2020-06-28 13:23:25 | pauls writes:

Car offered at:

www.carandclassic.co.uk/auctions/1988-jaguar-xj-s-v12-JgzKnW_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=auction%20lots

Seller's description:

Estimate: £19,000 - £24,000

Being a 1988 model, this particular XJ-S is one of the earlier ‘proper’ convertibles. As you can see, this is considered, sleek design in which the roof folds 80% flat, there are no door frames nor is there any intrusion from the strengthening applied to the structure of the XJ-S. This is fully resolved, well-engineered design. For many, this model represents an XJ-S as it should be. Two seats, no roof and of course, that glorious V12 engine. 

This car started life on the Isle of Man, as the personal transport of the owner of the Welbeck Hotel. As you can imagine, this meant the car covered very little mileage. Despite minimal use, it was still serviced regularly, as is evidenced by the fully-stamped service book. 

In 2006 the XJ-S was exported to Spain, where it has lived until recently. Again, it lived a life of sparing use, which is why today the XJ-S has a mileage of just 44,000. While in Spain, the Jaguar was again regularly maintained and kept in good order. There is a raft of Spanish paperwork that comes with the car, detailing service work and documentation for the Spanish MOT equivalent. 

The car was recently bright back to the UK for sale, as the vendor was sure that UK buyers would relish the opportunity to acquire a largely rust-free XJ-S convertible with such low mileage. However, while the car is indeed back in the UK, it is not being used. Instead, it is being stored indoors until the next owner takes the keys. 

This brilliantly red XJ-S is quite the treat for the eyes. Prone to rust, the XJ-S is an unforgiving machine in terms of its design, and as such, will show flaws without much provocation. Happily though, there are no major flaws to be identified. It is evident the car has had paint at some point, but there seems to be no issue beneath it. The panels are arrow straight, the doors have no ‘droop’ when opened, the shut lines are all uniform and there is nor scratches. The only blemish we could find was one pea-sized chip in the paint on the offsider rear wing. 

The chrome is bright and free from any significant corrosion. This XJ-S wears twin headlights, which are in good order. However, the seller will be supplying the car with the original one-piece units should you wish to change them back. Other modifications include the fetching wire wheels, which again are in good order, though a deep polish may benefit them. However, there seemed to be no evidence of serious corrosion, as is often the case with such wheels. 

The interior is in good order, with no damage or excessive wear to the light cream leather. The door cards are free from damage or wear, as is the wood-rim steering wheel. There are some small scratches in the leather of the centre console sides, but nothing to detract from the overall condition. The wood veneer is free from cracks, lifting or other damage. The centre switch pack for the roof mechanism has, however, broken a clip, so doesn’t sit flush. The door strikers, sill plates and hinges are all in good order, and there is no sign of any corrosion around the A pillar area. 

The roof functions well, lifting and falling without any hesitance or untoward noises. It clips down with ease and seems to seal well, though obviously we were unable to test fully. However, the roof is in excellent order with no rips or breaks. The headlining is in good order, again with no signs of damage other than some light dirt marks on the forward most edge. 

Underneath the Jaguar there is a great deal of rust protectant applied, which seems to have done the job well. However, there is one area of rust in the offside front floorpan, which looks to have struck something at some point. However, it would be a quick and easy repair by the looks of it. The rest of the floorpan seems to be in good order, there is no sign of poor repair or hidden corrosion.

Given this XJ-S boasts such low mileage, the mechanical side of things are in excellent order. The engine starts keenly and gets up to temperature without issue or drama, the fan cuts in and as the engine settles, there are no untoward noises, smells, leaks or other concerns. The 5.3 V12 in this car, which is the ‘high efficiency’ version, boasts an impressive 295hp. This is mated to a three-speed ZF automatic transmission, which, with its long gears, is perfectly suited to the grand touring style of the XJ-S. 

This car comes with a raft of service history, and shows that it has wanted for nothing over the course of its life.

The suspension appears to be in good order. This is especially important at the rear, as the Jaguar independent rear suspension unit with inboard brakes can be a hot-sport for serious corrosion. However, none seems to be present here, which should give bidder peace of mind. 

With such low mileage, this Jaguar XJ-S has lots, lots more life in it. The mechanical condition seems to be excellent, the car runs very much like a top and we’re confident it will provide the lucky winning bidder with many happy miles of topless fun.