1989 Jaguar XJR-S 5.3
Highlights
- 53,520 documented miles from new
- One of only 326 5.3L 325bhp XJR-S produced
- Highly original and unrestored in racing red
- Current keeper since February 2011
- Good condition with scope for light improvement
- MOT to November 2025
The Appeal
As Jaguar executes what the head honchos in marketing will no doubt call a ‘firm reset,’ it is the perfect time to celebrate one of the firm’s rarest and arguably best models of the last 40 years. The JaguarSport XJR-S.
The convoluted name describes a 50:50 venture between Jaguar and TWR to translate some of the XJS’ track success into showroom sales. Rather than simply tart the coupe up with some spoilers and skirts, the XJR-S was - and is - a thorough reworking of the car, which delivers more power - up to 325bhp - and sharper handling thanks to the substantially altered suspension. Inside there is a luxury Connolly-trimmed interior.
The transformation revealed what Jaguar and TWR knew all along - beneath the XJS’ GT exterior lay the heart of a sports car. Buyers, however, were a little confused and also put off by the considerable price. The result? Just 326 5.3L XJR-S cars like this one left the works over a five year run.
Today these cars are highly prized and rarely come to market. Particularly very original and tidy cars like this one. Finished in gleaming racing red, it has covered less than 54,000 miles in its 35 years in the hands of just six keepers. The current one has owned it since 2011. It retains all of its extensive array of JaguarSport features including black trim, Connolly interior, alloys, bumpers, skirts and spoilers.
This is a very reluctant sale of a cherished car. The MOT that runs to November 2025. There are some minor points where the buyer could add value, but otherwise this car is ready to drive away.
The vendor tells us:
“It is smooth as flying a plane and a real head turner and puts a smile on my face every time I take it out. I am only selling because of ULEZ and I don’t get the chance to use it enough.”
History and Paperwork
- First registered 13th March 1989
- Ony six registered keepers
- Current keeper since February 2011
- The car is only for sale due to ULEZ and lack of use
- Car is sold on registration plate F139THY
- Private plate in some photos is not included
- Current MOT valid until 5th November 2025 with advisories to note
- Some main dealer service history
- Mostly serviced at home by current keeper
- Original tool kit as shown
- Owners manuals and pack with correct beige leather wallet as shown
- Some past MOT certificates and parts invoices included
- Exhibited in car shows
- Featured in Jaguar Enthusiast's Club rallies and timeline displays
- V5C in current keeper’s name correctly recording car as a JaguarSport XJR-S
- One of 326 5.3L XJR-S cars built by JaguarSport between 1988 and 1993
- Chassis records confirm this car was one of the first 1989MY cars produced
The Condition
- Bright red original paintwork in generally well kept and polished order
- Paintwork presents well with only light marks and scuffs to note in photos
- Paintwork is said to be mostly original with some localised respray areas advised
- Bodywork is solid and presentable with some localised areas to note in photographs
- These include base of both front arches, base of doors and above rear bumper
- The car is very presentable but buyers should consider it has scope to improve
- Underside in good order with recent welding in 2023 to jacking points
- MOT contains advisories for structure which buyers should note
- Factory correct XJR-S retaining its body kit, wheels, black trim and other features
- Sits on correct JaguarSport alloy wheels in fair condition with scope to improve
- Pirelli tyres fitted which appear to be in fair and usable condition
- Connolly cream leather with red piping upgraded XJR-S interior
- The cabin appears in original and unmodified factory condition
- Retains its factory JaguarSport features such as the branded dials
- Some light signs of age inside which are common to the XJR and will be familiar to enthusiasts
- These include some patina to the front seats, including wear to driver’s bolster piping
- The walnut veneers are presentable but show some cracking and delamination
- The headlining has been recently replaced and shows light marks but appears not to be sagging
- We are told that the electrics work correctly except the passenger door mirror, a common XJS problem
- The original radio is fitted and car is sold with factory security codes
- Factory tool kit and wheel jack kit as shown
- Spare wheel included with cover as shown
The Mechanics
- 5,343cc JaguarSport-tuned V12 engine delivering 325bhp
- 3spd automatic gearbox
- Low documented mileage via service history and MOT records
- Regularly serviced at home by the current keeper
- No reported running or driving faults
- Fitted with correct XJR-S sports-tuned suspension
- We are told that the exhaust is in good condition
- All brake disks and calipers plus parking brake replaced since 2022
- Water pump replaced within last two years
- The battery is less than a year old
- Minor advisory to note on MOT for a coil spring, likely easily remedied
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own 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 fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.
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or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand..
Vehicle specification
- Year 1989
- Make Jaguar
- Model XKR
- Colour Red
- Odometer 53,520 Miles
- Engine size 5343
Listing Details
- Seller type Private
- Town Harrow
- Location London
- Country United Kingdom
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