Jaguar XJS V12 Convertible

The XJS was not able to muster the same sort of public enthusiasm when it was unveiled than had been experienced at the Geneva show in 1961 when the E-Type took the world by storm. That said, few cars if any have made that sort of an impact and the Malcolm Sayer-styled svelte Jaguar XJS has stood the test of time very well, particularly in its convertible form.

Based on a shortened XJ saloon floorpan, it weighed over 100kg less than an XJ12 and in early manual form could sprint to 60 in 6.7 seconds and top 153mph. The long-awaited full convertible was finally introduced at the 1988 Geneva Motor Show, featuring a reinforced floorpan, frameless doors and sophisticated electric hood complete with heated glass rear window. Underpinned by the same all-round independent coil-sprung suspension and power assisted rack and pinion steering as its fixed head siblings, the soft-top came with anti-lock brakes as standard. Despite the hefty price tag of £40,000 a waiting list was quick to form.

The hand book and service book show that this XJS spent the first 8 years of its life in the Sount East, during which time it covered some 50,000 miles. Recent invoices show that it has had an oil change, new steering rack bushes and brake pads, the vendor reporting that it has spent some time off the road over the last few years. Currently MOTd and taxed until January 2012, this convertible V12 can be driven away from the sale and looks like a huge amount of car for the suggested guide price.