2021-07-15 11:28:40 | pauls writes:

Car at auction 7/21

themarket.co.uk/en/listings/jaguar/xjr-s/6f8dfe27-a0a5-4c91-93be-3d0ddc70aee4

Auction description:

Location: Abingdon, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom

Odometer Reading: 72337

Chassis Number: SAJJSKES3ER184249

Engine: 5996

Gearbox: AUTO

Steering position: RHD

Colour: Brooklands Green

Interior: Cream

1992 JAGUAR XJR-S

The Vehicle

Vendor Danny Sangar has imported a number of Jaguars from the Far East. “This car is a lovely, rust-free (from top to bottom) example. Salt isn’t used over there, so hence all panels are original, there’s no under-body rust and it’s never been welded.”

Spec-wise it’s a 6.0-litre facelift V12 model with a 4-speed automatic gearbox, and it comes with a trip computer, electric heated seats, a driver’s air bag, ABS brakes and Jaguar Sport body styling.

The included V5 shows that it was first registered on 01/08/1992 and then first registered in the UK on 01/06/2021, making it very new to these shores indeed.

“Although I can’t back it up with documents, it’s had three owners from new,” says Danny. “It’s in close to unmarked condition, has covered 72,337 miles from new and recently passed an MOT with no advisories.”

The latter test took place on 23/03/2021 and runs through until 22/03/2022.

On the Outside

The Jaguar Sport styling tweaks (including deep front spoiler), rear spoiler, and 11-slot alloy wheels lend the XJR-S quite the aggressive countenance. There’s no doubt that it’s a low-slung, mean looking beast.

Those long flanks suit the Brooklands Green colour well and look to be straight and true. Wheel arches all appear spotless and paintwork is generally very nice, with only the odd very minor mark here and there.

There’s minimal chrome on an XJS of this era, but the odd bit that remains is good, and should look even better after a rigorous polish. The aforementioned alloy wheels are super clean and each wears an almost new 245/55 R16 Michelin Pilot tyre.

Popping doors, boot and bonnet reveals clean door shuts, sills (endowed with chrome Jaguar Sport covers) and gutters – which should further enhance confidence in this example’s rust-free and clean status.

The wing mirror surfaces are a touch cloudy, so the next owner may wish to replace them for clarity’s sake.

On the Inside

Complementing the exterior is a cabin that remains in very good condition. All the cream leather is in superlative condition and smart, unmarked and supple. The veneers to the dashboard, door cappings and centre column are also in neat condition and refreshingly, show no evidence of lacquer peel.

XJS headlinings invariably come loose, providing cabin inhabitants with their own version of the Turin Shroud. However, this example’s has just been replaced so should be good for another few decades at least. Fresh carpets have also recently been added, just to add to what is already a very smart interior picture.

One of the rear seat belt clasps has lost one side of its outer casing, so a replacement will need to be sourced. All electrics function, as they should. Although it’s worth noting: “The only minor issue is that since the MPH speedometer face was fitted, the needle and volts gauge are temperamental – I suspect a loose connection behind the speedo cluster.”

Underneath

The underside is the star of the show here, as all the usual XJS suspects appear to be nice and solid. There’s just a very light touch of surface rust on one or two of the fittings, but other than that it’s clean and confidence inspiring. Pop the bonnet and you’ll find an engine bay in pretty spotless condition, while at the rear the boot is nicely trimmed and you’ll find the space saver spare still in situ.

As part of its UK fettling, the XJR-S has just had a full engine service including new spark plugs, distributor cap and rotor arm. ‘It runs really well,” says Danny. “I drove it 120 miles to Oxford to drop it off; it was a hot day and involved almost four hours driving non-stop in town and on motorway, and it was rock solid.”

Radiators are a split design and a known weak spot on XJS models, as the bottom (which cools the right engine bank) is prone to getting clogged up with silt, moss and debris. Any issues there will result in overheating, so the above statement from the vendor is good to hear and should provide bidders with confidence in its drivability right from the off.

“It runs perfectly on all 12 cylinders and the transmission is smooth through all the gears; the brakes are strong and vibration free with no pulling. It’s also free from suspension clonks or knocks and there’s no diff whine,” adds Danny.

We’ve also had the car out for a spin or two and can confirm all of the above: it’s one smooth V12 operator.

History Highlights

Japanese imports invariably come with limited paperwork and that is the case here, too. The payoff for that is, of course, the 100 per cent salt-free history that cars from that country have.

As well as this car’s V5 document (issued on 01/06/2021) you’ll also find a Driver & Vehicle Licensing Agency ‘application to register a vehicle’, its current MOT test certificate and another application to make a SORN.

And that’s, as they say in the cartoons, all folks.

Condition is king and this car’s is indicative of the care and attention that it has had in its lifetime, so please view the Photographic Gallery closely. It’s also worth visiting the documents section of it where you will also find photos of the paperwork.