****Photos provided by the seller****
Highlights
• Last of the six-cylinder XJS models in fabulous condition
• Genuine low mileage with history to back it up
• Original jack and toolkit
• Every MOT from new
The Background
By the mid-1990s, the Jaguar XJS was getting a bit long-in-the tooth – yet it remained a beautiful anachronism. A grand tourer in the truest tradition, and a Jaguar stalwart of over 20 years. It’s an often overlooked fact that the XJS lasted seven years longer than the E-Type ever did; a fact that many Jaguar purists don’t wish to think about.
Towards the end, though, Jaguar had to load the XJS to the gunwales to keep it selling, making the last cars off the line the absolute best.
Among them was the Celebration, launched to mark 60 years of Jaguar Cars in 1995. Instead of the 6.0 V12 it got the AJ16 4.0-litre straight six engine from the new ‘X300’ XJ saloon, and as such was the most reliable XJS variant ever, as well as a pretty eager performer. It produced 238bhp, with a 150mph top speed and 0-60 in seven seconds, so wasn’t notably slower than the V12. It also got partially galvanised bodywork, making it arguably the best-ever XJS.
Inside, a selection of high quality hides were offered along with a modernised dash and centre console and with new exterior colours such as Turquoise,
Sure, it’s not V12, but it’s a wonderful package, and represents the XJS in its most dependable and enjoyable form. As such, a good Celebration is a highly sought-after car today.
The one offered for sale here is an especially appealing example as it comes with an impeccable history file.
The History
Supplied new by Evans Halshaw Jaguar on August 1, 1995, the XJS had one owner until 2000, when it passed into the motor trade. It has since had 4 owners, with their years of ownership being: Nov 2000-May 2002 - May 2002-March 2016 - March 2016-March 2018, until the current seller. The seller has used the car as their every day vehicle, but now fancies a convertible XJS, hence the sale.
It has been dealer or specialist maintained and regularly serviced throughout its life.
The Paperwork
As well as the UK V5C and an MOT valid until March 2022, the XJS comes with its original Jaguar book pack and a pile of receipts relating to servicing and repair.
It’s mileage of just over 83,000 is backed up by the car’s comprehensive servicing file, along with MOTs dating right back to its first ever test in 1998.
In terms of the service history it features the following stamps in the book:
5/8/1996, 5,995 miles, Evans Halshaw Jaguar Milton Keynes
27/8/1997, 11,190 miles, Evans Halshaw Jaguar Milton Keynes
22/9/1998, 17,852 miles, Weybridge Automobiles Jaguar Specialists
29/9/1999, 20,259 miles, Weybridge Automobiles Jaguar Specialists
22/12/2000, 25,636 miles, Robert Hughes Automobiles, Weybridge (Jaguar Specialist)
29/4/2002, 32,861 miles, Robert Hughes Automobiles, Weybridge
14/10/04, 47,695 miles, D&M Autotec, Hersham, Surrey
1/11/2006, 58,760 miles, D&M Autotec, Hersham, Surrey
6/11/2009, 63,147 miles, D&M Autotec, Hersham, Surrey
16/12/2016, 71,150 miles, Hurst Park Automobiles, Surrey
14/3/2018, 73,177 miles, The Jaguar Workshop, Ealing
8/3/2019, 77,239 miles, The Jaguar Workshop, Ealing
The Exterior
The XJS looks resplendent in its metallic Sapphire Blue paint, with the model’s trademark diamond-cut alloy wheels.
According to the vendor, the bodywork is rust-free and the paintwork is in exceptional order. There have never been any corrosion advisories during the car’s MOTs, which should provide even greater reassurance to its next owner.
It has a deep shine and looks absolutely terrific.
The Interior
Open the door and the XJS’s gentleman’s club interior is hugely inviting, with it's walnut veneers and supple doeskin hide.
The seats, carpets and veneers are in excellent condition, while the dials and controls all work as Jaguar intended.
Nice touches include a part-walnut steering wheel and a Bluetooth radio/CD player, which is a useful concession to modernity. It’s all in fabulous order save for a missing cover on the passenger seatbelt buckle, though this does not affect the belt’s operation.
The air conditioning has just been recharged and blows icy cold.
The Mechanics
The 4.0-litre AJ16 is one of the all-time great Jaguar engines and is renowned for its reliability, so one that has covered just 83,000 miles and has been specialist maintained for all of its life looks to be a pretty safe bet.
The owner reports that it runs beautifully, holding good temperature and oil pressure, while the four-speed auto box works as it should throughout the gears.
He reports that it drives very well indeed, with no known problems.
The Appeal
This is a terrific example of what’s arguably the best iteration of the XJS. It’s a great spec, a fantastic colour and has a really strong pedigree, as well as being in superb structural and mechanical condition.
XJSs are currently rapidly on the up in terms of values, and this must be one of the best examples of its type on the market right now.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
