceleration and exceptional pickup.

The ABS system has recently been replaced and is in perfect working order, allowing effective and balanced braking.

The seller assures that the car is ready to drive and does not need any work.

SUMMARY

The Jaguar XJS has been the flagship of the Jaguar range for many years, with versions powered by the mighty V12 engines positioned at the top level.

Fast, elegant and comfortable, it has all the attributes of the greatest European-style granturismos, combined with an unmistakable and charming design.

In recent years, all XJS models are increasingly desired and see their prices on the rise, especially so for the exclusive convertibles.
With numbers dwindling and examples in good condition increasingly difficult to find, the XJS is certainly destined for a future as a protagonist in the world of classic cars.

The combination of the open bodywork in a particularly sought-after colour and the original V12 engine in its most powerful version, together with the very good state in which it is presented and the interior with desirable specifications and in great condition, makes this XJS Convertible a rare opportunity for the enthusiast who wants to experience the pleasure of getting behind the wheel of one of the most iconic cars of the seventies, eighties and nineties and experience the extraordinary driving pleasure that only a V12 engine can offer.

Notice to bidders

This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*

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1989 Jaguar XJS 5.3 Convertible

HIGHLIGHTS