Description
It is with a heavy heart that I write this advertisement, for a car that has been my passion for the past three years and a central part of my life for the past 11 years! It is, however, time for someone new to write the next chapter for this beautifully original XJS convertible!
I first encountered this beautiful XJS at age 18, when my then girlfriend was chauffeured to our school prom by her dad in this car. I proceeded to spend more time talking to her father about the V12 than dancing with her… which went down well! Remarkably she forgave me, and we’ve stayed in touch ever since, albeit with a mutual love for a car and not for each other. From then onwards, I have always asked her at every opportunity… “how’s the Jaaaaag?”.
I waited patiently for 8 years before her dad decided to sell, offering the XJS to me on first refusal. Knowing the desirability this XJS being a two-seater, a full-convertible and with a quad-headlamp conversion, I almost snapped his arm off! My first drive of this car followed shortly after, and a dream of the past 8 years was realised… it did not disappoint. The low and commanding driving position, the sheer grunt of the 5. 3 V12, the roof down experience all accumulated into the drive of my life, as it would for the new owner I’m sure!
I have thoroughly enjoyed driving the car for the past 3 years, using my Jaguar Enthusiast Club membership to take her to car shows in the Surrey Hills, in North Bedfordshire and at the home of William Lyons in Warwickshire. My dad’s passion for Jaguar and his own XKR have led to many happy hours spent as the two of us talking about our cars. She has been treasured and a valued part of my life, even taking a friend’s grandson to their own school prom.
Mechanically she has run exceptionally well and without mishap. I had the noisy front wheel bearings replaced last year, and with regular servicing the daunting V12 has consistently run smoothly. Even in colder weather, the engine has always started first time and without hesitation. The grunt and noise of such a silky engine really is an amazing experience.
The previous owner (who owned the car for 8+ years) also did many jobs, receipts and works being clearly logged in the ample service file. He had the rear differential rebuilt by a Jaguar specialist. I also know he dropped the rear subframe to fit new brake discs and pads, new suspension bushes and to refit the recommissioned diff. Two common curses of the XJS are clonking suspension and a whining differential, making this work all the more important to ensuring the car’s longevity.
Now for the not so good… a rusty footwell. What I believe to have happened, as forums elucidate as another ‘common problem’, is that the scuttle has become blocked over time and on a rainy day has overflowed. The water subsequently runs down the inside of the bulkhead and collects underneath the driver’s carpet. The resulting damage is the reason for which the car will not currently pass an MoT.
Sadly my skillset does not allow me to rectify this problem myself. Further, I also want to divert my time and finances towards my equally cherished 1995 Jaguar X300 Sovereign, which I use as my daily car. Hence it’s time I part with the XJS, where it will provide someone with a rewarding winter rolling-project. Attention would be well-spent on the canvas roof, on the paintwork blemishes to the boot-lid and the slightly stiff gear selector. The welding work, coupled with other such light recommissioning, will produce a car that could be enjoyed for many happy summers to come!
I have advertised this car on both Car and Classic and on eBay. Please do contact me if you have any questions!
