Jaguar XJS 3.6 Coupe Manual

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

With its V12 engine, all-independent coil-sprung suspension, power assisted rack-and-pinion steering and disc brakes, Jaguar’s XJS was launched in 1975.

Its ride/handling balance and 150mph was justly praised by the contemporary motoring press, but there was no getting away from its heavy fuel consumption and high servicing costs. A comparatively leaner, smaller engine would open up the model to a whole new group of enthusiasts.

So it was that in 1983, the XJS became the first model to receive Jaguar's new 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." More revvy and eager than the 225bhp 4-litre AJ6, the 223bhp 3.6 is preferred by many enthusiasts, especially when mated to the rare manual gearbox option which transforms the XJS from a cruiser to a proper sportscar: 0-60 in just 7.1 seconds with a top speed of 139mph and up to 36mpg economy.

First registered in May 1987, this desirable 5-speed manual XJS has covered a warranted 106,500 miles from new with a stamped service book up to 66,000 miles in February 1997. The vendor acquired the car in September 1999 and used it regularly until 2004 when it was parked up alongside various other vehicles in his collection.

Recently brought out of storage and recommissioned, it also benefits from a recent new clutch kit from SNG Barratt costing over £180 and a set of matching Pirelli P4000 tyres. With an MOT until October 2016, it is only for sale due to an impending house move and consequent loss of storage.