Jaguar XJ-S HE V12

Launched in September 1975 as a replacement for the legendary E-Type, the Jaguar XJS V12 was a much more modern and sophisticated car than its glamorous predecessor and had a totally different character – the E-Type being a race-bred sportscar while the XJS was a high speed grand tourer. Refinement was in a different league to the E-Type and even today there are few cars that are quite so relaxing to drive fast.

And with 295bhp to play with in post-1981 HE form, the XJS certainly was fast, hitting 60mph in 7.8 seconds on its way to a top speed of 155mph. Fuel consumption was also reduced by some 20% in the HE models (High Efficiency) thanks to the Michael Mays-designed ‘Fireball’ cylinder head. In fact the XJS was so refined and capable that many of its underpinnings later found their way into the Aston Martin DB7 and the Jaguar XK8.

Dating from 1990, this particular XJS V12 HE is said to be mechanically very sound and in generally good condition throughout. It has covered around 100,000 miles from new and has an MOT until January 2011 and is taxed until September. At the time of cataloguing we had not had chance to inspect either the vehicle or its paperwork and prospective purchasers are invited to do so before they make their bids.

NB The private plate shown will be replaced by an age-related plate, G926 UDM, prior to the auction.