The Jaguar XJ-S is an up and coming classic these days, with interest levels among the collector fraternity at levels never before seen for the model.
And among the Jaguar community, it’s the rare and unusual models that raise the most eyebrows. So how about trying this one for size?
It’s a launch spec six-cylinder, a 1985 model that was one of the very first to have the new ‘economical’ 3.6-litre AJ6 engine. It has the ultra-rare but actively sought-after manual transmission and has covered less than 33,000 miles from new, having been used sparingly and kept in dry storage for much of its life.
The vendor of the XJ-S is selling it reluctantly having moved from the Midlands to East London, as although he doesn’t live within the ULEZ zone he’s on the border of it.
The XJ-S is going to fund a tax-exempt Porsche 928 that can enter the zone with impunity, as will the Jaguar in three years’ time.
It has a substantial service history – a book stamped all the way to 32,369 miles in 2021, its original handbooks and manuals, even a Jaguar-branded road map of the British Isles. There are also some old tax discs and a UK V5C.
The interior of any XJ-S is special but this one is a particularly pleasant example, with barely any wear whatsoever.
The condition of the seats, veneers, carpets, even the gear knob leave you in absolutely no doubt at all that the mileage is genuine. It has its original Jaguar/Clarion radio-cassette player and air conditioning, along with a fully functioning LCD trip computer.
Finished in Regent Grey with smart ‘pepperpot’ alloy wheels, the XJ-S looks terrific. It’s a subtle colour that really suits the model’s imposing, low-slung lines.
Bodily, it’s in excellent order. The vendor describes it as ‘superb’ underneath having had the car thoroughly checked over by a specialist at the same time as the bodywork was tidied up.
Jaguar’s 220bhp AJ-6 engine is renowned for its reliability and durability, so it comes as no surprise at all to find that this low-mileage example is in fine order – the vendor reports that it runs beautifully, holds a steady temperature, good oil pressure and has no leaks or rattles.
The manual gearshift gives the XJ-S a very different appeal to the automatic models, with a far more muscular feel to its entire character.
This is a fantastic example of one of the rarest and most collectable XJ-Ss – a terrific car with a pedigree the like of which you don’t come across very often.
It’s in wonderful condition, has a great history and is extremely smart in every respect.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
