Jaguar XJS V12 Convertible

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Deep down, even Jaguar probably realised that the new XJ-S, launched amid much fanfare in 1975, could possibly enter the world-stage to the same rapturous welcome that had greeted the iconic E-Type when it was unveiled in Geneva 14 years before. 

Supreme machine that it was, the XJ-S just couldn’t stir emotions in the same way. Nearly 40 years on however, it still looks sharply styled and stands out from all other cars thanks to its distinctive ‘flying buttress’ rear roof-line treatment, part of the sophisticated design executed by Jaguar's legendary aerodynamicist, Malcolm Sayer.

In its day, it may not have had the jaw-dropping credentials of its E-Type predecessor, but in early manual form, could sprint to 60mph in 6.7 seconds and top 153mph so was more than its equal when it came to performance. In 1981 it received the new HE (High Efficiency) engine with Michael May-designed Fireball heads. Fuel economy increased by 20 per cent and the top speed increased 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.

The owner of this 1989 example purchased it five years ago but has recently stopped driving. It has covered just 44,500 miles from new, MOTs showing that it has only travelled 2,000 miles since 2010 when it was last serviced. There are 16 services in the book, 15 old MOTs on file and it retains its original tool kit.

The car has been garaged of late with the hood folded, the inner roof lining and front seats getting some scratching from the owner’s cat (no respect amongst felines!) which, along with a few minor blemishes to the paintwork, are said to be the only things to mar this otherwise smart low mileage example.

Described by the vendor as having no signs of rust or filler and being in strong mechanical condition, it is taxed and MOTd until January 2015 and can be driven away from the sale.
 

UPDATE 7/7/14: This car has just been serviced, the leather has been cleaned and connollised to remove the cat scratches and the inner roof lining replaced.