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, was unlikely to 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.

This well cared for Jaguar was purchased by the vendor in 2000 from a close friend. It has been carefully maintained since purchase by his company transport manager and has been given annual maintenance as required.

In the last 12 months the paintwork on the wheel arches has been attended to, the vendor choosing to refit the after-market chrome arches back on the car. It also had two new front tyres fitted less than 1,000 miles ago and the hood is in good condition and comes with its original cover.

The odometer failed at exactly 50,000 miles, the replacement unit now showing 16,000 miles, a total of 66,000 miles which can be substantiated by the 16 old MOTs on file. The current MOT expires in March 2016. Over the last few years, the vendor has found that he has hardly used the car and feels that it is time for it to be passed on to someone who will be able to give it the more frequent exercise it deserves.