Jaguar XJS 4.0 Coupe

Launched way back in 1975 as a replacement for the E-Type, the Jaguar XJS is one of those rare cars that just got better as it evolved – all too often it is the first model that is the best while the later ones just get lardier and lumpier. 

The first major facelift came in 1991 when the Big Cat got larger rear windows, new rear wings, different lights and revised instruments. It also got the superb new 4-litre 24-valve AJ6 engine, a paragon of refinement and reliability that was virtually as quick as the old V12 but with far superior fuel economy (235bhp, 140mph and 26mpg).

Reliability was superb and these AJ6 engines have been known to clock up huge mileages without drama. Build quality also improved markedly with a galvanized body shell finally putting paid to that old Jaguar bugbear – rust.

This particular XJS has been in the current ownership since 2002 with five other keepers before that. Looking most striking in Kingfisher Blue with a cream hide interior it has covered some 151,900 miles to date and is said to drive beautifully.

The service book has 12 stamps up to 119,112 miles in 2002 with various bills for routine maintenance since including another service at 129,000 miles. Supplied with all its original handbooks it has an MOT until April 2014. Your cataloguer has owned a couple of these lovely 4-litre cars and rates them very highly indeed.