The Jaguar XJ-S was a premium luxury grand tourer manufactured by Jaguar Cars from 1975 to 1996. It was designed from an initial shape penned by Malcolm Sayer, but after his death in 1970 it was completed by the in-house Jaguar design team, headed by Doug Thorpe.

The luxury GT was offered in Coupé, targa-like fixed-profile and full Convertible body styles. Final production numbers totalled 115,413 units over 20 years and seven months.

Codenamed 'XJ27', the car that would evolve into the XJ-S was styled by Malcolm Sayer, the man responsible for the E-Type, under the avuncular eye of Jaguar boss, Sir William Lyons.

Conceived as a comfortable and long-legged Grand Tourer rather than an out-and-out sports car like the preceding E-Type, the XJ-S made use of the Jaguar XJ6/XJ12 saloon platform and running gear. Shorter in the wheelbase than its saloon siblings, the new model debuted at the 1976 Frankfurt Motor Show as a V12-powered coupé.

One of the most important developments in the evolution of the V12-powered XJS was the introduction of the HE (High Efficiency) engine in 1981. Incorporating a new design of cylinder head, this more fuel-efficient unit enabled the top-of-the-range XJ-S to meet tighter worldwide emissions legislation. With a production run of almost 21 years, the XJS would go on to become Jaguar's best-selling sports car ever.

The two-seat XJ-SC targa-type model was not a commercial success and was replaced by a two-seat full convertible in 1988 – an early example of which is offered here – which proved to be a great hit. 

This low-mileage, low-ownership and highly presentable Jaguar XJ-S received its first UK registration on 26th May, 1988. During the intervening 44 years, the car has been lovingly enjoyed by just four keepers, the current of whom acquired the car in May, 1998, some 24 years ago.

The current MoT expires January 31st 2022 and the car is currently SORNed and a rummage through online MoT records indicates a pass for the seven previous tests. When not in use the car has been dry-stored and only removed from the garage for brief local excursions to keep the mechanicals active and lubricated.

Incidentally, the car has been driven just 4,700 miles in the intervening years since the car’s MoT of May, 2006, which recorded a mileage of 37,395.

Accompanying the sale will be the V5C, owner’s handbook, service record book, original PDI inspection, two sets of keys, radio/cassette instruction manual and a small file of past paperwork which details spares acquired and maintenance undertaken in recent years.

While not quite in concours condition, the interior of this automotive gem presents in exceptionally good condition, to the extent that the writer frequently had to remind himself that this is a thirty-four year old British classic.

The XJ-S's original interior reflects its ‘lovingly and lightly used’ condition and promises to be a delightful place in which to spend some immersive, luxo-barge road time.

Specified in light-brown 'Buckskin' leather and beautifully contrasted with full-width veneered wood trims on the dashboard, it's all very straight in here, with  the door cards presenting remarkably well for their age, as do the carpets and convertible hood interior. Only the steering wheel has a patina commensurate with the car’s low mileage rather than its age.

The center vent wood trim has a light discolouring to the wood and there is evidence of surface scratches to the driver’s door veneer wood trim, likely caused by keys or jewellery. However, a restorative wood-shop should make short shrift of that in no time at all.  

Like the condition of the cabin, the boot is very tidy and clean – like nothing has ever been placed in there. The weather-proof car cover currently being stored in the boot will accompany the car, along with the fire extinguisher.

Along with the smart and tidy interior, the car’s exterior is equally highly presentable. The original Glacier White paintwork gleams to a high standard and all the brightwork shines as intended. The front and rear lights are clear and all electrics are said to be in working order and both undersides of the boot lid and bonnet are in excellent condition.

A cursory glance down each flank of the car shows no evidence of damage and the front number plate, bumper and valance – for all their vulnerability – remain in remarkably good condition. 

The front, rear and side sills of the car are blemish-free, as are each of the door under-sills. The condition of the car highlights the love and care afforded the car over the years.

Just a small issue was noted by this photographer and writer – there are three small holes in the left rear of the convertible hood, as pictured in the accompanying gallery. That evidenced, its repair would present no particular challenge to an upholsterer worthy of the name.

The writer was fortunate to have driven the car several miles to the photo location – and the experience was epic to say the least! The chunky, yet turbine-smooth V12 fired up at the first ask every time and settled into an appreciative burble that only a well-maintained twelve-pot can make. The gearbox connected smoothly and the drivetrain engaged with no drama, requiring a just gentle rev to get underway.

The custodian reports the car to be very good mechanical condition with steering, brakes, engine, drivetrain and running gear performing as well as their respective British engineers intended over forty years ago. 

The engine bay is very tidy and clean and, like the immediately visible parts of this Jaguar XJ-S the underside of the car presents in good order with the usual degree of natural oxidation that may reasonably be expected on a car of this age and mileage.

At classic car shows up and down the country, you can almost guarantee that there will be a Jaguar XJ-S present in some guise or another…and there are many good reasons for that. Aside from being many owner’s pride and joy, the cars are often affordable, parts are widely available and inexpensive. Despite the initially scary looking V12 powerplant, servicing is actually quite straightforward and the driving experience is well judged for a car intended to offer grand touring appeal.

In E565 MYT we have an extraordinarily healthy example of one of Jaguar’s finest creations as the XJ-S model began to mature during its nearly-twenty-one years of production life. It presents in exceptionally rare condition inside, outside and under and its new keeper will have a hard act to follow in maintaining the condition of this car.

G’won…because you’re here, pop on a cheeky bid. You know you want to!