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| Lot number | 118 |
|---|---|
| Hammer value | WD |
| Description | Jaguar XJ-SC Cabriolet V12 Automatic |
| Registration | C404 KWL |
| Year | 1986 |
| Colour | Tudor White |
| Engine size | 5,343 cc |
| Chassis No. | SAJJNACW3CC126179 |
| Engine No. | 8S037685HB |
WE REGRET TO SAY THAT THIS CAR HAS NOW BEEN WITHDRAWN
Celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, the Jaguar XJS is at last achieving the full classic status that it so richly deserves.
Powered by what is widely regarded as the finest V12 engine ever made, it mixed effortless performance with superb refinement and reliability. Rated at 295bhp and 320lbft of torque in its later guises, it was capable of 150mph and 0-60mph in less than eight seconds. Initially only available as a two-door coupe, it wasn’t until 1983 that a cabriolet version became available, a versatile design that combined lift-out targa panels with a folding rear hood. The coupe’s rear seats were removed and replaced with a pair of luggage lockers topped by a parcel shelf.
At first the Cabriolet was only available with the new 3.6-litre engine but due to public demand a V12 version joined the range in 1985, both types remaining in production until 1988. Only 5,013 Cabriolets were made in total of which just 710 were right-hand drive V12 models, making survivors rare and sought after.
First registered in January 1986, this V12 Cabriolet has had just one owner since 2002 and has covered only 75,000 miles to date with a large history file to show regular, careful maintenance. Tudor White with an Isis Blue leather interior, it is said to be in exceptionally good condition throughout and to drive beautifully with an MOT until June 2016. It comes with a certificate showing that it was valued at £11,000 by the Jaguar Owner’s Club in 2007 and has only done a few thousand miles since, being as smart now as it was then.
A much rarer car than the full convertible that succeeded it in 1988, the Cabriolet is considered by many to be the best looking XJS of all and prices have risen noticeably of late. Still only a fraction of the price of a comparable E-Type, we can’t help feeling that this hugely competent and attractive model is still somewhat undervalued in the current market.
