Gorgeous, unrestored XJS convertible with tiny mileage
Incredible pedigree and history file
Beautiful unspoilt interior
Amazingly detailed and cherished example
THE APPEAL
From the moment it debuted in 1975, there was a demand for a topless version of the Jaguar XJ-S to replace the iconic E-Type Roadster.
But with Jaguar under the control of British Leyland, there wasn’t the budget to invest in two body styles for the new V12 sports car and it would be a whole 13 years before a full convertible XJ-S appeared, making its debut in 1988.
Jaguar had got halfway there in 1983 with the XJ-SC, which was more of a Targa with an ungainly rollover hoop, but the full convertible model was a job done properly, with a power-operated roof and clean, pillarless styling.
The car made its debut in the summer of 1988, by which point the XJS was already far from a spring chicken – the launch of a whole new body style being unprecedented for a car of this age.
Nevertheless, it was the model that Jaguar sports car enthusiasts had been awaiting for a long time and as such it gave the XJ-S a whole new lease of life. Combined with the new 3.6-litre six-cylinder engine (a more efficient alternative to the flagship V12) in 1989, the model recorded its best-ever sales year.
This example is from that bumper year – originally registered in February 1989. It’s the full package, too – a 5.3-litre V12 rather than the ‘budget’ 3.6 six.
But what really sets this car apart from the rest is its remarkable mileage and history. It has covered just 33,480 miles from new and had just one owner from 1992 until 2017. It’s an incredible car, the like of which you’ll struggle to find again – collector quality, in lovely overall condition and a genuine investment opportunity, should you wish to get your hands on a completely unspoilt and original example of what many believe to be the ultimate XJ-S.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
Amazing history file
Files of invoices, showing diligent care and maintenance
Supplied new by Appleyard of Harrogate
All old MOTs back to 1992, current one valid to August 2024
Some old V5s
Spare set of keys
Jaguar document wallet
UK V5C
Original wallet with owners’ manuals and handbooks
Service book stamped all the way to 30,476 miles
Never welded, restored or repainted – just a lovely original car
THE CONDITION
Original Solent Blue paint in fine order
Unmarked ‘lattice’ alloy wheels and correct-spec recent special-order Pirelli P600 tyres, exact to the period style
Very good paint finish all over with no major blemishes, some tiny marks on bonnet
Excellent blue mohair electric hood in full working order
Slight flaking to chrome side trim on driver’s side, but nothing major
Sills, arches and wings all in good order
Correct bumpers, badges and trim in very good condition
Dealer option genuine mudflaps
Electric aerial
Appears very sound underneath and has recently passed an MOT
Grey leather upholstery in superb overall condition
Heated and electrically adjustable seats
Original ‘rotunda’ dials
Original tool kit – complete and unused
Air conditioning
Tonneau cover
Original radio-cassette
Fully functional LCD trip computer
Excellent wood veneers
Full-size alloy spare wheel
It’s hardly surprising given the history and mileage, but this car looks wonderful in its original Solent Blue paint, which is in terrific condition.
There are a couple of tiny fade marks on the bonnet, but otherwise the factory paint is all still original and blemish-free, with no dings or dents down the flanks. It’s truly incredible, the only minor detraction being some flaking to the chrome foils on the driver’s side rubbing strips.
The blue hood is in exceptional condition, as are the gorgeous lattice-style alloys, while period-correct Pirelli tyres all-round are a further bonus.
As you’d expect for such a low mileage car, the interior of the XJ-S is completely unspoilt – the grey leather is superb, as are the walnut veneers, carpets and door cards.
THE MECHANICS
5.3-litre V12
Four-speed auto
Starts and runs well
Good steering, brakes and suspension
Well-maintained and reported to be in great working order
Open the bonnet and you’re confronted by a terrifying mass of pipework – but that’s just the Jaguar HE V12 for you… The 5.3-litre unit is a thing of absolutely beauty to behold, at least until you have to get the spanners out.
Luckily, this one shouldn’t need much spannering attention. It’s in fine fettle, as you’d expect from the fact it’s barely run-in. It sounds wonderful – beautifully smooth and refined. If you want a car with a real sense of occasion about it, then a V12 XJ-S is definitely the way to go – the six-cylinder ones just can’t compare….
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not apply. Car & Classic’s return policy applies.
✓ A non-refundable deposit will be payable if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for details.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is highly recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check, to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection or delivery.
