Jaguar XJS V12 Convertible

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. 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.

This example dates from 1989 and has had one previous family owner. It has covered just 80,000 miles from new, with a full service history. It has recently had a new steering rack and radiator. Described by the vendor as having an excellent body with no corrosion, the original leather interior and the hood also remain in excellent condition. Due to have a fresh MOT by the time of sale and running smoothly on all 12 cylinders, this wonderfully refined and rapid roadster is ideal for long distance summer cruising.

CATALOGUE AMENDMENT;  Upon arrival, the paperwork states "between 1992 and 1997 this vehicle was serviced annually by Auto Link Services".  It also states that the vehicle was placed into storage between 2003 and 2004.  There are subsequent invoices for various parts and works completed.