Highlights
- Classic British grand tourer
- Superb original condition, inside and out
- Genuine 30,000 miles
The Appeal
Jaguar’s luxury grand tourer, the XJ-S, was launched in 1975 and stayed in the company’s line-up, in three distinct iterations, until it was finally superseded by the XK-8 in 1996. By the time the last car rolled off the production line more than 115, 000 had been produced – more than Jaguar managed with the legendary E-type.
Having had a mixed reception at launch, the car has matured into a bona fide – and highly desirable – classic. Renowned for effortless performance and a high level of refinement, both straight-six and V12 versions of the car offer a high-quality driving experience.
This example is in astonishingly original condition, both inside and out, having been scrupulously looked-after and cherished by successive owners. Showing just an impressive 30,000 miles on the clock, this superb example of Jaguar's iconic GT will fit the bill for any collector.
The History and Paperwork
- Five previous owners
- Thick file of invoices and previous MoTs
- Current V5
- MoT valid until March 2024
- Original leather folder
- Original owner’s manual
- Original service book
- Haynes Manual
- Original workshop manual
- Previous tax discs
- Vendor has owned the car since October 2016.
- Certified by the Jaguar Heritage Trust.
- Only 30,943 miles on the clock; less than 1,000 miles per year of the car’s age.
- Vendor has only done 500 – 600 miles in the car since purchase.
- Vendor has spent approx. £3,800 on service and maintenance in his tenure.
- Service and maintenance carried out at renowned Jaguar specialist Knowles-Wilkins Engineering (KWE)
- June 1989 - Leaves the factory for first owner - Jaguar Cars Ltd.
- Dec 1991 - Car with second owner in Bognor Regis with 12,813 miles on the clock.
- Nov 1993 - Main dealer service at HA Fox, Guildford 17,136 miles.
- Jan 1996 - Work at Harwoods of Sussex, 18,864 miles.
- Dec 1996 - Third owner from Newbury buys at Blackbushe auctions, 19,862 miles.
- May 2000 - MoT 22,821 miles.
- June 2001 - MoT 22,927 miles.
- June 2011 – The car went to next owner via a specialist. The MOT showed 23,158 miles.
- August 2011 - Service and fettling at ‘KWE’ 24,381 miles. Moves in to heated garage in
- Wimbledon Village.
- July 2012 - MoT 25,575 miles
- July 2013 - MoT 28,571 miles
- July 2014 - MoT 29,294 miles
- July 2015 - MoT 29,758 miles
- June 2016 - Service and extensive recommissioning work at ‘KWE’. MoT 30,342 miles
- October 2016 – bought by vendor
- MoT July 2017 – 30,534 miles
- MoT Sept 2018 – 30,644 miles
- MoT Nov 2019 – 30,835 miles
- SORN from Nov 2020 – mainly due to Covid-19 pandemic; vendor did still start the car regularly in the garage or on the driveway
- MoT August 2021 – 30,905 miles
- MoT March 2023 – 30,937 miles
The vendor bought the car in 2016, having always coveted an XJ-S and having carried out an exhaustive search, looking at dozens of cars. He was determined to find a completely original car and this one fulfilled his every wish, being in exceptional condition with low mileage and with a fully documented history.
He has continued with its lifetime of careful storage, and regular maintenance by specialists, but having covered only around 600 miles in it since purchase, he has reluctantly decided to part with it as he feels he just doesn’t use it enough.
The Interior
- Leather seats in extremely good condition
- Some staining to rear seat
- Immaculate dashboard and centre console
- Walnut trim all unmarked
- Excellent door cards
- Original toolkit, all complete
- Original jack
- Spotless boot liner
- Sound spare wheel
- Superb roof lining
Open the doors and it’s clear that this is car that has had care and attention lavished on it from day one. The ‘Savile Grey’ leather seats are lovely, but we need to point out the only real negative in the whole interior, which is that the bolster between the two rear seats has some staining on it, where it looks as though someone has tried to clean or dye the seats. Determined to retain the car’s outstanding originality, the vendor has resisted the temptation to have this rectified.
The condition of the carpets, pedals, dashboard, dials, walnut trim, centre-console all attest to the car’s low mileage and cherished lifestyle. Both door cards look great, although there is a minor scratch on the leather on the inside of the driver’s door, and some slight marking.
The overall theme continues in the boot, where the lining is spotless, the original toolkit is all present and correct, the original jack is still in its matching sleeve, and the spare wheel would appear not to have been used.
The Exterior
- Iconic sleek grand-tourer profile
- (Mostly) immaculate bodywork
- Superb badges and brightwork
- Wheels in first-class condition
At the time of our visit, the exterior of the car presented in virtually ‘as-new’ condition. Unfortunately, as the vendor was returning the car to its garage after the photo shoot, it slipped on a wooden ramp and the offside rear wheel-arch scraped on the garage wall.
He has supplied ‘phone photos of the damage and these are included in the gallery.
He has supplied ‘phone photos of the damage and these are included in the gallery.
Apart from this minor damage, the car really is a ‘time-warp’ example that has clearly been cosseted and cherished by successive owners. Apart from the wheel-arch damage, the ‘Arctic Blue’ metallic paintwork is almost spotless, reflecting its careful storage and very limited mileage.
All four wheels are similarly immaculate, with no corrosion or damage, and the tyres are all good. Elsewhere the badges and brightwork are in superb condition, the lights are all unmarked, and it really is difficult to believe that a car more than thirty-three years old can have remained in such superb condition. The vendor is ‘gutted’ at the minor mishap that scraped the wheel-arch, having taken such great care of the car during his tenure.
The Mechanics
- 5.3-litre V12 engine
- 3-speed auto transmission
- Rear-wheel drive
- Starts and runs beautifully
- No warning lights
- Clean and tidy engine bay
- Exceptional underneath
The cars starts on first turn of the key, and idles beautifully. The vendor reports that it drives as well as it looks – although he has not done many miles in it, he has made a point of using the car regularly, if only for short distances, and of keeping the car well-maintained.
Under the bonnet, everything is as you would expect of a car with this one’s history, and under the car it’s the same story, with no corrosion or leaks visible.
Summary
Now a sought-after classic, the XJS has a keen following and good specialist and parts support. With a luxurious and comfortable interior combined with strong performance, its grand-touring credentials are impeccable.
Despite the recent minor damage, this is a truly outstanding example, with low mileage and fabulous originality, and there can be very few such cars left.
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.*
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
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