Jaguar’s XJ-S is a rapidly appreciating grand tourer and the V12 models are in particular demand. With its timeless and elegant design, lovely drivetrain and superb comfort levels, it’s easy to see why.
This particular example is a late model featuring the 6-litre V12, a raft of tasteful upgrades, a rare colour scheme and an excellent service / MOT history. If you’ve always wanted to own a XJ-S, this must be one of the nicest examples on the market today.U7FKCaIlNqy3hgTRlIFJ6yLlmwvf0rVYH6p0khbf.jpeg778.95 KB
The History and Paperwork
First registered in February 1995
Just 5 owners from new
63,253 miles, verified by MOT and service history
MOT to March 2023
Private registration (M13XJS) included in sale
Matching numbers vehicle
Comprehensive specialist service history
Numerous invoices for maintenance and servicing
Excellent MOT history
Late V12 ‘Celebration’ model – fewer than 100 made
The owner has retrofitted an earlier Parchment Connolly leather interior, a great idea and one that gives the car a beautiful driving environment. Generally, the leather shows little sign of wear, with slightly more on the driver’s seat. In the rear, the passenger seats are sculpted, individual items and present in superb condition – almost looking like they’ve never been sat in.
Finished with walnut veneer trim with inlaid detailing, the dash, centre console and door cards appear to be in very good condition. There are some minor blemishes and light scuffs to some areas of the door cards and internal plastic trim, as should be expected from a vehicle of this age, but generally everything is complete and in fine fettle. The only damage we could see internally was that the plastic trim around the rear seatbelt buckles has cracked and a small part of the passenger-side rear trim-piece is missing. Other than that, all of the cabin trim, instruments, driving controls and switchgear looks in very good order.
Grey carpet runs through the cabin and presents in fine condition, with no notable wear or damage we could see. This is complemented by grey carpet over-mats in the rear and original Jaguar rubber over-mats in the front. We’re informed by the owner that the headlining has been replaced, so is in excellent condition, with no damage, marks or signs of sagging.
At the rear, the boot area is in fine condition, with the original spare wheel and cover, as well as the original toolkit present and correct. Mounted in the boot is the factory-fitted CD auto-changer unit.
We’re assured by the owner that everything in the cabin functions precisely as it should, with no faults or issues that they are aware of.
Optional 16” Lattice wheels with new Pirelli tyres
Full underside Waxoyl treatment by specialist
The elegant lines and fine proportions of the XJ-S are perfectly set off by that smart Metallic Sage paintwork. It’s a rare shade, and it has been kept in exceptionally good order on this car. The current owner tells us that they have any panels that wore scratches repainted to bring the paint as close as possible to factory fresh. It’s certainly worked, as the quality of the finish appears to be excellent. Obviously, it’s a 27 year old car, so it won’t be flawless (no car is), but it’s certainly presented in tip-top condition.
Similarly, the external trim has been remarkably well-preserved. All the brightwork looks to be very straight, complete and in much better condition than you’d expect from a car of this age. Clearly, the fact it’s been garaged and fair weather driven has worked its magic. The front fog-lights are intact and still wear their Jaguar covers, which is very rare to see. The car wears the lovely late-model smoked rear lenses too, which supplement the exterior colour nicely.
The car’s pièce de résistance though has to be the underside, which is in quite incredible condition. As the underside is frequently a weak point on the XJ-S, in 2018 the owner took the vehicle to renowned XJ-S specialist Clarke’s Jaguar. There the underside was wire-brushed clean, repainted where required, and fully treated with WaxOyl. As such, it presents very well, with no evidence of corrosion at all that we could see. It should provide many more years of protection. CyASY14lvZFpTY70e7zOV3smj3SK9Fah9dqNFQCT.jpeg731.25 KB
The Mechanics
5,994cc V12 engine
4-speed automatic transmission
Gearbox flush and refill by Clarke’s (2018)
4-wheel alignment by Clarke’s (2018)
That deliciously smooth 6-litre V12 is the perfect powerplant for the XJ-S. Laden with power and serenely quiet in its running, it makes the car an exceptionally capable and comfortable GT car. With 308bhp and 355 lb ft on offer, it’s eminently capable of Jaguar’s claimed 161mph top speed and 6.6 second 0-60 run. Clearly, it’s been very well cared for, benefitting a comprehensive specialist service history. Meanwhile, the engine bay itself presents very well, being clean and straight sounding good an no sign of overheating.
We’re told by the owner that a number of maintenance jobs have recently been undertaken, including: fitting a new A/C pump, new alternator, full service and new coils. They tell us that the car also benefits from DB7 rear springs.
All in all, this vehicle appears to have been very well cared for, and the owner confirms this, telling us that the car performs beautifully with no faults. In fact, they say that it “drives like a magic carpet”. Looking at the condition of the vehicle, we can well believe it. The owner goes on to expand, telling us that the engine idles and runs exceptionally smoothly, accelerating well and offering a healthy level of performance from that iconic V12. Accompanying all this smooth power is a gearchange which the vendor tells us is silky smooth, allowing you to enjoy the unruffled ability of this grand tourer. Similarly, we're assured that the ride and handling are just as they should be, with no untoward noises, knocks or vibrations and progressive, effective and straight braking capability.JxDtQAy2CXntCNMQOnV2lQggFmk3KOmpfVgxYdvg.jpeg352.87 KB
Summary
Jaguar have long been the masters of blending luxury with practicality and surprising levels of performance. Never has that been more the case than with the V12 XJ-S. It’s the perfect marriage of drivetrain, styling and ability.
This example has been fastidiously cared for and cherished throughout its life. Meaning you can bid with confidence in its mechanical and structural integrity. It’s a deeply lovely car, and one that will surely increase in value.
Notice to bidders
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