Automotive Gallery

That Jaguar's XJ-S (later the XJS) will become an increasingly sought after classic is beyond doubt. Based on the XJ saloon, it was launched in September 1975 as a replacement for the legendary E-Type, though it was of a very different character - the E-type being a race-bred sportscar while the XJS was more of a high speed GT. Based around a two-door monocoque bodyshell equipped with all-round independent suspension (double wishbone front, lower wishbone/radius arm rear), four-wheel disc brakes and power-assisted rack and pinion steering, some of its underpinnings even found their way into the later Aston Martin DB7 and Jaguar XK8. At launch, the XJ-S was powered by Jaguar's silky 5343cc V12 engine mated to either Borg Warner Model 12 automatic or manual transmission. The latter was soon dropped as an option and in 1979 the Borg Warner unit was superseded by GM's three-speed Turbo-Hydramatic 400 automatic box. Though relatively heavy, the XJ-S was no mean performer and would hit 60mph in around 7.8 seconds and top 140mph flat out. Economy, however, was not its strong point - cue the High-Efficiency (HE) engine. The XJ-S was equipped with the HE unit from July 1981, its Michael May-designed cylinder head not only endowing it with far better fuel economy (fuel consumption was reduced by as much 20\%), but also more power - 295bhp. Other changes implemented at the time include: new five-spoke alloy wheels and wood inserts for the fascia and door cappings.

The RHD XJ-S V12 HE being sold was manufactured in 1987 and is finished in Alpine Green with contrasting Magnolia leather interior. The Jaguar is understood to have had four previous keepers including the vendor's father and a personal friend and to have seen very little use over the last fifteen years; a contributory factor to its current odometer reading of just 47,769 miles. We are further informed that the brakes have recently been overhauled and a new oil cooler and fresh tyres fitted. The seller describes the coupe's engine, transmission and interior as "excellent" and comments that it "drives very well". The air-conditioning apparently requires attention and there are a few minor blemishes to its rear wheelarches but this tempting low mileage XJ-S is taxed and tested.

Image and description kindly supplied by H&H Classic Auctions