***Interested parties should note the Private Reg plate is not included with the sale and that the registration for this car is H808EBV***
Highlights
• Genuine low mileage of 30,000 • Full Jaguar Service History • Dry stored since 2010
The Background
How does one follow up on the E-Type? Well, the XJS was Jaguar’s answer to that conundrum. Launched in the mid-70s, it really hit its stride in the early 80s and was produced until 1996. A combination of sleek styling, powerful engines and smooth, GT handling made the XJS a massive hit for the Coventry firm.
Presented in unrestored, original condition, this particular XJS was first registered in March 1991 and resided in the north of England until the current owner purchased it in February 2010. The previous owner had owned the car since 1998, so it’s clearly a car that engenders a lot of love from its keepers.
A house move forces the reluctant sale of this V12 gem, which the current owner has maintained to an exceptional degree. It has been kept dry-stored since 2010, first in a heated garage and, for the last two years, in a “car bubble”.
The vehicle comes with an MOT until June 2022 and a full Jaguar service history. The service record contains 9 stamps, with Appleyard Jaguar of Harrogate maintaining the car until 18,649 miles, and the last service being undertaken by Hatfields Jaguar of Liverpool at 26,144 miles.
Other than that, the car has very little in the way of history, simply because it has only seen minimal use – it’s covered less than 1,000 miles since 2017. This is as close as you’re likely to find to a brand new V12 XJS.
As well as the current MOT and service history, which confirm the car’s low mileage, the paperwork file includes the V5, a selection of previous MOTs and servicing receipts.
The original handbooks are all present and in as-new condition, even including the original pre-delivery inspection report and the dealership XJS sales brochure – a great item for any classic car collection.
Jaguar's XJS has always been a great place to be, offering acres of space and, for the time, a very high specification. This example is presented in wonderful condition, with only very minor wear evident on the stainless sill plates and one or two pieces of trim. This car’s low mileage is very evident from the condition of the cabin.
Cream leather seats are complemented with oatmeal carpeting, original fitted Jaguar rubber mats and richly-coloured wood veneer. Everything is in superb condition, with the owner assuring us that all of the car’s instruments and features work well, including the electric seats, cruise control and Alpine stereo system, with boot-mounted CD changer. Inside the boot the carpets are in excellent condition, and there is a full-size spare alloy wheel, complete with black leather cover.
The boot is surprisingly deep and spacious – certainly this car would have no trouble fulfilling its credentials as a GT car. With the boot and luggage space behind the front seats, there is more than enough room for two adults and all of their luggage for a week away.
This car’s bright red paintwork looks spectacular, contrasting well with the cream leather and black fabric roof. The roof itself operates very well and smoothly, and the material is in almost-new condition.
Featuring double pinstripes of red and grey down each flank, the bodywork is in excellent condition. The paintwork is immaculate and all of the brightwork and trim looks to be in very good condition. Jaguar’s classic wire-style alloys are present and in lovely condition, shod in almost new Pirelli P600 tyres. Underneath the chassis and floor look to be in very good condition with no corrosion or damage evident at all. The exhausts have been replaced with stainless steel items.
Overall the vehicle is in as good condition as you could possibly hope to find an XJS in. We believe it’s one of the best you’ll find.
Jaguar’s 5,343cc V12 is a tremendously robust and reliable engine when correctly serviced and cared for. And this has certainly been cared for. It starts and runs beautifully, that V12 sounding smooth and throaty and pulling well. Mated to the ZF automatic box and pushing more than 240bhp to the rear wheels, it has grunt and torque aplenty. As a combination for a grand tourer, not much beats it.
Under the bonnet, the engine bay looks great, clearly benefiting from being dry stored and only used in good weather. The current owner has meticulously maintained the car, and it really does show.
For some years, the XJS was an under-appreciated car. But that is changing. Values are climbing rapidly, and collectors are seeing the value and charm of this delightful British GT car. Let’s face it, who doesn’t love a V12? It’s the ultimate statement of automotive opulence, and the perfect beating heart for a barrel-chested tourer.
And that’s precisely what the XJS is. It’s not a sports car, it far to well-mannered, luxurious and comfortable for that. This is a GT car, pure and simple. If you’re looking to cruise down to the French Riviera in absolute comfort, ease and style, then a V12 XJS is a perfect companion.
The XJS benefits from a kind of timeless appeal too – they’re welcome everywhere and everyone seems to love them. It’s the kind of car that gets you let out of junctions and brings a smile to people’s faces.
This particular car is presented in a wonderful specification too, that combination of red paint and cream leather is a classic for a reason – it looks superb. The car has been kept in rare condition too. Having covered just over 30,000 miles and benefitting from a full Jaguar service history, that remarkable V12 is barely broken in and has decades of life left in it yet.
We’re not sure you’ll find a XJS convertible in better condition than this, it’s in time-warp condition in and out. The paintwork being a particular highlight, it shines like glass and has been fastidiously kept by the current owner.
These cars are becoming very rare in such exceptional condition, and values are only going up. If the sound of a European jaunt or two in the summer appeals, then this is the perfect vehicle for you. And yes, we will be incredibly jealous.
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.
Please see our FAQ's here and our Terms & Conditions here
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More about buying with us
1991 Jaguar XJS 5.3 V12 Convertible
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