Jaguar XJS V12 Convertible

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Launched way back in 1975 to replace the ageing E-Type, the Jaguar XJS Coupe was largely designed by Jaguar's legendary aerodynamicist, Malcolm Sayer.

Low, lithe and elegant, it slipped through the air far more efficiently than the E-Type and was a paragon of stability and silence at speed. Based on a shortened XJ saloon floorpan, it weighed over 100kg less than an XJ12 and in early manual form could sprint to 60 in 6.7 seconds and hit 153mph. In 1981 the XJS received the new HE (High Efficiency) engine with Michael May-designed Fireball heads which improved fuel economy by 20 per cent and upped the top speed to 155mph, making it the fastest automatic car in the world.

The long-awaited full convertible version of the Jaguar XJS was finally introduced at the 1988 Geneva Motor Show, a full 13 years after the coupe had been launched. Thoroughly re-engineered to compensate for the lack of a tin-top, it featured 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 particular V12 Convertible was first owned by a Jaguar representative in the Far East and has clearly led a very pampered life to date. It covered just 45,000kms (28,000 miles) during the 10 years it spent in Singapore before being shipped back to the UK in 1999 at which point the speedo was replaced with an MPH unit which now records some 22,500 miles giving a total warranted mileage of just 50,500.

It comes with an excellent service history comprising nine stamps in the book up to 41,208km while in Singapore, plus a further six stamps since it came to England, the last only around 200 miles ago in May 2015, with various supporting invoices. The vendor acquired the car in June 2010 and has only covered some 2,000 fine weather miles in the car in the last six years, many of them on Jaguar Enthusiast Club events.

He reports that the car drives as well as it looks with everything working as it should (including the air conditioning and the power hood), the only known faults being the cruise control which is inoperative for some reason and a slight shimmy through the wheel on rough surfaces which he attributes to tired front suspension bushes, simple enough to fix if desired. Due to have a fresh MOT in time for the sale, it has had no advisories on the last six MOTs, testament to the good condition of the car and the regular maintenance it has always received.

Looking wonderful in Signal Red with a black leather interior, it has recently been fitted with four new tyres and a new battery and is ready for a new owner to enjoy right away. It comes with all its original handbooks in the original wallet and even retains the original tool kit in the boot. Highly original and very low mileage, it looks excellent value at the sensible guide price suggested today.