Still mooning us with beauty while pushing 40 years of age, the Jaguar XJ-S has risen through the ranks to become one of the world’s favourite classic cars. We have this luscious example currently for sale on CCFS, and it’s well worth every penny.
The Jaguar XJ-S arrived to a mixed reception in 1975, seen by many as an unworthy successor to the rapidly aging, yet universally loved, E-type. However, while the E-type continues to age well into retirement, the same could not be said of the often-snubbed XJ-S. It’s a rare concept that age brings improvement - often reserved for wine or cheese or Monica Bellucci - but the Jaguar XJ-S continues to mature year-on-year and currently reeks of desirability.
It holds a shape that captures all the vital essences from the decade that taste forgot yet remains timeless, with a healthy dollop of ‘80s excess without the screaming tackiness associated with cars from that time. Living on well into the ‘90s, the shape still remains fresh, with that smooth ride and velvety V12 engine delivering an unbeatable partnership.
Ownership of this Browns Lane stalwart is well recommended by any classic car enthusiast, but selecting the right example is a tricky business. The heart falls in love with even the most dishevelled of specimens while the head accepts any knock-down price - but this is unwise, selecting an XJS that has been ignored or uncared for is likely to result in only an hours drive before something goes horribly wrong. We should know, as we fell under the spell of a 1989 V12 Coupé going cheap, and it lasted a mere 20 minutes before emptying the contents of its engine all over the road.
However, spending a bit more money can land you a clean and well-maintained example, such as we have here.
A good XJS will set you back little under the £10k mark, with concours vehicles stretching to over £20,000. Low mileage examples are the ones to find, but sourcing a good one can take longer than loading a website on your 2G connection. Especially locating a V12 convertible with lattice wheels and service history for less than £15,000, which is why we are rather excited about this example.
With only 69,000 miles on the clock, new disc brakes, a new heater matrix, new fitted dampers and recently overhauled cylinder heads, this particular XJS will drive as though it has only just rolled out the factory.
Finished in Signal Red with a cream leather interior and burr walnut woodwork, this Jaguar looks truly magnificent - with that V12 growl turning heads wherever you venture.