Jaguar XJS V12 Convertible

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The last Jaguar to be built in the William Lyons era, the XJS was also the last Jaguar influenced by legendary aerodynamicist Malcolm Sayer, whose mathematical genius helped shape the D-Type, E-Type and XJ13 prototype.

The rear end of the car, with its recessed window, buttresses, large tail lights and thick dark bumpers, was like nothing ever seen on a Jaguar – and divided opinion like no other Jaguar before or since. But the world was changing and luxury car buyers demanded more features and comforts, especially in the all-important American market. So the XJS was equipped with power windows, power locks, climate control, improved noise and heat insulation and full instrumentation.

It also had to deal with increased safety regulations, once again from across the pond, with 5mph bumpers, thicker doors, relocated fuel tank, fuel pump inertial cut out switch and more. Despite the added luxury, the first XJS sported a wood-less, dark interior trim in stark contrast with the hot-selling XJ saloon's luxurious cabin. The instrument panel was very 70s with space age inspired drum gauges for the engine vital signs flanked by a pair of primary instruments (revs and speed). Not what Jaguar drivers were used to...

Mechanically, the heart of the XJS was the V12 engine. Although not new after four years in the E-Type and three in the XJ12 saloon, its turbine like smoothness and seemingly endless torque quickly became the XJS selling point. Developing 285hp at 5,500rpm and over 300lb/ft of torque at 3,500rpm, it dropped the primitive carbs used on the E-Type in favour of Bosch/Lucas electronic injection for ultra-smooth running.

The ride quality was as stupendous as ever, with the proven independent rear suspension in its subframe assembly with inboard brakes, and an even better front end than the E-Type with springs replacing torsion bars, anti-dive geometry and an uprated roll bar. Half the price of an Aston Martin DB6 but incomparably the better car, it was a huge injustice that sales were so terribly low. Nowadays though, interest in the XJS has suddenly revived and it is at last beginning to be recognised for the thoroughbred that it truly is.

This V12 Convertible was first registered in June 1992, moving to Northern Ireland just two years later where it was to remain for the next 14 years. Clearly a much-loved machine, it was treated to a £22,000 restoration in 2004-2005 with many bills documenting the extent of the work carried out. The vendor acquired the car in 2008, paying £25,000 to secure it. Used regularly at first, it has been driven very little in the past couple of years, mainly standing outside in all weathers and deteriorating somewhat.

In the summer of 2013 the power hood stopped working, the problem being diagnosed as a faulty nearside hydraulic roof ram, a part which was not available at the time so the car has soldiered on with an inoperable roof to this day.

Still with only 70,000 miles on the clock, it has 10 stamps in the service book up to 64,300 miles in August 2007 with records of subsequent maintenance since. With an MOT until April 2016 and driven some 100 miles to the sale, it is now in need of some TLC to restore it to its former £25,000 glory.

Please note the car was still covered in road grime from its 100 mile trip to Brightwells when most of these photos were taken so it will look a bit smarter in the metal on sale day!