2020-05-10 09:27:26 | Lofty writes:

XJRS-5.3 Celebration n°056 - 1988

2024-12-15 14:26:06 | pauls writes:

Car was at auction 27/08/20

collectingcars.com/for-sale/1988-jaguar-xjr-s-le-mans-celebration-1

Sold winning bid £16,500

41,060 miles

automatic

RHD

Silver Blue

Oatmeal Connolly leather

5.3L

Lot #01109

private Sale

Telford, Shropshire, United Kingdom

1988 JAGUAR XJR-S TWR LE MANS CELEBRATION

This Jaguar XJR-S Celebration Le Mans coupe is a rare sporting grand tourer, which has been very well-maintained and kept in superb order. Under the bonnet is a 295bhp 5.3-litre V12 engine, coupled to a three-speed automatic transmission. The odometer shows just 41,060 miles from new.

The XJR-S was a genuinely bespoke model produced jointly between Jaguar and the Tom Walkinshaw Racing (TWR) Group. As the name suggests, it was built to commemorate the marque’s triumph in the 1988 24 Hours of Le Mans - and the race-winning XJR-9 is even featured as a graphic in the coachlines. This is the 56th of just 100 examples built.

Giving the car a more purposeful appearance, TWR added an aerodynamic body kit and rear wing, and unique alloy wheels. It was also given uprated suspension with stiffer coil springs and Bilstein shock absorbers, and the interior was finished with sumptuous Connolly leather.

First registered in October 1988, there are four previous registered keepers on the log book. The fifth and current owner acquired the car two years ago.

Today, the bodywork presents in very good order, and appears to have flush shut lines and consistent panel gaps around the car. The appearance of the Silver Blue paint is commensurate with the low mileage, showing small chips and marks around the bumper and bonnet from road use in particular. All of the original body trims are still in place, and it rides on the correct 15-inch JaguarSport alloy wheels, which are in great shape.

Inside, the Connolly leather is in superb order, showing very little wear on the seats and bolsters. There are more visible signs of use on the driver’s side as you would expect, including some minor damage to the light grey piping. While the leather has aged in places, it appears to be entirely original. Factory-fitted equipment includes electrically-adjustable and heated front seats, automatic air-conditioning, and cruise control. The seller reports that there are no faults with any of the switchgear or electrics.

Its last scheduled maintenance was in May 2020 at 40,850 miles, when the engine oil and filter were renewed. Prior to this, it also had recent services in April 2019 at 40,277 miles, which included new power steering fluid, and in October 2015 at 38,537 miles, when the rear brake discs and pads were replaced. A summary of the extensive service history is included below.

The most recent MOT test was on 29 June 2020 at 40,982 miles, which resulted in a first-time pass with only one advisory regarding a non-excessive fluid leak. The wheels are fitted with Pirelli P600 tyres, which appear to have plenty of tread remaining.

This Jaguar XJR-S Celebration Le Mans is a smart example of an exceptionally rare limited edition. It has evidently been well-maintained throughout its life, and its cosmetic appearance suggests that it has been cherished. A sporting grand tourer that is good fun to wring out on the open road, this would make a great addition to any collection of British classics.