Highlights
- Highly original example of Jaguar's legendary tourer
- Rare factory-fitted sunroof
- Recently serviced by classic restorers
- Owned for about a year and a half
The Appeal
When Jaguar launched the XJS, it raised a lot of eyebrows. This was no successor for the E-type, as people had expected - this was a big, luxurious grand tourer with modernised angles and distinctive rear buttresses. The cars couldn't be much more different, and that big, thirsty V12 powerplant was being launched in the middle of a fuel crisis. Sales remained stubbornly low until 1981 when Leyland opted for a facelift. as a last-ditch effort to renew the car's image - which proved to be a masterstroke.
In July '81, the car received a new High-Efficiency V12 engine for much better fuel economy, with a 'fireball' combustion chamber that increased the car's grunt and a light restyling. They also offered a convertible and a smaller, more affordable six-pot - giving a wider audience the chance to get behind the wheel. Of course, as soon as they did, they were thrilled. By the skin of its teeth, the XJS got the immense success it deserved.
This example carries the rare factory-fitted sunroof, and is accompanied by a very sizable paperwork file.
The History and Paperwork
- Registered in 1981
- The DVLA records 10 previous keepers
- In current ownership since 2023
- Purchased from Mulliner Park Ward in the Wirral
- Indicates 57,625 miles on a five-figure odometer
- Accompanied by an impressive paperwork file including:
- Original handbooks and manuals
- Old MOT certificates
- Plenty of invoices, including for a full service and renewal in 2023
- Correspondence from the XJ register
- Photographic record of an older restoration
The Condition
- Highly original condition
- Bodywork is in good overall order
- The paintwork has lost a little of its lustre
- Some areas of blistering and blemishing
- Coachline is in good condition
- Brightwork contrasts well but does have a gentle patina
- Original alloys in good order
- Some gentle patina to the underside
- Highly original interior
- Some patina and sag to the leather upholstery
- Some marks and scuffs to the dash, particularly around the ignition
- Some marks and wear to the wooden veneers
- All instruments are clear and legible
- Rare factory-fitted sunroof
- The headlining could do with a replacement, as the sunroof has led to some wear
The Mechanics
- 5.3-litre HE V12 engine
- Automatic transmission
- Engine bay looks in fine order
- We understand that the car is in fine mechanical health
- Recent servicing and brake work completed by classic restorers
- We've no reports of any mechanical issues
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