Jaguar XJX Special

This 1991 XJ-S 3.6 was carefully modified in 2005 by the current owner, a retired engineer, by replacing the rear buttresses and in-set rear window with a hatchback tailgate in order to give the car a unique and stylish GT appearance. If you know your cars, you may possibly recognise that the unlikely donor for the tailgate, surrounding frame and lights was a Citroen Xantia. The rear overhang of the car has been shortened, reducing the original car’s overall length by 8-inches, and a 15 gallon alloy fuel tank fitted in the spare wheel well.

Prior to modification the car was in excellent mechanical condition but had the normal XJ-S rust spots (rear wheel arches etc), these were all cut out and replaced with new steel, mig welded in prior to etch priming and re-finishing with cellulose. At the same time the underside of the car and wheel arches were thoroughly undersealed and waxoiled where appropriate. The headlining, carpets, power steering, tyres and battery were also all replaced plus many smaller items such as speedo, window seals, bonnet struts etc. The cream leather upholstery piped in red is in very good shape as are the original lattice alloy wheels.

The vendor states that: “The car drives superbly, has correct oil pressure, uses virtually no oil and shows no sign of fluid leaks anywhere. Shorter straight through rear silencers were fitted during the mods and this has resulted in a subdued but very pleasant exhaust note. The car was taken on the Jaguar Enthusiasts London Brighton run recently when it did 417 miles in the day and according to the in-car computer did 27.6 mpg overall including fast motorway work and 29.2 mpg on the relatively slow Brighton run.

“Unfortunately the car’s service history records have been mislaid, but a summary did show that the car sold to its second owner in 1993 at 8,700 miles for £20,500, had 9 main dealer service stamps, the last at 94,555 miles, and a reconditioned diff was fitted at 85,000miles. A new power steering rack and rear radius arms have recently been fitted. It has old MOT’s to 2004. The history indicates the true current mileage is between 105,000 and 115,000 miles, though the speedo fitted shows around 40,000 miles. Two sets of keys, an owner’s handbook and original toolbox and jack are with the car.”

Well known on the Jaguar circuit and a veteran of many shows and rallies, this highly distinctive car has also featured in several magazine articles. With an MOT until August and taxed until September, it is ready for immediate use and should prove a great talking point at any event – not to mention every time you fill it up with fuel!