Description
Introduction
Supplied by Follett Jaguar of London and delivered to its first owner on the 19th of June 1989, this XJ-S V12 Convertible is a truly exceptional example, not just because of its very low mileage of 62284 Miles, nor its low ownership, just 5 in 35 years or its enviable service history, showing services at 1262, 7943, 15221, 16000, 20183, 24500, 29560, 34070, 43100, 44004, 47346, 50770, 52030, 53259, 54051, 56799, 58962, 60028, 61530, 61978 miles but because this XJ-S is the result of a £60488. 57 complete restoration and upgrade by XJ-S legends “Knowles-Wilkins Engineering Ltd” (KWE)
History
The real story of this car starts back in 2014, when a Mr Robbie approached KWE requesting that they build him his dream XJ-S, it had to be Blue, it had to be a Cabriolet and it had to be a V12.
KWE duly sourced this car which was finished in Solent Blue at the time and then set about completely restoring and upgrading it to the stunning example you see today.
The Exterior
Now finished in beautiful Westminster Blue with mid blue hood, our XJ-S looks absolutely fantastic. The bodywork restoration and repaint accounted for £14242 of the resto and it is a testament to KWE’s workmanship that it looks so good 10 years later.
The paintwork still has a mile deep shine to it with only the most minor of imperfections. The panel work is arrow straight and is completely devoid of any dinks, dents, ripples or corrosion. All panel gaps are straight and even and the XJS also benefits from a four headlight conversion.
The convertible hood was also replaced (£2520) and is in excellent condition, not to mention, fully operational.
The Jag rides on its original Lattice style alloy wheels, all date stamped 1989, These were stripped, powder coated and fitted with new centre caps and tyres (£936) They remain in perfect condition with no damage or corrosion.
The final step was to then completely underseal the car including cavity wax protection (£780)
The Interior
We are quite confident that this has got to be one of the nicest interiors we have seen in a 80s XJ-S and it easy to see how it amounted to £12337 worth of work.
The whole interior has been retrimmed in Magnolia leather using 3 hides from J Connolly. All of the wood trim has been replaced using European Walnut, new carpets in Dark Blue wool edged with magnolia leather have been fitted and it is all set off with that beautiful Motalita Mark 9 steering wheel.
The in-car-entertainment has also been updated with a modern bluetooth Alpine head unit and uprated speakers.
Interestingly the area behind the seats has been converted to a flat floor, initially so Mr Robbie’s labrador had somewhere to sit but is equally useful for luggage if you don’t have a four legged companion!
The Mechanicals
Despite the car already being a well serviced and maintained example, KWE really went to town in this department! First off the brakes, suspension and steering were given their full restoration and upgrade package, next the engine was treated to their intensive overhaul package which involves removing the engine, external strip with renewal or reconditioning of all ancillaries, fuel injectors, pumps, fan, alternator, starter and the whole cooling system.
Next up was a full stainless steel exhaust system, rewire and air conditioning refurbishment (which still blows ice cold!) and new gearbox mounts.
This all amounted to £24815!! But boy, was it worth it. We have never driven an XJ-S that felt so planted to the road, it really is an absolute delight!
The Paperwork & Accessories
The Jag comes with its original book pack including the stamped service book, Invoices and breakdown of the restoration from KWE, a valuation of £58000 done just after the restoration, old MOT’s and of course its current V5.
Also included is the original attaché case style tool kit, tonneau cover for the hood and jack / wheel brace which have their own custom made carrier in blue wool and leather to match the carpets.
The Summary
“The Jaguar Reborn” is KWE’s tag line and it is very appropriate for this particular car. It drives better, looks better and is better to live with ever and has to be one of the finest examples on the market today.
The car still features on KWE’s website and a full gallery of the works carried out can be found by copy and pasting this link.
- details above
It has barely covered 3000 miles since its restoration, comes with an advisory free MOT valid until 1st October 2025 and requires nothing except a new owner to enjoy this wonderful car.
