Description
1987 JAGUAR XJ-S HE 5. 3 V12 with substantial improvements and gentle modernisation by the legendary Jaguar whisperers KWE.
68, 200 miles - fully documented.
Very detailed history during my 16 years' ownership.
Many more photos available. OVERVIEW
RHD auto XJ-S V12 has 68, 200 miles on the odometer.
I bought the car at auction in 2009 when it had covered fewer than 20, 000 miles and took it straight to KWE in Newbury.
I’d asked them to conduct a pre-purchase inspection report on the car before bidding for it which is included in the history pack.
KWE UPGRADES (at considerable expense)
There is a certificate (plus bills and a DVD photographic record) attesting to the first tranche of work carried out by KWE in 2009.
It states the following:
“This is to certify that the Jaguar XJS V12, Chassis No. SAJJNAEW3BA142126 registered in UK: WAG 27X [private plate, now returned to original], has been rebuilt by Knowles-Wilkins Engineering (KWE) Limited to the following KWE major specifications:
• E3 Engine Perishables & 15000m service
• S1 Suspension/ Brakes/ Steering Renewal
• 08 Cavity rust protection
• PT1 V12 Power Enhancement”
• A full stainless steel “full bore” exhaust system was added by KWE in 2010
I did take it to Bonhams a few years ago who said:
"We have driven the car and can say, with some confidence, that we can’t recall ever driving an XJ-S V12 of this vintage that has better performance, balance, poise or road-holding than this. It really is a revelation and a fitting testament to the expertise of the engineers at both Browns Lane and KWE."
Other upgrades fitted to gently modernise the car are a Becker Grand Prix stereo, bluetooth module, reversing “beepers”, lights-left-on alarm to ensure no flat battery and remote central locking, none of which were present on the original car but are now expected in modern cars. Both original factory keys are also present.
The car has been returned to its original number plate E444KDE after a few years with the number plate referred to on the KWE certificate. Interestingly, WAG 27X was a private plate for Mr. Charles “Wag” Bennett, a bodybuilder and gym owner who spotted Arnold Schwarzenegger’s potential and trained him for his first Mr. Universe title in 1967. I understand Arnie lived with “Wag” and the Bennett family in Forest Gate, London, for several years.
EXTERIOR
The bodywork is really very good and there are no significant dents, creases or dinks.
The black paintwork, too, is largely very good with very few of the normal stone chips, scratches and road rash.
The good-looking after-market alloys with their KWE centre caps are in very good but not concours condition. The original wheels and tyres are also available if desired.
The chrome is not at all bad but there is the odd spot of foxing here and there as you'd expect with a 38 year old car.
INTERIOR
The interior is in well-preserved original condition rather than being newly replaced.
There are a few scuffs in the front from use and signs of minor historic repairs on the passenger seat squab, the magnolia (piped black) leather upholstery is in very good condition, front and back.
The carpets, headlining and door cards are very good. Headlining was replaced by KWE. The wood veneer inserts are intact, free of any significant scratches and have retained their lacquer. HISTORY
I have created a comprehensive bound history file showing that the two stages of KWE’s initial rebuilding and fettling of the engine and mechanicals came to over £20, 000.
Over my 16 years of ownership, the car was regularly maintained and serviced by KWE which is also documented. On the occasions when KWE’s expertise really didn’t need to be engaged, high quality local expertise was used and is also documented.
The car comes with manuals, service books, radio codes, letters, bills, invoices, receipts…. and other reassuring indicators of my diligent ownership.
It also comes with a DVD containing photographic evidence of work carried out on the car by KWE.
Bonhams' comment:
"This is a very classy, low mileage example of a classic model that has evolved into the best possible version of itself courtesy of KWE and a vendor who has spared no costs, cut no corners and entertained no compromises in pursuit of creating, maintaining and preserving something very special indeed."
