Highlights
- Refurbished and maintained by marque specialist
- Powerful 5.3 litre V12
- In great running condition
The Appeal
Jaguar’s XJ-S is a fantastic example of British design and engineering. With the E-Type being such a hard act to follow, who would have thought that the company could pull off another success story? They managed to create something entirely aesthetically different, yet utterly beautiful in its own right.
This car spent its early years in Japan, having been sold through Jaguar’s Tokyo subsidiary. Then it was re-imported into the UK where refurbishment work was undertaken by marque specialists KWE, and has clearly been well maintained since.
The combination of sharp styling, powerful almost-300bhp V12 engine, and convertible roof makes this one very hard to resist.
The History and Paperwork
- Sold new in Tokyo, Japan
- Re-imported to the UK in 2017
- Refurbished by KWE of Newbury
- MoT to July 2023 – no advisories
- Comes with Jaguar Heritage Trust certificate
- Only one keeper since import
The Interior
- Retrimmed leather interior
- Wooden veneer replaced
- Very clean throughout
The interior of any XJ-S is a truly sublime place to be and this particular example is no different. The figure-hugging leather seats provide plentiful support to their occupants. To the driver’s right is the handbrake, leaving plenty of space on the centre console for wood veneer, switches, the automatic gearbox control and of course twin ashtrays.
Tastefully inlaid veneer can be seen on the door cappings, with all the fine wood trim exhibiting a deep glossy lustre, having been refurbished in 2017. The vendor reports that there are no significant marks or blemishes to the interior, and it appears to be in fantastic overall condition.
We particularly enjoy the vertical-reading gauges on the dash and the curt sign below the fuel gauge calling for ‘premium unleaded only’. A small lockable storage compartment is located behind the seats in addition to the spacious boot, where a full size spare wheel and toolkit can be found.
The Exterior
- Smart ‘Charcoal’ paintwork
- Excellent chrome
- Professionally undersealed
The distinctive low silhouette of an XJ-S is instantly recognisable and the Charcoal paintwork on this car gives it a suavely menacing look, which suits it perfectly. Naturally, there are some stone chips and minor blemishes to the paint, including on the rear wheel arches and bumper as well as the leading edge of the bonnet.
Smart, polished chrome accents finish off the exterior of the XJ-S nicely. And Jaguar decided to print a friendly reminder on the wing mirror that ‘objects in mirror are closer than they appear’. The convertible roof works as it should and appears to be clean and tidy.
Its multi-spoked alloy wheels look to be in great condition and the tyres look to have a reassuring amount of tread left. And the car comes with a Hamilton fitted cover.
Underneath, the vendor reports that there is no known damage or corrosion to the structure of the car, with the underseal treatment applied soon after import to the UK appearing to be in good condition.
The Mechanics
- Fuel system overhauled in 2017
- Brake callipers and some suspension bushes replaced in 2017
- No MoT advisories
Who wouldn’t want to own a car with a great big V12 engine? Its 5.3 litres puts out just shy of 300bhp, which makes the XJ-S a fantastically fun car to drive.
Lift up the bonnet and you are immediately confronted with the sprawling mass of that generously proportioned V12 in an engine bay which looks clean and well looked after.
The vendor reports that this car has been refurbished and regularly maintained by KWE, who are XJ-S specialists. This should give the next owner confidence that they are buying a car which should be in rude health.
The car reportedly runs and drives exactly as it should do, accelerating strongly, changing gear smoothly and stopping straight and true. There are no reported leaks or smoke and the car still has its throaty exhaust burble.
Summary
Having spent the first part of its life in Japan, this car has since been refurbished and well maintained by marque specialists in the UK.
The XJ-S is a perennial favourite among classic car fans, and who wouldn’t want to be able to take the reins of a 5.3 litre V12 whenever the fancy takes them?
This example is sure to put a smile on your face whenever you hear it fire up and put your foot down.
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