Highlights
- Electrically operated folding convertible roof
- 5.3-litre V12 engine runs well
- Smart condition inside and out
The Appeal
When it came time to replace the celebrated E-Type, Jaguar opted for a change in direction, deciding instead to build a comfortable grand tourer.
The result was the XJ-S, laterly referred to as simply the XJS following the 1991 relaunch under the new ownership of Ford.
The result was the XJ-S, laterly referred to as simply the XJS following the 1991 relaunch under the new ownership of Ford.
Registered in May 1992, this example appears to be something of a crossover, featuring the earlier 5.3-litre engine alongside some later appointments such as the XJ40-derived instrument cluster.
It was apparently owned by the President of the XJS Club and is presented in very good overall condition.
That creamy V12 engine provides the perfect soundtrack for traversing continents and, coupled to an automatic gearbox, this Jaguar is almost effortless to drive.
That creamy V12 engine provides the perfect soundtrack for traversing continents and, coupled to an automatic gearbox, this Jaguar is almost effortless to drive.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered 14th May 1992
- Apparently formerly owned by the President of the XJS club
- Previously maintained by Cov Cats in Coventry
- Acquired by the vendor in 2015
- Collection of MOT certificates
- MOT until November 2022
- Numerous invoices for work completed in recent years
- Only selling as recently downsized with no garage
The Interior
- Cream leather
- Facelifted instrument binnacle
- Minimal deterioration to the veneers
Inside, this XJS has everything you would require from a capable GT.
The spacious cockpit features cosseting leather seats which survived quite well in this example. As you would expect, there is a fair amount of wear, especially the driver’s seat, with some discolouration and cracking.
The passenger’s seat has fared a little better and, with some restorative work, we think both could be quite presentable and are certainly usable in their current state.
The spacious cockpit features cosseting leather seats which survived quite well in this example. As you would expect, there is a fair amount of wear, especially the driver’s seat, with some discolouration and cracking.
The passenger’s seat has fared a little better and, with some restorative work, we think both could be quite presentable and are certainly usable in their current state.
The veneers on the dashboard appear to be in very good shape although there is some delamination and chipping to the cappings on the doors. The vendor points out a couple of minor blemishes to the dash top but these are only really noticeable upon close inspection.
The switchgear all appears to be in good order with minimal wear and the same can be said of the steering wheel which presents well. The gauge cluster is clear and legible and we understand that everything functions with the exception of the electric passenger door mirror.
When the roof is raised it becomes apparent that the headlining would benefit from a thorough clean but is quite serviceable. We are informed that the carpeting is in good order beneath the protective black rubber mats.
Inside the boot, all looks to be well with a spare wheel and a handle for manually operating the roof should it be required.
When the roof is raised it becomes apparent that the headlining would benefit from a thorough clean but is quite serviceable. We are informed that the carpeting is in good order beneath the protective black rubber mats.
Inside the boot, all looks to be well with a spare wheel and a handle for manually operating the roof should it be required.
The car also has a wind deflector fitted behind the front seats, which is a useful accessory driving at speed with the roof lowered.
The Exterior
- Signal Red
- Smart alloy wheels
- Some deterioration around the wheel arches
The vendor informs us that this Jaguar wears a coat of Signal Red paintwork which certainly looks really smart, with only a few stone chips here and there. The bodywork appears very straight down each side and the panel gaps and door fitment look good.
There is some deterioration evident around the rear wheel arches where the bodywork is starting to come away at the lower edges. A glance underneath reveals there is some corrosion evident in places, although the floors, suspension units and steering components appear to be quite sound.
There is some pitting to the brightwork in places, although it is eminently serviceable and many of the minor blemishes may polish out.
The alloy wheels don't seem to show any curb rash and while there are some small scratches in places, they present very well indeed with no lacquer peel. The vendor informs us that the tyres are in good condition with plenty of tread remaining.
The alloy wheels don't seem to show any curb rash and while there are some small scratches in places, they present very well indeed with no lacquer peel. The vendor informs us that the tyres are in good condition with plenty of tread remaining.
The electric convertible hood is in good order and according to the vendor functions as it should. With a good clean, it should be looking its best once more, meanwhile the heated rear window is clear and intact.
The Mechanics
- 5.3-litre V12
- Automatic gearbox
This XJS is made all the more exquisite by having a V12 engine.
The vendor informs us that it starts, runs and drives really well, with ample power and torque for covering long distances with ease.
The vendor informs us that it starts, runs and drives really well, with ample power and torque for covering long distances with ease.
Sometimes after initial startup, the engine light on the dashboard illuminates, although the vendor informs us that this fault soon clears if the engine is shut off and then restarted.
Apparently the previous owner noticed this fault but it has never caused an issue with the running of the car in any way since. Previous MOTs indicate that this Jaguar used to have an engine oil leak although the vendor tells us that this has since disappeared.
Apparently the previous owner noticed this fault but it has never caused an issue with the running of the car in any way since. Previous MOTs indicate that this Jaguar used to have an engine oil leak although the vendor tells us that this has since disappeared.
Under the bonnet, that big V12 is packed in quite tightly and looks to be complete and in fair condition.
Out on the road, we’re told that the automatic gearbox operates flawlessly and the brakes bring this Jaguar to a halt in a timely fashion.
Out on the road, we’re told that the automatic gearbox operates flawlessly and the brakes bring this Jaguar to a halt in a timely fashion.
Summary
If the wafting ability of a V12 grand tourer appeals, then this XJS will definitely meet your requirements.
It has ample power to make effortless progress on long journeys and is presented in good, usable condition inside and out.
It has ample power to make effortless progress on long journeys and is presented in good, usable condition inside and out.
Being a convertible, it is a great car for summer and we would love to use it for big Continental road trips where epic scenery can be experienced to its fullest with the roof down.
