A much-cherished XJS Convertible in the same ownership for the last 13 years
A car that has been fastidiously maintained by its enthusiastic owner
A rare manual model mated to the popular 4L AJ16 engine
The Appeal
After a rocky introduction in 1975, the XJS has really hit its stride recently in terms of classic Jaguar desirability and popularity. Having bounced back from the thankless task of following the E-Type and early quality gripes, the XJS family is firmly established as a useable British classic.
Often the most sought-after examples are from this post 1991 facelift period which ushered in many significant updates to the long-serving sport coupe. These included the introduction of an improved 4L version of the AJ6 engine, becoming known as the AJ16. This period also saw the introduction of the full convertible as presented here.
Many in the know consider this the sweet spot of XJS evolution with any former shortcomings and flaws having been long consigned to the past.
This particular example was understood to be specified and bought new by a former Chairman of Lloyds Bank
The car was supplied in January 1995 via Jaguar dealers Paramount of Derby
The car was then used by two further owners before being acquired by the current owner
The current owner bought the car in 2009 from renowned XJS specialists Clarkes of West Sussex
The current owner has had the car maintained at Clarkes throughout his ownership
The car is complete with a generous history file
The paperwork includes the full original book pack in its correct leather folder
The included service book includes a massive 25 stamps from dealers and independents
The last service was undertaken at 120,561 miles at Clarkes
Accompanying invoices contain the details and costs of most of these services
The current MOT hard copy is included indicating an advisory free pass valid until June 2023
A valuation by Clarkes dated 1st July 2016 estimated the value at £22,500 and liable to increase in the future due to the vehicle being an extremely rare manual model
The interior of this XJ-SC is a sumptuous and comfortable place and its all in excellent condition
The mid-grey leather, box pleated, high-backed seats present in excellent condition with no areas of deterioration noted
The front seats are electrically adjustable
Being a 2+2 model, this example features a pair of small rear seats in the same finish and excellent condition
The centre console and door cards are dressed in the same supple grey leather and adorned with accents of maple veneer and chrome
Carpets are in a grey wool, and all appear to be in equally fine fettle
This 1995 model features the updated dashboard and dials doing away with the “drum” dials of the earlier cars
A quality Alpine 4 x 25W head unit is fitted
The large boot contains the space saver spare wheel and is carpeted in grey
The originality of the car is evident here with the Jaguar tool kit and first aid kit being present and complete
Much like the XJS itself, to our eyes the interior of this XJS Convertible has really aged very well indeed. It is beautifully finished, and the design walks a skilful line between private-club comfort and accomplished sports coupe. The fully lined hood operates smoothly and quickly transforming the car from a mile-munching GT car into a sublime boulevard cruiser at the touch of a button.
The exterior of the XJS Convertible is finished in a very attractive silver colourway
This looks great in concert with the Black fabric hood and chrome accent
The dark look, wrap around rear lights were new for the facelifted model and look great
The bright, metallic silver 16-inch alloy wheels suit the car perfectly and are in excellent condition
Front tyres are Pirelli Cinturatos and two rear tyres are Accelera PHI-R tyres
Bodywork is very well presented, and panel gaps are tight and true
Light lenses, front and rear, appear to be in faultless condition and the glass work is free from any obvious imperfections
The car comes with a Gray fabric tonneau cover
The updates for the 1991 facelift can appear modest until compared side to side to the previous car. The upgrades were well judged and helped to give the XJS an added air of sophistication by, somehow, rounding some of the sharper edges. The profile with the hood down is striking with long front and rear decks making for a very elegant appearance.XkamaLeP4hxqPxU8Jp5tF0r3CfO5ik9R5Crfluqn.jpeg3.77 MB
The Mechanics
The post facelift XJ-S was the first Jaguar to benefit from the fitment of the 4L, straight-six AJ16 engine
A refined and muscular unit, originally rated at around 238 bhp
Not that much less powerful than the V12 and usefully lighter, many consider this the pick of the XJS engines
Power is fed to the rear wheels via a five speed Getrag manual gearbox – a classic combination
This owner and previous owners have had the XJS regularly serviced and any other maintenance requirements have been addressed regardless of cost
Unsurprisingly then this XJS starts, idles and runs perfectly
The powerful straight six, manual gearbox and lighter weight make for a great performance to economy ratio
The owner attests to all mechanical systems working well
Only the air conditioning is noted as not working
The owner reports a slight gearbox whine at low speed
The erstwhile AJ16, straight-six engine is beloved by XJS purists. This model was the first Jaguar to receive the engine as a development of the earlier car’s 3.6L AJ6 unit. The has engine proved to be a gem. Smooth, powerful, and characterful, it led many to question why the heavier, thirstier and more expensive to maintain V12 continued to be offered in the XJS.
For many the post-facelift XJS Convertible represented the true coming of age for the XJS. A model with a rocky start but a long enough life to ensure all drawbacks were comprehensively developed out. For the first time, in this guise, was a full convertible available, somehow giving the car a birth right it had previously lacked.
This is a fine example too. The best combination of the 4L AJ16 mated to the manual gearbox. An extensive and diligent service history featuring so many stamps that new pages have had to be glued into the service book! It’s a very original example too. Witness the original Jaguar toolkit and first aid kit. One for the purist XJS enthusiast and an opportunity not to be missed.
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