From the moment it debuted in 1975, there was a demand for a topless version of the Jaguar XJ-S to replace the iconic E-Type Roadster.
But it would be 1988 before a full convertible appeared – by which time the UK economy was booming and a V12 XJ-S was a gift from yuppie heaven. This one was registered in 1990 and is a full-fat V12, one of the last pre-facelift 5.3s.
Finished in smart and unusual Arctic Blue, it has a comprehensive history file to back up the low mileage and is presented in sound, unrestored condition. It presents very well indeed, but with a couple of very small cosmetic imperfections.
The previous owner of the XJ-S had it for 27 years and she used it primarily for her weekly trip to and from the golf club, hence the low mileage. Indeed, MOT records show it covered less than 5,000 miles between 2006 and 2018, when it was laid up.
It comes with a Jaguar service wallet, a service book showing it was originally supplied by Dutton Forshaw Jaguar in Maidstone but was subsequently maintained by main dealers in Peterborough and Surbiton, then by an independent Jaguar specialist in North London through to 53,000 miles in 2003.
All of the old MOT certificates are present, along with a spare set of keys and a 1994 RAC Members’ Handbook!
The low mileage of this car is reflected in its interior, which is in excellent order save for a small amount of wear on the driver’s side seat bolster and to the leather piping. It has good carpets and door trims and the original trip computer and factory radio-cassette player are in full working order.
The roof is lowered via an electric switch, for which you need to depress the brake pedal and ensure the handbrake is engaged. It folds flat in around 30 seconds – impressive even by modern standards. The roof also comes with a bespoke Jaguar tonneau cover.
Finished in cool Arctic Blue, the XJ-S is a great looking car, especially with its roof fully lowered. The roof itself is in very good order and has only a couple of minor marks.
The body is good over all and appears to be solid where it matters, which will be backed up by the presence of a full MOT on sale. However, there are a couple of areas where some cosmetic TLC is required, notably some rust bubbles on the front scuttle panel, at the trailing edge of one rear wheel arch and around the nearside door/sill surround – but there’s by no means anything horrific. The wheels, tyres and trim are in good order and set off the glorious lines of the XJ-S's wonderful styling.
Known in the trade to some as 'Plumber's nightmare' the legendary 5.3 V12 may look like a terrifying mass of pipework and cables, but in reality, it's an extremely reliable powerplant, known the world over for its turbine like torque. This one has been well maintained and is reported by the vendor as being in excellent running order.
A V12 Convertible is very much the pinnacle of XJ-S ownership and this one has a lot going for it. It’s the right colour, it’s well presented, has provenance and will be sold freshly MOT’d and ready to make the most of for the rest of the summer, before becoming a nice, easy tidy-up project for the end of the year.
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