2022-10-25 14:58:24 | pauls writes:

Car at auction at:

www.carandclassic.com/auctions/1994-jaguar-xjs-40-insignia-cabriolet-nJKMZ4_aaid=a5ce63ed-6419-48b8-adb6-8692f74daf04&bsft_eid=e63dbf22-cfe5-49ad-a64 ...

Auction description:

1994 Jaguar XJS 4.0 Insignia Cabriolet

Colour Primrose Pearl

Odometer 48,801 Miles

Engine size 3980

Seller Type Private

Location Somerset

Country United Kingdom

Extremely rare and prestigious model

Excellent service and maintenance record

Just 48,801 miles from new

Only 4 owners from new

Manufactured in July 1993

Delivered to Henley main dealers in London as a stock demonstrator in August 1993

First registered in August 1994, second owner from 1999, third from 2002

Current owner since November 2016

Car has been kept garaged and only used in the dry since 2002

Believed to be the only Insignia convertible built in this colour

Comprehensive main dealer / specialist service history

Car will be supplied with a fresh MOT (current MOT runs out 11/22)

Original handbook and service book included

Service stamps at 5,233 / 8,566, / 15,845 / 24,481 / 27,924 / 31,794 / 46,329

Letter of confirmation from Jaguar Cars

Original Jaguar welcome letter

Previous MOT certificates and invoices for maintenance

No MOT gaps from 2006 to present

Only driven c. 10,000 miles since 2010

The Interior

Yellow Pearl leather upholstery

Air conditioning

Original radio/cassette system with Alpine CD changer

Electrically operated seats, windows, door mirrors and roof

Quality Wilton carpets

Presented in highly original condition, this wonderfully rare special edition features some plush and desirable enhancements over the standard model. 

First and foremost, the Yellow Pearl leather is hand-finished and looks to be in good condition. There is some creasing evident to the front seats, as would be expected, but the rear seats look nearly untouched, while the door cards are in similarly fine condition for their age.

Insignia models benefited from higher quality Wilton carpets, here they are in Mushroom with matched overmats. All are original and look to be in good order, with some staining but no notable damage.

Unlike many convertibles of this vintage, the dash looks nice and straight, with no signs of warping, cracking or UV damage. Similarly, the Bird’s Eye Maple veneer is complete and presents well, with minor signs of wear from age, but not cracking or delamination we could identify. There is some pitting and wear evident to the cabin’s brightwork, but nothing beyond natural patination.

We’re told by the vendor that all of the car’s features function as they should, with no issues. Certainly, the switchgear and instruments all look in fine fettle, with no cracking or damage we could see. There’s some light wear in places, but nothing you wouldn’t expect.

The boot is generous, nicely carpeted and comes with a full-size spare wheel (on matching alloy), the original toolkit and Jaguar first aid kit.

The Exterior

Primrose Pearl paintwork

Blue fabric hood with colour matched vinyl hood cover

Original ‘Sport’ alloy wheels

This is believed to be the only XJS Insignia convertible finished in Primrose Pearl, and the paintwork has stood up remarkably well to the rigours of time. 

Doubtless, this has been largely due to being garaged for the last 20 years and only driven in dry weather. Nevertheless, the paint is in very good condition. 

There are some minor signs of wear, it is after all original paintwork from 1992. So expect the odd blemish, stone chip or minor scratch. But there’s certainly no corrosion or damage we could see, and the bodywork itself appears beautifully straight and well kept.

Likewise, the blue fabric hood presents nicely, with no tears or damage evident to our eyes. The colour matched vinyl hood cover similarly looks to fit well over the roof when it’s lowered, with no signs of UV damage, tearing or stretching.

Externally, the brightwork, trim and badging is all present and correct. The correct ‘Insignia’ badges are in place on the front wings, and the brightwork looks to have been well maintained. 

It all wears a light natural patina, with some minimal pitting to some of the chrome and light fading to the badges. But we think this only adds to the character and charm of the car. The only damage we noted externally was that the near-side rear bumper reflector is cracked.

The wheels are the classic XJS ‘Sport’ 5-spoke 16” alloys. They all look to be in good condition, with no evidence of kerbing or lacquer damage as far as we could see. Shod in quality Pirelli tyres with good tread, they suit the car perfectly.

Underneath, all appeared to be straight and clean, with no damage or significant corrosion we could identify. 

Naturally, due to the age of the car, there is the odd patch of surface corrosion on some driveline components, but overall the underside looks to be in excellent condition for the age.

The Mechanics

3,980cc inline-six

4-speed automatic transmission

That smooth and delicious sounding straight-six is the perfect engine for the XJS. 

Providing aural delight aplenty as well as healthy slugs of power (223bhp), it offers all you could want from a convertible grand tourer.

Here it wears less than 49,000 miles and has clearly been very well maintained, as attested to by the service history and MOT record. Just last year, the suspension bushes were replaced too, ensuring the ride remains supple and engaging.

We’re informed by the owner that the car runs very well, driving and stopping just as it should with no leaks or smoke, a smooth gear change and a fully operational kickdown.