1987 Jaguar XJS HE V12

Highlights

  • A highly original, lightly used example of this V12 XJS Coupe with just 3 sympathetic owners
  • Having covered a mere 10,000 in the last 15 years and just a few hundred in the last 5 years
  • Complete with a full service history and plenty of provenance providing paperwork

The Appeal


The XJS was launched in 1975 and had the unenviable task of following the E-Type as the sporting pinnacle of the prestigious Jaguar range. The XJS was originally only available with the 5.3L V12 engine carried over from the E-Type. This made for a rapid and effortlessly sophisticated sports coupe with continent crossing capabilities.
This example offers originality and, hence, charm by the bucket load. Clearly a prized and cherished XJS the previous owner worked hard to preserve and maintain it over his 21-year period of ownership. It was only after his sad death that the car has reluctantly become available to purchase.

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The History and Paperwork

  • Lightly used and carefully maintained by a total of 3 owners to date
  • The last owner retained the car for an amazing 21 years
  • For 15 of those years the car only covered around 10,000 miles
  • For the last 7 years the car has been dry stored
  • Purchased from the estate of the previous owner in 2021
  • The car underwent a light commissioning at that point
  • This includes some professional paintwork to the lower body
  • The car holds a current MOT valid to March 2023 with no advisories
  • The impeccable MOT history of the car going back 23 years is also included
  • A current V5 is on hand
  • The original Jaguar book pack is included together with the all-important service book
  • The service book shows the last service at 103,000 miles by a Jaguar specialist

The Interior

  • The interior of this XJS is a real time-capsule from 1987
  • The lovely Oatmeal leather upholstery is in great condition 
  • In keeping with the car’s originality there is a charming, light patina to the leather
  • The high-backed seats are box pleated with deep side bolsters
  • The seats are electrically heated and have an electrically adjustable lumbar section
  • The dash and centre console are fronted with bright, gloss finished wood veneer
  • The padded door cards are finished in Oatmeal leather with accents of wood veneer
  • The carpets and headlining are in a contrasting mushroom shade and are in excellent used condition throughout
  • The boot is fully carpeted and houses a full-sized alloy spare wheel
  • There is also the original CD changer in here together with the original tool roll and jack

The interior of this XJS is an object lesson in originality and period-correct charm. It’s not perfect and all the better of it. The patina of the seat leather is just right. Not too much but reminding passengers that this is a fully-paid-up Jaguar Classic car.

The XJS dash is well designed and specified. The central dial display which reads vertically is particularly appealing and a signature feature of the XJS. The car is very well specified in the cabin too, right down to period trip-computer and remotely controlled mirrors.

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The Exterior

  • The Bordeaux Red Metallic paintwork appears to be in excellent overall condition
  • It is deep and shiny and thickly applied 
  • The areas of refreshed paintwork to the lower body have been expertly applied with an excellent colour match having been achieved
  • The current owner reports a few stone chips and the odd age-related mark
  • The body work presents in excellent order
  • All doors and hinged panels open and close with ease and precision
  • Panel gaps are tight and symmetrical
  • The original light lenses are clear and unmarked front and rear
  • The original 15-inch Jaguar honeycomb alloy wheels are in excellent condition with only the odd minor mark visible on close inspection
  • The wheels are fitted with a mix of quality Avon and Pirelli tyres in a 225/60 R15 configuration
  • All tyres retain a minimum of 4mm of remaining tread 
  • The cabin glass appears to be in a fine, unmarked condition throughout

The Bordeaux Red Metallic paintwork of this XJS is a great colour and very evocative of its period. The careful and considered use that this XJS has enjoyed has really paid dividends in terms of the exterior condition of this sporting GT car. It looks great and is almost a guaranteed head-turner with its overall originality being hugely appealing.

The Mechanics

  • This XJS is fitted with the legendary 5.3L V12 engine carried over from the E-Type Jaguar
  • Power is fed to the rear wheels via an automatic gearbox
  • This combination endows the XJS with smooth and effortless power to spare
  • As you would expect from such a well-maintained car, all mechanical systems are understood to be in full working order
  • The current owner attests to the effortless drive provided by the V12 powered XJS
  • The underside is understood to be dry and free of oil leaks

Despite other, more modern engine choices arriving later for the XJS, the only launch engine was the esteemed 5.3L V12 we see here. Of course, it’s the one all true petrol-heads will want. Its not just the impressive power and sublime smoothness that appeals but the wonderful sound too. This is one of the automotive world’s truly iconic engines and entirely suited to the suave sophistication of the XJS.

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Summary

Despite a slightly rocky start, after all it had some big E-Type shaped shoes to fill, the XJS soon secured a place in the affections of car lovers and enthusiasts across the world. The long, low bonnet and those signature flying buttresses at the rear making it one of the most recognisable cars of its period.

The XJS went on to enjoy a 20-year production life and well over 110,000 were sold during that period. These cars have become sought after for their relaxed touring capability, sumptuous cabin and for offering excellent value for money.

This particular example is in lovely, original condition and is a very solid and honest car in all respects. The colour combination suits the car very well and there are no significant areas of imperfection needing imminent attention. This is an opportunity to secure a great value British V12 GT car with great provenance and in excellent overall condition.   

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Vehicle specification
  • Year 1987
  • Make Jaguar
  • Model XJS HE
  • Colour Bordeaux Red
  • Odometer 106,756 Miles
  • Engine size 5343
Auction Details
  • Seller Type Trade
  • Town Hemel Hempstead
  • Location Hertfordshire
  • Country United Kingdom
Bidding history
24 bids
  • GR•••• £8,900 15/07/22
  • PM•••• £8,800 15/07/22
  • GR•••• £8,700 15/07/22
  • PM•••• £8,600 15/07/22
  • GR•••• £8,500 15/07/22
  • ch•••• £8,200 15/07/22
  • GR•••• £8,000 15/07/22
  • ch•••• £7,700 15/07/22
  • GR•••• £7,500 15/07/22
  • ch•••• £7,300 15/07/22
Message C&C Auction Team

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