1989 Jaguar XJ-S V12 Convertible

Highlights

  • Only 51,400 miles from new! 
  • Lovingly maintained with good history
  • Wonderful and mostly original condition throughout

The Appeal

Often described as one of the most beautiful cars ever produced, this stunning XJ-S really lives up to that reputation. It is finished in the most vibrant of reds and with a gorgeous contrasting pale ivory interior. 

It has been cherished throughout its 33-year life, and it shows. Having covered less than 52,000 miles from new, this V12 leviathan has many more years and many, many more miles still to offer. There’s an excellent history that accompanies the car that will further instil confidence in the quality of this beautiful and exceptional Jaguar. Bought by the Seller through Car & Classic in 2022 it was then shipped to Ireland where it was serviced upon arrival by Yomac cars of Dublin, a Jaguar specialist.

Despite only owning the car for less than a year the Seller has storage issue that means reluctantly something has to go.  Having driven the Jaguar less than 200 miles he feels he isn’t making best use of it and hopes it will go to a new owner who will enjoy the superb condition of the car whilst adding some more miles.

History and Paperwork

● Built and first registered in 1989  
● Purchased by the Seller in September 2022
● Was UK registered as G685DCX 
● Exported to Ireland in Sept 2022
● Serviced by Yomac Cars Ltd, Dublin on arrival
● Driven just 167 miles since
● Plenty of old MOT certificates
● Maintenance and invoices covering all service history
● Original Jaguar book pack

The Interior

  • Ivory leather seats and door cards
  • Un-marked original deep red carpeting
  • Walnut dash in excellent condition
  • Fully functioning electric hood
  • Original Jaguar radio cassette player

On initial inspection, you could be forgiven that this car has either never been used or has been professionally and extensively restored. Look at the inside and you are confronted by the most pristine of interiors for a 33-year-old car that you are ever likely to find, and it is almost unbelievable that it has covered more than 50,000 miles. But this is no restoration, its original!
 
What is a nice feature is the fact that the original Jaguar stereo cassette is still in place. Usually, these are one of the first things to disappear. We understand that the radio is working, but the electric aerial doesn’t extend so the signal is weak. The top of the dash that so often suffers from years of sunshine is also as good as the day it was made.
There are very few signs of use anywhere on the interior as the seats have just the lightest of creasing and the steering wheel and controls bear no signs of wear. The veneer on the dashboard is as fresh as the day it was put in by the factory. Everything seems to work correctly and the instruments appear to function fully. 

The Exterior 

  • Very original Signal Red bodywork
  • Sparkling un-damaged factory fit wheels with lightly worn Continental tyres
  • Clear and bright headlamps, and good glass
  • All chrome and bumpers are in excellent condition

The Signal Red paint on this car is in fabulous condition and looks fresh. There is no apparent evidence of a repaint but there is an invoice for some minor repairs on file. The evil scourge of rust has been avoided and all the arches and wing seams are seemingly free of it. The hood is in great condition and may have been replaced at some stage; the condition is exemplary and the fit excellent. The low mileage and care for the car certainly show through as the Jaguar could pass for something far newer with the quality of the shine.

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The Mechanics

  • Consistent maintenance history
  • Original low mileage engine and gearbox
  • Excellent MOT history with minimal advisories from 1995
  • Serviced in September 2022 and just 167 miles since

The glorious V12 engine bursts into life at the first turn of the key and instantly settles into a smooth purring idle. The automatic gearbox changed smoothly as the car was moved around for the photographs and the current owner assures us of a very smooth drive. 

No expense has been spared when servicing and maintaining this Jaguar. Any advisories that would appear at MOT time were always instantly attended to.  The steering rack has had the benefit of a recent overhaul along with some suspension bushes. The paperwork shows an almost complete history and most importantly, the presence of old MOT certificates clearly showing the minimal mileage added year on year. The Seller tells us that the handbrake needs some adjustment to work properly, but apart from that the Jaguar is currently mechanically perfect.

Summary

The time has come for the XJS, as now it is becoming recognised as a quintessentially British classic. V12 examples as nie as this are hard to find and are still provide superb value for money. We reckon you’ll struggle to find one as nicely preserved as this with a well preserved and original interior, good service history and such low mileage.  Perfect for European touring and ready to go straight away we think this would be the perfect car for a Continental blast!


Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only. Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
All bidding, buying and offers are subject to our Terms and Conditions.

Please see our FAQs here and our Terms & Conditions here

Vehicle specification
  • Year 1989
  • Make Jaguar
  • Model XJ-S 5.3L V12 Convertible
  • Colour Red
  • Odometer 51,395 Miles
  • Engine size 5,300cc
Auction Details
  • Seller Type Private
  • Town Dublin
  • Country Ireland
Bidding history
41 bids
  • St•••• £19,250 15/06/23
  • Fr•••• £19,000 15/06/23
  • rj•••• £18,750 15/06/23
  • St•••• £18,500 15/06/23
  • rj•••• £17,500 15/06/23
  • Eu•••• £17,000 15/06/23
  • rj•••• £16,500 15/06/23
  • Eu•••• £16,250 15/06/23
  • jo•••• £16,000 15/06/23
  • CS•••• £15,500 15/06/23
Message C&C Auction Team

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