2024-09-19 23:05:29 | pauls writes:

Car at auction 9/24

carsonline.bonhams.com/en/listings/jaguar/xjs-coup/cab6d515-a4cf-4f63-aa13-2dff0 ...

Auction description:

SAJJNAED3EK183556

65000 miles

3980cc

auto

Flamenco Red

Doeskin Hide

Right-hand drive

Featured in the Jaguar Drivers Club magazine on several occasions. Long-term ownership.

The terrific Flamenco Red example on offer is fresh from 26 years of meticulous enthusiast ownership and comes with an interesting Jaguar Drivers’ Club provenance, having been loaned to it as a road test model when new and appeared in the Club magazine on several additional occasions.

“I have owned and enjoyed the XJS for just over a quarter of a century during which time I have covered 31,000 miles,” states vendor, Stephen Green. “It was in very good condition when I purchased it and has never been restored; instead, the overall specification has been further enhanced with the addition of 16” Jaguar option wheels, aftermarket cruise control and a ‘Laserline’ alarm with additional immobiliser (the latter satisfying Insurance category 1 requirements)”.

As a qualified engineer, Stephen says he has always had rigorous continuous maintenance carried out on all of his cars, on the basis that “any car should perform as close to ‘new’ as possible”.

“Performance and throttle response have also been upgraded with the addition of an AJ6 Engineering ‘Plus Torque’ kit, which gives increased low-speed torque. A full stainless steel exhaust system – from cylinder head to tailpipes, which includes high-flow twin catalysts and a six-branch manifold with heat wrapping to increase efficiency and reduce under-bonnet temperatures – has also been added.

“The performance package is trimmed nicely with the addition of a fully adjustable fuel pressure regulator, replaced Lambda sensor and an enhanced airflow meter with trimmer adjustment. This set-up runs remarkably cleanly, always sailing through its emissions test. The suspension has also been enhanced with the sports package, which gives improved turn-in response and general handling agility”.

Stephen has also regularly inspected the underside of the car and reports that the body structure has no areas of rust whatsoever. “It’s never even required a touch-up of underseal. I have kept the XJS garaged with a dehumidifier always in operation and have avoided driving it in winter conditions”.

Having been driven entirely for pleasure, the XJS has participated in many Jaguar Drivers’ Club events (he immediately joined the Club on taking ownership), including numerous trips to France. “It has proven to be 100 per cent reliable in that time. However, due to a drastic change in my life the car has seen little use in the last 10 years. That said, it has been very frequently inspected, only started if being driven at least 10 miles and with all fluids changed every two years regardless of mileage.

With other major projects on the go, Stephen thinks it’s now time for another discerning XJS fan to enjoy this car. “It should be used and enjoyed. I sincerely believe that this car will give many more years of good service, with just the regular TLC which it has seen so far”.

Exterior

Visually as a classic car proposition, the Jaguar XJS is now fully in its stride. Its long flanks, low front end and flying buttress endowed rear end combine to lend it a beguiling outline. It’s hard to stop images of TWR racing variants coming to mind.

This example’s Flamenco Red paintwork lends it a classier disposition than the racers and contrasts nicely with the chromework and 16” five-spoke alloy wheels. Generally, the paint finish is in very good condition with a lovely depth of colour and arrow-straight pin striping. It has picked up a few minor marks here and there during use, such as a small number towards the front of the bonnet – remember, this car isn’t a garage queen and has been enjoyed.

Panel fit appears tight, while the bumper plastics, and front lip spoiler all retain a deep black hue. Wheel arches, door bottoms and sills all present immaculately.

“Sadly it can be seen in the photographs that the windscreen, which appears to be original, has begun to delaminate – a common problem on screens of such age,” says Stephen. It hasn’t quite encroached into the driver’s field of view as yet but is becoming noticeable around the offside top edge of the screen, so it may be time for a replacement.

The desirable optional alloy wheels remain spotless and are shod in matching rubber, each tyre with plenty of tread remaining. In summary, this is one clean big cat.