Description
Beautiful 1986 Jaguar XJ-S V12 HE - 1st registered new to CBS Records, London, then owned and exhibited in the Jaguar Heritage Museum Collection for almost 20 years until 2021 when it was purchased and lovingly re-commissioned at great expense by its current owner, a private collector and Jaguar enthusiast.
Description
Beautiful Jaguar XJS V12 with interesting history - Rare factory black paintwork with original cream leather interior. Serviced and maintained regularly by Jaguar specialist every 6 months by current owner, regardless of cost.
HISTORY
Purchased new in 1986 by CBS Records as the flagship company vehicle for their London HQ during the mid 80's. During this time the vehicle was well looked after and regularly serviced every 6 months by Guy Salmon Jaguar and Jaguar specialists Handman Collis. In 1991, CBS Records were taken over by Sony Music and became Columbia Records. The vehicle was subsequently sold and purchased by a private individual before being acquired a few years later by Jaguar Land Rover who appreciated and recognised the vehicle's provenance and was part of the Jaguar Heritage Museum Collection for almost 20 years.
In 2019 the vehicle was put up for auction by Jaguar Land Rover along with a number of other vehicles in the Jaguar Heritage collection.
This famous Jaguar XJS V12 (lot no. 007 in auction catalogue - see image) was then purchased by the current owner who commissioned an extensive mechanical overhaul in 2021 by Jaguar XJS engineering specialist and respected JEC club racing legend Chris Palmer with invoices totaling over £14k during his 5 year ownership.
Works included the replacement of general suspension components including bushes and ball joints which were replaced with genuine OEM parts, a full brake service, new battery, new aerial mast, replacement dashboard circuit board, switches and various other electrical components. The original radiator was sent out to a specialist to be fully refurbished, new hoses, cooling system flushed and engine serviced. A new headlining was professionally installed by Rolls Royce/ Bentley interior specialists and a complete new roof was fitted and professionally re-sprayed. The work was completed to the highest standards at significant cost to the owner.
A set of newly refurbished period correct 15" starfish alloys were also added together with a brand new set of 4 x special fitment Pirelli P5 225/ 65/ R15 tyres (alone over £1000). A full recent inspection and mechanical service was carried out in July 2024 totalled over £850 and included 12 new spark plugs, oil, filters, fluids, wiper blades and several other items.
NOTE FROM OWNER: The vehicle is driven regularly on dry days only and on unsalted roads. I can report that it is running and driving superbly. Last taken out for a 100 mile run out through the Essex countryside on a nice sunny day on 6th Feb 25 - she drove faultlessly and was an absolute pleasure to drive, smooth and quiet with the V12 purring nicely.”
The vehicle comes complete with the original Jaguar Clarion Radio/ Cassette player, owner’s handbook & document wallet, toolkit and all associated paperwork from new (including the original bill of sale to CBS Records in 1986).
The vehicle comes with a full stamped service history to date and a new MOT to June 2026. A recent professional exterior and interior detailing was also recently carried out by vehicle detailing specialists AWC.
The vehicle is currently part of a unique private historic Jaguar collection and has been very well maintained since its extensive recommissioning. Always stored in a dehumidified private classic car storage facility, serviced and driven regularly but only on dry days. Luxury car cover included. Overall, a truly wonderful and original example of this iconic Jaguar XJ-S V12 HE with a unique history, charm and character in spades.
Please note that the vehicle is almost 40 years old and many of the original exterior and interior features have been retained to preserve its authenticity. There are therefore some areas on both the exterior and interior that show some signs of age/ patina when examined closely.
Please contact the owner directly by phone or email if you have any further questions or would like to arrange a viewing. Open to sensible offers or possible p/ x
Additional note from owner: 1st August 2025 - fresh MOT to July 26 just done, brand new OEM rear shocks installed (2 x new both sides), rear suspension cleaned/ overhauled. Rides like new, mini service and fluids checked. Just went out for a 100 mile autumn cruise and she didn’t miss a beat. I loved owning and driving this car and have many great memories of amazing UK road trips. I hope the new owner will enjoy as much as we have. Another bonus is that the vehicle will become classed as a "Historic vehicle" in 2026 so will be exempt from Road tax, MOT and ULEZ as it was first registered in 1986.
