Beschreibung
“One question has been asked of every Jaguar car since 1975: will it be the next E-type? The answer is always no, of course, because that iconic model was, like The Beatles and the miniskirt, a product of its era – a glorious, glamorous, game-changing thing that can’t be replicated.
What we really want is not another E-type, but a Jaguar that steps out of its lengthy shadow to become a star in its own right. We want it to be powerful, attractive, luxurious and desirable, but we also want it to be sufficiently under-appreciated so that we can afford one now, enjoy it for a generation then gloat as its value goes a similar way to that of its fabled forebear.
Think that’s too much to ask? Think again, because just such a Jaguar might already exist – and it’s called the XJS.” Chris Rowlands GQ 20 July 2019
Here we have for sale not any standard, off the line XJS, but an ultra-rare Jaguar XJR-S. Not quite a barn find, because I put it in the barn and have given it some regular visits, but not far off…!
I bought this about 7 years ago with every intention of doing some touring with it. Alas, a house build and young family means it has not really been used and it seems such a shame to just have it locked up gathering dust, particularly since there are so few of these around. Therefore, with a heavy heart, it’s time for her to go.
This is a 1991 genuine (identifiable by the VIN) XJR-S – Jaguar Sport’s version of the XJS. If you are reading this, you’ll already know Jaguar Sport was independent to the main Jaguar production facilities… The list of refinements made by Jaguar Sport to make this an XJR-S, not a production XJS, are extensive but include the larger 6L (5993cc) V12 (itself subject to many improvements compared to the standard 5345cc “6L” V12 engine), refined exhaust system, tweaked gearbox, Speedline alloys, suspension upgrades, steering improvements, body kit, matt black trims and various interior refinements.
These cars are very special and, in my unbiased opinion, incredibly under rated. They look absolutely superb; the long bonnet goes on forever and the buttresses scream top class design engineering. To me, these are infinitely more handsome compared to the much adored E Type, heaven knows why! When you sit in it, the car fits around you like a glove; it’s super comfortable and when on the road it eats up every undulation and bump, you hardly know you are driving along!
Produced in a limited numbers, when being sold new there were few of these around, 30 years hence there are even fewer, only a few dozen remain registered with the DVLA, fewer still actually on the road I suspect. Being a 1991 model, this has to be one of the last of the pre-face lift XJR-S’s off the separate Jaguar Sport line at Kidlington, Oxford, before the introduction of the facelift model and transfer of production to the main Jaguar plant. Therefore, this is truly one of the last proper Jaguars before Ford’s involvement and the subsequent demise of the independent facilities of Jaguar Sport.
The car itself is offered up as a light restoration project. Currently the vehicle is SORN and without MOT but has been regularly started, moved and driven (off the public highway) to keep everything running and free. It fires up no problem and runs, drives and stops as you’d expect. It has just under 100k on the clock which is absolutely nothing for these hulking great big engines and has a fully stamped service history up to 90k. I have had it checked over by a retired mechanic who has confirmed the structure is in good condition with no areas of rot or significant rust. There is some minor rust, about the size of a 50p, on the rear drivers wheel arch – it was there when I got the car, I’ve done nothing with it and it hasn’t gotten any worse. Having been stored for a while, the car will need work to fully recommission and make ready for an MOT. What it needs I’m not exactly sure but obviously this is a 28 year old car that’s been dry stored and not on the road for a few years.
Some observations:
Engine starts fine, gets to and holds temperature, oil pressure and charge spot on;
The headlining needs replaced;
Stereo doesn’t work (it’s an aftermarket replacement unit);
Electric mirrors don’t move via the electric switches;
Good tread on Pirelli tyres on the correct Speedline alloys;
Cobalt blue colour
HPI clear
Full service history
These big cats are becoming increasingly rare and values are sneaking up. This car represents an excellent opportunity to purchase one, in fair order, needing only minor attention at a very fair price. Good examples of these are fetching £15k+ concours models £30k+. As they near the rolling 40year no mot no tax bracket values are only set to rise. Be in no doubt, if I had the space this would be staying with me to take advantage of the value gains likely to be seen…!
Please make contact via email in the first instance for answers to queris or questions. Additional photographs available on request.
