This rare Le Mans edition of Jaguar’s excellent XJ-S V12 is one of only 280 built, and this car bears the number 248. It was built to commemorate Jaguar’s Le Mans successes in 1988 and 1990 and features a host of details exclusive to this edition.

This model was built to european specifications and is left hand drive. The stunning 5.4L V12 engine is a real joy to behold, and combined with an excellent chassis and suspension setup, this is a luxury sports car that is hard to beat.

Currently registered in Belgium, this car is presumed to have had only one previous keeper, however no previous keeper details or service history is present before the current keeper’s ownership of the vehicle.

The car was bought in the Netherlands by the previous owner, who then started the restoration, a full respray was done but no mechanical overhaul was started. The current keeper then purchased the car in 2013, it was at this point that a lengthy restoration and rebuild was undertaken over a number of years. 

The car had a defective odometer which was replaced by the current keeper with a new unit, at the time of replacement the original odometer read 258,000km. The current keeper has kept a nice history file on the car including numerous invoices for restoration items, and also the car has had a complete Carvertical check carried out showing a clean bill of health history-wise.

As previously stated, this is the rare Le Mans edition, and as such features a whole host of exclusive details, including additional leather trim, ‘Le Mans V12’ motifs to the head rests. On the subject of the seats, they are all original and finished in a gloriously supple cream leather throughout with contrast piping. 

They show some wear and small blemishes indicative of this car’s age however one would say it adds character and they are free of tears or any major damage.

Moving forward the black leather wheel is also in very nice shape with the prominent Jaguar logo present in the centre, and the dashboard is in great condition and certainly adds to the luxurious feel of this car with a healthy dose of fine wood veneer trims, all of which are original but with some now showing signs of aging due to sunlight exposure.

The gauge cluster is clean and tidy and free of any major marks or scratches. The carpets throughout have been replaced and are finished in a lovely tan colour high pile finish, with matching floor mats with rubber Jaguar emblem panels. A nice touch is the electrically adjustable and heated front seats. It also features power windows and cruise control. The headliner was renewed upon restoration as well and is in brilliant condition. The door cards are in good condition with only minor blemishes present, and the wood veneer trims and chrome handles and controls are all in good shape. The foot plates also bear ‘Le Mans’ motifs.

Overall a very conscientious restoration in which great care was taken to preserve the originality of the car while freshening it up, some blemishes and marks of age remain, however these only add to the character and originality of the car. A very nice interior overall.

The exterior of this fine machine has had a full respray around 10 years ago in a luxurious british racing green. The paintwork is in overall good condition, with only a few signs of bubbling under the paint and a slightly dulled finish, however a small amount of TLC and a good machine polish would remedy these issues. 

This car carries a very muscular profile and it has had a chrome wheel arch kit fitted, which looks factory against the other chrome items and windscreen and headlight surrounds. Some excellent features on the Le Mans edition are the quad-lamp headlights, ‘growler’ bonnet badge, and ‘Le Mans’ boot badge. The window glass and lamp lenses are clean and clear and in fine condition with the vendor only pointing that the front window chrome surrounding joining shows a gap.

Careful attention has been paid to preserve around the areas where the most common wear occurs, with the sills and bumpers in good condition overall along with the very nice front air dam under the bumper. The silver lattice wheels are in fantastic shape and are shod with Continental tyres.

Overall a very nice exterior that has been well restored and has continued to preserve the original feel of this fine luxury sports car.

This car has had a full mechanical overhaul, with subframes removed and an enormous amount of man-hours put into the restoration and rebuild.

Perishable rubber items like bushes, hoses and pipes have been replaced. A new exhaust centre section has also been fitted, along with a new air valve. The braking system has had a complete overhaul including new discs, pads, calipers, accumulator and ABS sensor.

Moving on to the fuel system, A new sender unit has been fitted, along with a fresh fuel pump and filter. The entire system has been flushed to ensure it is perfectly clean within. In 2020, the car developed an oil leak in the power steering rack, and as such was stored until work could resume on the vehicle, in 2022, the power steering rack was refurbished, and fuel lines and fuel injector lines were refurbished as well. Also fitted was a brand new battery and power cut-off switch.

A very comprehensive restoration, this machine is sure to please for years to come and is in fine mechanical condition.

In summary, this very rare car has been lovingly restored over a lot of years, and is now in fine condition and ready for many years of motoring pleasure with its luxurious interior, and glorious V12 engine. A real treat, this fine machine is not to be missed.

Notice to bidders

This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*

Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased. Car & Classic may refer a shipping company that also deals with import/export paperwork. Prices start at €150+VAT within the same country or €400+VAT for moves across borders.

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