Description
Few cars capture the grand touring spirit of the 1980s quite like the 1988 Jaguar XJ-S Sport!
By this stage, Jaguar’s most successful sporting model had evolved into a remarkably refined blend of performance, luxury and effortless long-distance touring - a car that had not only surpassed the legendary XK series and E-Type in production success, but matured into one of the marque’s most accomplished driver’s cars.
For 1988, Jaguar sharpened the XJ-S formula considerably. Referred to in period advertising as the “XJ-S Sport,” this updated model received significant revisions aimed squarely at enthusiastic drivers. Externally, the purposeful stance was enhanced by distinctive sport alloy wheels and low-profile tyres, while beneath the surface came comprehensive suspension and steering upgrades, including revised springs, dampers, anti-roll bars and steering geometry. The result was a far more responsive and confidence-inspiring grand tourer, without sacrificing the effortless refinement the XJ-S had become famous for.
Inside, the sporting character continued with beautifully bolstered seats designed to better support the driver, along with a thicker-rimmed leather steering wheel that perfectly complemented the car’s newfound precision and balance. What emerged was not simply a more capable XJ-S, but arguably the model that finally delivered the ideal balance between sporting intent and grand touring sophistication.
Elegant, unmistakably British and increasingly collectible today, the 1988 Jaguar XJ-S Sport represents one of the finest evolutions of Jaguar’s iconic grand tourer.
ABOUT THIS CAR
NZ NEW
MINT, Factory Original Example
Matching Numbers
Rare being a Sport model
In our opinion, one of the tidiest examples in New Zealand
Drives beautifully - pretty much like a new car
Good service history and records - Recent servicing (last 4 years) by Messrs. Clynch Automotive in Christchurch, New Zealand.
Clean Body and stunning paint.
Has air conditioning and it works :)
Low Mileage Example.
Circa 7 owners from new.
Boot and engine bay pretty much like new
Original Upholstery super clean and stunning in red leather.
Original Certificate of Registration comes with car
Factory tool box, spare wheel, sales brochures all come with car
This car was owned for the first 12 months by Jaguar (NZ) Ltd as a press car. This model was not previously released in New Zealand. The car received a tidy up after its road test days and remains in the condition as purchased back in 1991. Road tests and original photo shoots available with car.
SPECIFICATIONS
Engine: 3. 6 Litre AJ6 Inline 6 Cylinder
Power Output: Approx. 221 bhp (165 kW)
Torque: Approx. 325 Nm
Drivetrain: Rear-Wheel Drive
Top Speed: Approx. 146 mph (235 km/ h)
0–100 km/ h: Approx. 7. 5 seconds
Revised sports suspension for 1988
Uprated front and rear anti-roll bars
Modified spring and shock absorber settings
Revised steering geometry and steering system
Power-assisted steering
Factory Sport Alloy Wheels
Low-profile performance tyres
Four-wheel disc brakes
Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
Bolstered sports front seats
Leather-trimmed thicker-rim steering wheel
Walnut veneer interior trim
Air conditioning
Electric windows
Cruise control
Premium grand touring cabin refinement
Length: Approx. 4, 764 mm
Width: Approx. 1, 793 mm
Wheelbase: Approx. 2, 591 mm
Kerb Weight: Approx. 1, 700 kg
Notable features include Jaguar factory-designated “Sport” specification meaning, one of the most refined developments of the XJ-S platform blending classic Jaguar luxury with sharper sporting dynamics, resulting in an increasingly sought-after modern classic with strong touring capability.
The 1988 Jaguar XJ-S range attracted an even wider audience than ever before and marked yet another milestone in Jaguar’s remarkable upward progress during the late 1980s.
Today, these cars are increasingly recognised for exactly what they are; refined, exclusive grand tourers with genuine Jaguar performance, timeless styling and an unmistakable sense of occasion behind the wheel.
As values of well-preserved analogue European classics continue to strengthen worldwide, exceptional XJ-S Sport models are becoming increasingly difficult to source, particularly in truly original, uncompromised condition. Combining rarity, exclusivity and understated British sophistication, the 1988 XJ-S Sport represents one of the most desirable evolutions of Jaguar’s iconic grand touring lineage.
This particular example stands out as an exceptionally MINT vehicle; a car that has clearly been cherished and preserved to an extraordinary standard. Opportunities to acquire an XJ-S Sport of this calibre are becoming increasingly rare, making this a compelling proposition for the collector, enthusiast or investor seeking a highly usable modern classic with genuine long-term appreciation potential.
Quite simply, examples like this are hard to find and impossible to replace. Not to be missed.
Transport / Shipping can be organised for Buyer's behalf at Buyer's cost.
Viewing is Monday to Friday By Appointment Only!
PLEASE READ: The Purchaser is encouraged to personally fully inspect the vehicle and also to have the vehicle inspected, and fully assessed by an experienced, independent, specialist garage - before committing to purchase. While the Purchaser is entitled to rely on statements given by Waimak Classic Cars as being correct, where goods such as vehicles are concerned, with so many moving parts and rust being an issue with older vehicles; a Purchaser who chooses not to seek independent professional assistance when assessing the quality of what they propose to buy is considered as buying at their own risk, and if the vehicle then turns out to be of less than the represented quality, or not up to the Purchaser's expectation, or in the Purchaser opinion not fit for purpose; then the Purchaser is considered to have contributed to their own loss and should not expect any refunds or betterment from Waimak.
