1991 Jaguar XJS V12

Highlights 

• In beautiful condition throughout

• Recommissioned by Jaguar Land Rover specialists

• Low miles

• Well-maintained and with a full year's MOT

• Magazine-featured example

Overview

Following up after the monstrous success of the E-Type was always going to be a tough ask for Jaguar but Malcolm Sayer stepped up and produced the elegant and at the time divisive XJS. With that distinctive long bonnet, wide stance and rear buttresses it was a good looking car and one that has grown into its looks over the ensuing decades.

More of a grand tourer than an outright sports car, the front engine, rear-wheel drive XJS remains one of the most comfortable classics money can buy. With effortless performance, especially in V12 guise, it was certainly rapid enough for most (who could forget the TWR race cars from the early '80s) and despite some reservations from the yet to be converted early on, today the XJS represents Jaguar when grace, space and pace were still considered as desirable attributes, rather than the company's current, rather vacuous rhetoric after its recent rebrand.

Debuting in 1975 the XJS went on to have a rather illustrious career. It was always a good car but it's aged over the years like a fine wine and many now recognise its transition into “cool” territory. It's a comfortable, incredibly capable GT that still holds up, even in today's EV-dominated landscape and should you want one you can do a lot worse than this particular 1991 V12 example.

Rescued from a barn and recommissioned by Jaguar Land Rover specialists around 2013, the car is one of the first of the facelift models off the production line. The current vendor bought it from the Editor of Classic Motoring magazine in 2020, who owned it for 18 months whilst producing various articles on the car.

Reportedly in rude health this Jaguar XJS has clearly been cherished and presents in wonderful overall condition. An admired and noticeable car, the current owner has displayed the Jaguar at car shows over the last five years, even winning a best in class accolade in 2022. A new Jag forces sale but the vendor states that they want the XJS to go to a good home where it will continue to be enjoyed, which is where you step in. 

History and documentation

• 1991 model year

• V5C present and correct

• Two sets of keys

• Original book pack

• First registered July 17th 1991

• In current ownership for five years

• 11 previous owners

• Recommissioned by Jaguar Land Rover specialists circa 2013

• Initially supplied by Guy Salmon on the south coast

• Magazine featured (articles included)

• Numerous invoices for services and maintenance dating back to 1996-2000, then from 2018 to date

• HPI clear

• Full year's MOT

• 91,661 indicated miles

Interior

• In excellent condition throughout

• Leather seats are in great shape with only the usual, light wear to the driver's bolster to note

• No apparent marks or damage to speak of

• The wood trim presents very well and is not delaminating

• New headlining

• The vendor states that everything works but the air conditioning needs re-gassing

• After market Pioneer stereo head unit (original supplied)

• Carpets are clean and dry

• Door cards and dashboard are in great shape

• The boot area is tidy and the car comes with a jack and its original tool kit

• Engine bay presents well overall without any apparent build up of grime

Exterior

• The bodywork is in stunning original condition with no apparent damage

• Paintwork presents beautifully

• The vendor informs us that there was some slight bubbling by the passenger door handle but this has since been repaired

• No evidence of any rust aside from a very slight bubble under the offside rear wheel arch

• No dents or scratches

• Panel gaps all look to be uniform

• All glasswork is intact but there is a small chip on left side of the windscreen and one to the left headlight (not an MOT issue)

• Chrome trim is in fine fettle across the board

• The original 15” lattice wheels are in good condition overall with only some light degradation in places

• The vendor states that the tyres are new but they are a mix of models

• The underside looks to be in great shape with the vendor stating that it has been treated with rust prevention spray

Mechanical

• 286bhp, 5.3-litre naturally-aspirated V12 engine

• Three-speed automatic gearbox

• Rear-wheel drive

• 0-60mph in 7.5seconds

• 145mph top speed

• New brake pads all round

• New nearside steering rack boot

• Full 90k mile service, including new plugs and ignition leads and rear LED bulbs

• The vendor informs us that the car is in full working order and that the engine is smooth, starts immediately and delivers its power cleanly through a smooth, quiet gearbox

• No mechanical issues or warning lights reported

Summary

Going back to what we said earlier, this V12 Jaguar XJS has grace, space and pace in spades and remains an eminently comfortable and incredibly stylish cruiser. In fantastic condition and with low miles it's a bit of a peach. Whether you choose to use it as a weekend toy or continue to wow the crowds at car shows it's bound to put a smile on your face and a fire in your belly. They just don't make 'em like this any more, which is a crying shame if you ask us.

To arrange a viewing, click the 'Book Viewing' button located under the 'Place Bid' button. Viewings can be booked up until the day before the auction ends, after which the option will change to 'Contact Seller' for further enquiries. This seller is located in Folkestone, Kent.