Big, powerful and open top GTs were a Jaguar staple in the 50s and 60s. In 1987, after a 12 year gap, the firm gave the world another one: the XJ-S V12 convertible.
The new car fitted perfectly into the firm’s tradition. Sleek, handsome, luxurious and effortlessly quick, it was immediately popular. It is now a go-to choice for classic car enthusiasts who value weekend drives and longer road trips.
This low mileage, well kept example ticks many buyer boxes. It is finished in popular Arctic Blue metallic with complementary blue interior and roof. A thick history file and long, advisory-free MOT reinforce the idea that this is a very good car that is ready for Spring.
History and Paperwork
First registered 23rd June 1988
Just five registered keepers from new
Vendor acquired the car in April 2001
Old MOTs and invoices verify the low mileage
Thick history file with regular scheduled and other maintenance
Original factory book and wallet set in good condition
VIN records confirm this as a 1988 model
MOT valid to 25th February 2025 with no advisories and 83,089 miles on test
The Condition
Popular Arctic Blue metallic paintwork with hand-finished red coachline
Very original car with excellent bodywork showing no visible corrosion
Paintwork similarly well presented with no noticeable scratches
Underside shows no structural issues and none advised on recent MOT
Factory standard car with lattice alloy wheels in good condition
Fitted with quality Pirelli tyres showing good condition and tread
Blue fabric roof operates correctly with no visible marks
Blue tonneau cover
Blue leather interior showing very light wear to driver’s bolster but not elsewhere
Burr walnut veneers in good order with no noticeable marks or deterioration
Aftermarket Pioneer stereo with USB connectivity
Heated front seats with electric lumbar support
Well kept switchgear showing only very light marks
The Mechanics
5,343cc V12 fuel injected Jaguar engine
3spd automatic gearbox
Thick history file indicating regular servicing and maintenance
No reported mechanical or other running issues
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:
✓ If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not apply. Car & Classic’s return policy applies.
✓ A non-refundable deposit will be payable if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for details.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is highly recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.
✓ 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.
✓ UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check, to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection or delivery.
Please see our FAQs
here
and our Terms & Conditions
here
Car & Classic's secure payment system protects buyers and sellers. At the end of the auction, the winning bidder transfers payment into a third-party escrow account. Once the transfer of the vehicle is complete, both parties confirm they are happy with the sale and the money is released to the seller.
More about buying with us
1988 Jaguar XJ-S V12 Convertible
About Max Bids
The max bid process allows you to bid without any hassle.
Enter your maximum bid and we will then bid on your behalf to ensure you're the highest bidder - just enough to keep you in the lead and only up until your maximum.
Anti-sniping
Car & Classic prevent auction snipers from bidding in the last seconds to win an auction.
Auctions are extended by 3 minutes if anyone bids within the last 2 minutes to allow other bidders to react and counter-bid.
Auto-bidding increments
If your maximum bid is equal to or below the reserve price, your maximum bid will be applied in full if you are the highest bidder.
If you are the highest bidder and place a maximum bid above the reserve, we will automatically put in the reserve as your first bid.
Once the reserve has been met, Car & Classic will make sure you are the highest bidder using only the bidding increments stated below.
We will keep you in the lead up until your maximum bid OR the increment closest to your maximum bid, providing your maximum bid is enough to cover the increment value.
Bid Amount
Increment
£0 to £9,999
£100.00
£10,000 to £49,999
£250.00
£50,000 to £99,999
£500.00
£100,000 +
£1,000.00
Automatically outbid immediately
When you place a max bid and are outbid immediately that means that another bidder has placed a max bid limit which is higher than yours.
You can bid again and we will use our automatic bid system to try and get you as the highest bidder.
Matching max bids
When there are two max bids of the same value, the one placed first remains the lead bidder.
Pre-authorisation
We may hold a pre-authorisation charge on your card until the end of the auction when the hold will be cancelled. If you win, we'll take a security deposit which counts towards the payment for the vehicle and isn't any extra cost to you.
What are pre-bids?
A pre-bid means you're able to place a bid before the official start of the auction.
You will be notified whether or not you are the highest bidder when the auction starts.
Problem with your bid
Bids are contractually binding. To help protect you, we have some rules in place if we think it's been mistyped. Please check and amend what you have entered.