Jaguar XJS V12

The Jaguar XJ-S had a mountain to climb from the day it was launched – it had to replace the impossibly glamorous E-Type which had so captured the public's imagination when it first appeared in 1961. Somehow the XJ-S failed to stir emotions in the same way when it was launched in April 1975. However, time has been kind to the car and it now looks more handsome with every passing year.

Largely designed by Jaguar's legendary aerodynamicist, Malcolm Sayer, it slipped through the air far more efficiently than the E-Type and was a paragon of stability and silence at speed. 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.

In 1981 the XJ-S received the new HE (High Efficiency) engine with Michael May-designed Fireball heads which improved fuel economy by 20 per cent and upped the top speed to 155mph, making it the fastest automatic car in the world.

Sold new by Appleyards of Leeds, this 1992 example has 16 services showing on file. Appleyards undertook the first 7, the remaining service history being undertaken by independent specialists. By 2002 the car had covered 109,000 miles, moving to Spain until the owner passed away in 2010. During this time a mere 5,000 miles were added, the car enjoying the warm dry climate and the gentler way of life.

Upon its return to the UK it has received a rear suspension overhaul, new lower front suspension joints, new rear brakes and calipers, new tyres, new battery and has been fully serviced. MOTd until June 2012 it comes complete with handbooks, service details and sits on the correct lattice alloy wheels.  This metallic red V12 with cream leather is described by the vendor as a lovely running example. If you have never had the pleasure of driving one of these wonderful cars, now could be your chance. The ride quality and refinement is nothing short of astonishing.