Jaguar XJS 3.6 Manual

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With its V12 engine, all- independent, coil sprung suspension, power assisted rack and pinion steering and disc brakes, Jaguar’s XJS was launched in 1975. 

Its ride/handling balance and 150mph was justly praised by the contemporary motoring press, but there was no getting away from its heavy fuel consumption and high servicing costs. A comparatively leaner, smaller engine would open up the model to a whole new group of enthusiasts.

So it was that in 1983, the XJS became the first model to receive Jaguar's new 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.

For some enthusiastic Jaguar drivers, the XJS has usually lacked one thing; a manual gearbox. Well, this quad-headlamp British Racing Green example has one, so you are that much more involved in the process of driving. It also has a set of expensive chrome wire wheels fitted which add to its sporting appeal.

In the current ownership for the last 10 years, the car has been regularly used throughout that time, adding some 25,000 miles to the 70,000 already on the clock when acquired. Always well-maintained with plenty of service history and most old MOTs to warrant the mileage, it is said to be in very good condition throughout, only a cracked headlight lens, a dicky electric wing mirror and some minor interior wear letting the side down slightly. The car is solid underneath and has just been wax protected. Two tyres are new, and the brake discs and pads were renewed last year.

Said to drive very well, it has just sailed through its MOT with no issues and is taxed for 6 months. Now with some 95,000 miles on the clock, a little care and attention would quickly return this fine GT to very smart condition. The 3.6-litre XJS offers good economy and usability and when coupled with a 5-speed manual gearbox, even greater driver appeal.