Highlights
- Good quality, highly original example
- Well respected 3.6 litre automatic variant
- Smartly presented both aesthetically and mechanically
The Appeal
When looking for a suave, timeless, classic luxury coupe, it really is hard to overlook a Jaguar XJS. Following the infamous E-Type was never going to be an easy task but the all new offering from the British marque rose to the occasion well upon introduction in 1975. The XJS ticked all the boxes buyers were looking for in a luxury coupe and as such quickly rose to become one of the most popular Jaguars of all time from the brand’s prestigious lineup.
Whilst originally exclusively offered with a thirsty V12 unit, later cars were offered with a 3.6 litre “AJ6” engine, which in recent times has garnered great appreciation amongst enthusiasts and collectors. Now seen to be the sweet spot in the XJS lineup, 3.6 litre cars are something of a hot commodity at present.
The XJS has always had a committed and appreciative following, and as such good examples rarely seem to stay on the market for long and the car we have here will likely be no exception to this adage. A 1988 3.6 auto, this well preserved, highly original example certainly makes a great case for XJS ownership and with less than 73 thousand miles on the clock, is surely ready for many more miles of enjoyment.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered 19/09/1988
- Supplied new by Jaguar distributor Dutton Forshaw East of Newcastle on the registration F913 JBB
- The car currently sits on private registration 396 EUP
- Purchased by the current owner earlier this year as a fun car to take to the Le Mans Classic racing event weekend, a task which was completed successfully
- Accompanied by a leather bound Jaguar book pack
- Service book present with regular stamps up to 69,920 miles
- Some XJS sales literature can also be found in the car’s history file
- Current MOT valid with no advisories into February 2024
- V5 registration document present with the vehicle
The Interior
- Interior space is of truly high quality, and presents well in good original form
- Predominantly upholstered in rich black leather
- Seating front and rear is in great order, boasting strong cushioning and bolsters with very minimal signs of age or wear
- Lashings of wood finish trim throughout
- Wood finish is of a general high quality although there is some more notable cracking around the centre tunnel fascia
- Rare leather TWR Jaguar Sport steering wheel, a subtle nod to the XJS’ Le Mans success
- Quality beige mats and carpeting throughout
- Well upholstered door panels exhibiting more fine leather, quality embellishments and door furniture
- Good sized rear boot area, with more beige carpeting, a full size spare wheel and largely complete Jaguar tool kit
- Upgraded Blaupunkt radio head unit with phone connectivity
- Interior switchgear is of a great standard throughout and is a testament to the quality to which the car has been upheld in its lifetime
- Dash panel is in good form and looks to be free from sun fading or damage
- Clean, well fitting headliner
The Exterior
- Suave, elegant exterior styling
- Finished in a deep red hue with contrasting grey coachlines
- Paintwork is of a very high standard across the car, presenting with a deep shine and minimal signs of age or blemishing
- Good quality chrome trim throughout, exhibiting with just a light pitting and a gentle patina in places
- 15” Jaguar “snowflake” style alloy wheels at all four corners, presentable but with some light blemishing in areas
- Some minor bubbling is beginning to make itself known on the lower section of the passenger door
- Good quality glass work and badging throughout
- Overall a high ranking, impressively original XJS from an aesthetic perspective
The Mechanics
- 3.6 litre automatic variant
- Seen by many as the sweet spot in the XJS range due to the lightness of the straight six
- The engine in this particular example looks to be in good clean form having covered less than 73 thousand miles
- A wonderful driving experience is reported from the XJS, having completed a recent successful trip from its current home in Hertfordshire to the Le Mans racing circuit in France without issue
- Automatic transmission is in good order and provides smooth and crisp gear changes
- Inspection of the underside shows what looks to be a clean and solid example of an XJS
Summary
If you’re going to do a mile munching road trip across the continent, then you may as well do it in style, and on that front, the XJS might be the finest tool for the job. With elegant styling, a brilliant mechanical setup and a well appointed interior, the XJS is a rather lovely place to be and is ready for many more miles of enjoyment.
Having already proven itself on a recent trip to Le Mans, this 1988 3.6 litre variant stands as a wonderful entry into the world of classic Jaguar ownership with what is a good, well preserved example of one of the marque’s greatest hits.
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.
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