1980 Jaguar XJ-S V12 Coupe
Highlights
- Repainted and retrimmed early XJ-S
- One of the last pre-HE cars built
- Retains its early XJ-S interior and trim
- Long term current keeper
- Low mileage car in dry storage since 2009
- Rare and interesting project opportunity
The Appeal
Their relative rarity now makes early XJ-S coupes like this one sought-after by collectors. The revisions begun in July 1981 extended the life of Jaguar’s smooth, svelte GT for so long that early models were once overlooked. Not now.
By 1980, thanks to the fuel crisis, XJ-S sales were down to a trickle and Jaguar boss John Egan nearly killed the car off. Just 667 were built that year alongside this one. Finished in yellow - at the time it was built, one of the very few colours Jaguar could reliably paint - it appears to have been bodily restored and resprayed. The panels and structure look solid. It also sports a retrimmed interior. With its very low displayed mileage it offers the buyer an interesting project where most of the work has been done.
These early cars have a number of original features that later cars lost. This car retains most of them, including the slim bumpers and vinyl and leather interior. It has been carefully dry stored for at least 15 years and in the hands of its current keeper since 2016.
Enthusiasts are rediscovering these early cars. With the work already done, the rarity and the completeness, this one would make a very good base for a rewarding project.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered 8th August 1980
- One of the last ‘Pre-HE’ coupes built
- Eight registered keepers
- Current keeper since April 2016
- MOT records show it has been stored since 2009
- Last MOT passed with no advisories in May 2008 with 46,265 miles on odometer
- Now showing the same mileage on odometer
- One of 667 XJ-S cars built in 1980
- Built 509 cars before the end of pre-HE production
- Appears to have been restored across bodywork including respray and retrim
- HPI clear
- Yellow paintwork appears to be factory correct based on HPI data
The Condition
- Smart yellow paintwork in good condition and likely restored
- Bodywork presents well with good panel fit and solid floors as shown in photos
- The bodywork appears to have been fully or partially restored
- Sits on mix of early and later alloy wheels
- Exterior trim is largely complete with early front and rear black slim bumpers fitted
- Some exterior trim elements such as door handles, grille and badges are not fitted
- Underside presents well with evidence of remedial undersealing
- Chromework, lights and glass in good order with some tarnish to headlights visible
- Interior appears to have been partially retrimmed with very good black leather seats
- Cabin retains its early XJ-S features including dashboard trim, door trim and switchgear
- Some interior trim items such as footwell carpets not fitted or poorly fitted as shown
- Headlining in good condition and fitted with period-correct radio cassette system
The Mechanics
- Fuel injected 5,343cc ‘pre-HE’ V12 engine
- 3spd automatic gearbox
- Little or no use since at least 2006
- Dry stored for duration of current keeper’s tenure and possibly longer
- Needs at fuel injection system to be up and running again
- Due to the length of storage and lack of use buyers should anticipate some recommissioning
BEFORE YOU BUY
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✓ The seller of this vehicle is registered as a business seller. And you are covered by Car & Classic’s Terms and Conditions.
✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted. Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
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or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand. If requested we may refer you to a third-party shipping company who can help. For more details and to speak to the team, email [email protected]
Vehicle specification
- Year 1980
- Make Jaguar
- Model XJS
- Colour Yellow
- Odometer 46 Miles
- Engine size 5343
Listing Details
- Seller Type Private
- Town Camarthan
- Location International
- Country United Kingdom
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