Jaguar XJS 3.6 Coupe

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Conceived as a comfortable and long-legged Grand Tourer rather than an out-and-out sports car like the preceding E-Type, the XJ-S made use of the fabulously refined Jaguar XJ saloon platform and running gear. Launched in 1975 it was initially only available as a V12, but soaring oil prices meant that a smaller engined version was soon on the cards.

In 1983 it became the first model to receive Jaguar's new 225bhp 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.

This 1989 example was purchased in 2010 for use by its British-born owner when visiting the UK from his new home in America. Its history is well documented, a file of bills and invoices showing that a new screen was fitted in 2006 and a set of tyres and a new battery were fitted three years ago.

It is MOTd until October 2015 and one rear trailing arm and an anti-roll bar bush have recently been replaced, these being the only advisories from the previous ticket. Its service book indicates that it was originally supplied by Sturgess in Leicester and includes 19 service stamps to show that by 2010 it had covered 125,200 miles. The odometer now reads 129,600 miles.

This well looked after XJS shows just a few small areas of corrosion on the bodywork and is reported to drive beautifully by its current owner. On offer only because of its infrequent use as a holiday car, it looks to us like a lot of car for a modest outlay.