Description
This Jaguar XJRS was delivered new in Germany in 1992. As such, it belongs to the final “facelift” series, benefiting from several significant improvements. The dashboard, now trimmed with wood, features classic, easy-to-read round dials. The car later made its way to France, where the current owner discovered it after a long search for such a rare model.
A long-time Jaguar enthusiast, he had already fallen under the spell of the marque’s V12 engines through his E-Type V12 Convertible (carbureted) and his Daimler Double Six (fuel-injected), both of which he still owns. Within this lineage, the XJS—and especially the XJRS—occupies a special place. Built in only 390 examples, the XJRS was developed by Jaguar Sport, a joint venture equally owned by Jaguar and Tom Walkinshaw Racing. It is therefore not a mere aftermarket modification, but a top-tier model offered directly in the marque’s showrooms.
Beyond a number of distinctive exterior upgrades—such as spoilers, side skirts, specific wheels, and subtle interior details—the essence of the XJRS lies in its increased engine displacement, enlarged from 5. 3 to 6. 0 litres through a longer stroke. Engines built to this specification are easily recognisable by their serial numbers beginning with “8W,” with “W” referring to Walkinshaw. Additional refinements were made to the suspension, steering rack, and especially the gearbox, whose kick-down response is noticeably more immediate. Compared with the Daimler Double Six, appreciated for its limousine-like character, the XJRS stands out as a powerful and responsive grand tourer, without sacrificing comfort.
Imported into Belgium in 2017, the car had already benefited from extensive maintenance and improvements in France. To address a number of secondary issues and bring the vehicle fully up to the standard it deserved, it was entrusted to “L’Atelier du Mécano” in Brussels, a workshop specialised in this type of vehicle and, for instance, holder of the exclusive rights to the Lynx Eventer shooting brake conversions based on the XJS.
Having joined a collection of eight cars, this XJRS then received regular maintenance, covering approximately 1, 000 km per year for classic-car events and to keep the mechanical components in excellent condition.
Private owner car – AD acting as intermediary
