Highlights
• Well maintained and very original
• A highly desirable convertible version
• Fitted with the most favoured V12 engine
The Appeal
The big XJS epitomises the British take on the touring convertible. Long and low, filled with sumptuous leather and a fabulous power plant in the front in the form of the 5.3 V12. The spiritual home of this sleek machine should be cruising around the roads of Capri or Nice, roof down and swooping around each sun-soaked curve with ease and poise.
An idyllic scene for sure but the big cat is as equally equipped to tackle any of the UK’s tourist routes, just with the roof up more often perhaps? This a car that may not particularly rare but what is reassuring is that it has had a considerable amount of time and money spent on maintenance over recent years keeping it fine fettle and ready for the next Grand Tour.
An idyllic scene for sure but the big cat is as equally equipped to tackle any of the UK’s tourist routes, just with the roof up more often perhaps? This a car that may not particularly rare but what is reassuring is that it has had a considerable amount of time and money spent on maintenance over recent years keeping it fine fettle and ready for the next Grand Tour.
The History and Paperwork
• Copious amount of invoices detailing recent work
• Refreshed paintwork at key points
• No expense spared on servicing and maintenance
During the time the car has been in the keep of the current owner this Jag has wanted for nothing. Since buying the car in 2014 the owner has ensured that the car was serviced by the right people and in doing so made sure that it has been kept in a trustworthy state. Over the years many components have been repaired or replaced including anything that came up as advisories on the annual MOT and of course keeping to a service schedule.
The body too has had some attention as age began to show on inner wings and wheel arches, common places for an XJS to show the rigours of living in the UK. These were attended to in 2020 as the not insignificant invoice shows. There is a substantial file of invoices and old MOTs to trace what has been done and spent. The car has a recent MOT which runs into spring 2023.
The body too has had some attention as age began to show on inner wings and wheel arches, common places for an XJS to show the rigours of living in the UK. These were attended to in 2020 as the not insignificant invoice shows. There is a substantial file of invoices and old MOTs to trace what has been done and spent. The car has a recent MOT which runs into spring 2023.
The Interior
• Original Interior
• Fully functioning roof
• Working instrumentation
• Added coded security immobiliser
The car sports the original and unmolested interior trim and shows its use gracefully. There are no tears just general wear. The driving seat shows the most with some colour transfer from clothing onto the seat and some abrasion to the bolster. To be fair it is commensurate with the year and mileage and would improve with a little bit of professional help.
I am reliably informed that the instruments all do their job as do all the switches. A coded security device is still fitted and in working order too. The roof functions as it should and is in good condition and although there is a tonneau cover with the car it has shrunk a little making it difficult to use, again a leather specialist should be able to rectify that.
I am reliably informed that the instruments all do their job as do all the switches. A coded security device is still fitted and in working order too. The roof functions as it should and is in good condition and although there is a tonneau cover with the car it has shrunk a little making it difficult to use, again a leather specialist should be able to rectify that.
The Exterior
• Vibrant blue body colour
• All original panels
• Professional restoration to inner wings and arches
• Good quality original alloys
It isn’t easy to own such a large car and not collect the odd bump and scrape, but this car is in great overall condition. Yes, it has needed some remedial paintwork to be done to offset the ravages of time, but no accident repairs have been needed. The paint is in good order having that some of the panels and boot lid had been painted back in 2020.
The odd stone chip can still be found if we were to look hard enough. That said the shine is there and the only thing to make it look even better would be a bit of mopping. Worthy of note is the windscreen washers; the vendor has advised they seem to have a blockage somewhere, as they are not working at the moment. All the trademark emblems and trim are in position and look well.
The odd stone chip can still be found if we were to look hard enough. That said the shine is there and the only thing to make it look even better would be a bit of mopping. Worthy of note is the windscreen washers; the vendor has advised they seem to have a blockage somewhere, as they are not working at the moment. All the trademark emblems and trim are in position and look well.
The Mechanics
The ubiquitous V12 is rarely put under any strain in these lovely machines and this one does sound smooth and quiet. The auto box appeared to change without problems as it was moved around for our pictures. Steering too was light and without any judders or unexpected noises from the power rack.
The pile of invoices prove that this car has been attended to without compromise and each time an advisory should appear on an MOT, that work was done. Servicing has been done by local Jaguar Specialists and has created a comprehensive traceable history.
It is worth noting that the cruise control has been disconnected.
The pile of invoices prove that this car has been attended to without compromise and each time an advisory should appear on an MOT, that work was done. Servicing has been done by local Jaguar Specialists and has created a comprehensive traceable history.
It is worth noting that the cruise control has been disconnected.
Summary
An XJS is always a joy to drive but can sometimes be a little needy, yet here is a car that has had the good fortune to have an owner that kept ahead of any upcoming issues. Not being particularly a ‘hands on’ kind of enthusiast has meant that the vehicle has been put into more knowledgeable hands when the need arose.
Common areas of concern have been attended to in advance and that coupled with a good servicing regime has to be a good thing. We may not be in southern France but perhaps you should take a punt at us having a good summer here and get the most out of an XJS.
Common areas of concern have been attended to in advance and that coupled with a good servicing regime has to be a good thing. We may not be in southern France but perhaps you should take a punt at us having a good summer here and get the most out of an XJS.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
