Jaguar XJS 3.6 Coupe

Conceived as a comfortable and long-legged Grand Tourer rather than an out-and-out sports car like the preceding E-Type, the XJ-S made use of the fabulously refined Jaguar XJ saloon platform and running gear. Launched in 1975 it was initially only available as a V12, but soaring oil prices meant that a smaller engined version was soon on the cards. 

In 1983 it became the first model to receive Jaguar's new 225bhp 3.6-litre AJ6 engine, a very smooth and potent unit that was not far short of the V12 in terms of outright performance and was in a different league for economy. "It is the 24-valve engine's flexibility that impresses most," wrote Autocar. "Such is its low-down pulling power that, in town and urban conditions, one rarely needs more than 2,000rpm to keep up with the traffic flow." Capable of hitting 60 in a whisker over 7 seconds on its way to a top speed of 137mph, at a steady 56mph it could still deliver 36mpg.

First registered in August 1993, this particular XJS 3.6 has covered a mere 31,500 miles from new in the hands of just four owners. Looking particularly sporting in light metallic blue with a black grille, aerodynamic boot spoiler, sideskirts and quad exhausts, it is said to drive superbly and comes with a full service history. The grey leather interior is in fine condition as you would expect from such a low mileage. With an MOT until August 2012, it also comes with a distinctive private number plate.