When it comes to instantly recognisable cars on the road, the Jaguar XJS is defiantly one of them, with that insanely long bonnet, home to one of the smoothest V12 engines ever produced and distinct lines make this one very sleek looking car, undoubtedly a real head turner in its day. This example is blessed with particularly low mileage, a smooth automatic gearbox and a V12 engine that will propel this Jaguar along not just in sublime comfort, but in a fashion that will shame a lot of modern cars today.
Unlike a lot of cars it’s age, this Jaguar benefits from still having not just all it’s original booklets but the leather-bound pouches to protect them. These are pure luxury and are made from the classic dark green leather, embossed with the Jaguar emblem and gold coloured highlights, all in lovely nick.
The service booklet was up to date for only a few years, visiting the same dealer until 92’. The car has only travelled less than 20,000 miles since, so it could be presumed that the car was either maintained by its owner, or simply the book was missed by the service centre. Either way the car has evidently not been neglected and has not been passed about, showing just 2 previous keepers on the V5.
The colour combination from inside to out on this XJS is superb, the navy blue interior looking comfortable, clean and inviting. Of course this is a 34 year old car that has gone unrestored, so it is not without its blemishes but these are few and far between and the usual areas of wear and tear are pleasantly good, the drivers seat possibly having the most obvious wear, simply a bit of discolouration from use, and moderate cracking in the leather from the sun.
This is similar on the passenger seat, but of course, not on the same level, none of this affecting the comfort or performance of the seat and could be kept on top of with easy and regular care.
The driving position of these cars is simply one of the finest you will find of this era, with unparalleled comfort, clear and functional gauges and some ‘modern’ touches for the longer journeys. Both the drivers and passengers seats are heated and have electronically adjustable lumbar support (a luxury even today!) and the convertible roof is even electronic allowing simple operation.
This XJS is also equipped with cruise control, and a digital MPG, average speed and time/distance function just above the cassette player, extremely beyond its time! Besides one 10p size hole in the headlining, the interior is otherwise in very very good order, the door cards, carpets, wood and chrome are all in very good order, no unusually high wear or any obvious damage to be seen.
Presented in Artic blue ( factory code JFE) with a fine grey/red pinstripe, this car is almost spotless from the ground up. One small car park ding on the passenger door and a small mark on the lower passenger side of the rear bumper valance, other than that we really did not spot anything of note making this one of the cleanest XJS we have seen for some time.
The brightwork, like the paint, is very good too, none is missing and all of it is well kept and very shiny.
The dark blue hood is too in exceptional order, working as intended, all retaining clips there and working and when the hood is down, it sits folded away neatly and easily with the original rear window in perfect order, still sporting the original Vardy dealer sticker.
This Jaguar ultimately was difficult to fault with just a couple of marks to note but ultimately exceptional.
As stated before, the V12 fitted to this car is not just gorgeous to look at but provides plenty of power to the rear wheels through a smooth torque converter type automatic transmission. The engine bay is full of detail and for anyone who enjoys a classic or mechanics, intriguing too.
With multiple vacuum pipes and hard lines running here and there could present an issue when cleaning but we are please to report this engine bay is very clean indeed, not concourse but evidently maintained and wiped down regularly. No obvious leaks were visible from the top side of the engine while all the original pipework looked in good order including the rubber hoses, tanks and covers still remained and appeared undamaged.
To be noted an issue with the handbrake not properly disengaging remains and although it had been attended to once the issue persists, likely a simple fix but will need attending to.
Otherwise we have been told the car runs, drive and otherwise performs perfectly. A quick look on the underside tell as lot, with no recent rustproofing potentially hiding anything, with what appears to be all original factory sealant is still there doing its job very well, everything looking just as good at the rest of the car. Even the suspension arms, exhaust and dual rear shock absorbers all seem to be factory with a finish that would shame any car half its age.
Extremely solid example with virtually no need for immediate maintenance, beautifully preserved and ready to be enjoyed. Fantastic colour scheme that looks superb with top up or down, this car will get a lot of admiring glances and will not look out of place at any show or event. A true classic that will only appreciate.
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All items in this listing are sold on an “As Is - Where Is” basis. Photos and listing descriptions should be used as a guide only. Although every effort has been made to verify the accuracy of the information in this listing and Car & Classic performs a level of due diligence prior to the auction, we do not warrant the accuracy of the listings. The seller assumes all responsibility for this listing. Inspection is highly recommended prior to bidding. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion.
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1988 Jaguar XJS Convertible Automatic
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