Description
1986 Jaguar XJS 3. 6 manual.
I’ve looked after this car properly over my ownership, as have the previous owners. It presents extremely well.
I’ve recently had a complete new clutch fitted, including the release bearing, and all the brakes have been replaced - calipers, discs and pads all round, using quality parts. It’s also got 4 new tyres and the alloys have been refurbished - they are in excellent condition.
The oil has been changed every 5, 000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first. It’s recently taken me to Switzerland and back without missing a beat, so it’s certainly not a car that’s afraid of doing some miles. I’ve actually done that trip twice in this car.
It’s also had a full stainless-steel exhaust and a middle box delete, which gives it a really nice straight-six sound when you’re driving it properly, but it’s still perfectly quiet and comfortable when you just want to cruise.
The rear end has recently been serviced and all the bushes replaced with genuine parts. It hasn’t been polybushed, which seems to be quite common with these cars. Personally, I think this is a good thing as it still rides incredibly well and feels how an XJS should.
Everything works as it should.
The manual gearbox is probably the main reason I bought this particular car a few years back. The alternative is obviously the V12, which I’ve owned a few of, but personally I wouldn’t go back to one with the 3-speed automatic after having this, it’s a completely different car. The 3. 6 manual is a much nicer car to drive in my opinion, and I regularly see around 26/ 27 mpg. I’m sure you could get more than that on a long run.
It’s been a genuinely enjoyable car to own and I’m only selling because, unfortunately, I need to be sensible and start saving for a house — apparently my other half thinks that’s more important!
It would make a great car for someone who wants to get into classic cars without something that costs a fortune to run, or equally for someone who wants an old-school Jaguar that looks the part but drives considerably better than most cars from the 60s and 70s. There is the occasional paintwork bubble so those would need to be sorted out, the same as any old car that has been used. MOT and tax exempt in April.
I’m open to sensible offers…
It’s a manual gearbox with the straight six engine which is far more reliable than a V12 XJS It’s also but not limited to: more engaging to drive, just as fast as in a straight line, faster around and roads with a corner as is considerably lighter, handles much better and also much better on fuel. It’s also much rarer than a V12. Very few of these are available especially in this condition and in coupe form, most of these that I have seen are cabriolets. The only benefit of having a V12 speaking form experience is unfortunately that little badge at the back.
