1988 Jaguar XJS V12 Convertible

Highlights

  • Outstanding condition
  • Totally original 
  • Low mileage
  • Three previous keepers

THE APPEAL


What a fantastic opportunity to take over the ownership from the seller who has had a 30 year relationship with this stunning 1988 Jaguar XJS V12 Convertible. It’s not very often you come across a car from 1988 which is in such original condition. It has been well maintained with regular fluid changes by the seller, even though it has only covered 42,837 Miles. 

THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK 

  • V5 is present  
  • Registered 2nd August 1988
  • Original Owner’s manual present
  • Two key sets
  • The same keeper for the last 30 years
  • MOT valid until 30th May 2023

The seller purchased the Jaguar in 1995. Being a car he’d always loved, and in a position to buy one, the search began to find the perfect XJS. It wasn’t long before this low mileage example was purchased and it has been pampered ever since. 

As you can see, it’s not been used a tremendous amount, more for the odd afternoon out for a run into the country, before being cleaned and put back in the purpose built garage covered with the custom made car cover, which is included with the sale of the XJS. 

The seller has put the car through an MOT on the 29th May 2022, where it passed with no advisories. 

THE INTERIOR 

  • Savile Grey Leather
  • Superb original condition
  • Factory snatch plate stereo
  • Air conditioning
Just like stepping back to 1988, inside, the Jaguar is superb. Finished in the trim code (LDY) Savile Grey, the seats are in excellent condition, with no real wear except for some light age-related creasing. The door cards are in good condition with no scuffs or damage to point out. 
The dashboard is free from any splits or cracks, and the walnut fascia is in excellent condition, with no splits or cracks to the lacquered finish all the way across the dashboard. The instruments are working as they should, with the odometer reading 42,837 miles. Looking at the switchgear, everything is in good order and working as it should, with no apparent signs of wear to the icons on the switches. 

The original head unit is in place, which is a snatch plate unit, (remember those), complete with the Jaguar bag to carry it in. There is an electric aerial working correctly.
The carpets have been kept in excellent order, being covered with a set of rubber Jaguar mats. The inside of the convertible roof is nice and clean and has no issues. Inside the boot, again, is excellent. Again, the carpets are spotless, and the spare wheel, jack and wheel brace are present. Also included is the original and complete tool kit. 

THE EXTERIOR

  • Arctic Blue Metallic
  • Original condition
  • Excellent convertible roof 
  • Tyres like new                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 
Finished in Arctic Blue Metallic (JFE), the XJS is in outstanding condition and totally original. Starting at the front of the car, the rectangle headlights have no chips or cracks to point out. The lower fog lights have the correct covers in place and the chrome work to the bumper and grille is excellent, with no signs of any tarnishing. The bonnet opens and closes as it should and aligns as Jaguar intended. 
Looking down the car's flanks, there are no dings or dents to upset the long smooth lines of the XJS. The doors have an equal gap around them, and the chrome finish to the door mirrors, door handles and window trims are all in excellent order, and the windows have no signs of any scratches. 
Around to the rear, the boot aligns as it should, opening smoothly thanks to the newly fitted boot struts. The badges are in good condition, and just like the front bumper, the chrome is in good order, and the light lenses have no splits or cracks to them. 
The blue fabric roof on the car is also excellent, with little creasing to be seen and closing tightly. Fitted with the original lattice cross-spoke alloy wheels, these are in good condition with just a couple of small spots of age-related corrosion. The tyres are matching Pirelli and were fitted two years ago, but since then covered around 100 miles. 

THE MECHANICS

  • 5.3 litre V12
  • 42,837 miles 
  • Runs faultlessly
  • Automatic gearbox
As mentioned, the 5.3 litre V12 has covered just 42,837 miles. The engine fires up without hesitation and comes to a silky smooth idle with no untoward noises. There are no apparent leaks from anywhere looking above or from the underside of the car. 
The seller reports that the car pulls well through the automatic gearbox and the change is very smooth with no unwanted noises coming from the drivetrain. Bringing the car to a halt in a straight line and with no juddering through the pedal, the brakes work as they should, and there is no excessive lip on the discs. 

SUMMARY 

An extremely low mileage UK supplied Jaguar XJS in superb condition, having been owned by the seller for 30 years. The car has constantly been covered up in its own garage and used only occasionally for special days out. 
It really is a rare chance to purchase a British made classic, which is such an original car with extremely low mileage for the year.

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.

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Vehicle specification
  • Year 1988
  • Make Jaguar
  • Model XJS
  • Colour Artic Blue
  • Odometer 42,837 Miles
  • Engine size 5343
Auction Details
  • Seller Type Private
  • Town Coventry
  • Location West Midlands
  • Country United Kingdom
Bidding history
40 bids
  • ma•••• £28,500 04/07/22
  • an•••• £28,250 04/07/22
  • ma•••• £28,000 04/07/22
  • an•••• £27,750 04/07/22
  • ma•••• £27,500 04/07/22
  • an•••• £27,250 04/07/22
  • ma•••• £27,000 04/07/22
  • an•••• £26,999 04/07/22
  • an•••• £26,750 04/07/22
  • ma•••• £26,500 04/07/22
Message C&C Auction Team

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