Jaguar XJS 4.0 Coupe

Click Here for Full Screen Image - Click Here to Download Image

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 exemplary 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. Inside, the very English wood-and-leather aesthetic remained, albeit with better thought-out ergonomics and better quality components.

Dating from 1994, this late model coupe incorporates the sum total of XJS development and reportedly ‘drives superbly’. The vendor, who has owned the car for three years, states that the bodywork is in excellent shape for its year with good chrome and no rust.

It rides on good alloy wheels and the doeskin leather interior is said to be in good order too, the electric seats and windows operating as they should. The big tourer has covered 119.000 miles, easily within the engine’s capability, and it comes with a partial service history and has been well-cared for by the vendor with MOT until April 2015.