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.

The owner of this particular car had always wanted an XJS ever since he first saw one as a lad. Being a sporting driver there was only one model which would fit the bill – and this January 1988 registered 3.6 is it. He first bought the car in 2000, attracted not only by the manual gearbox but also by the impeccable service history (no fewer than 17 stamps in the book up to 54,356 miles in 2002).

However, what seemed like an even more sporting XJR-S 6-litre V12 soon hove into view and in early 2002 he sold the 3.6 to fund the purchase of this monster. Big mistake. Far from being a sportier option, he found the 338bhp V12 lumpen by comparison, quickly selling the car and managing to buy the 3.6 back again a short while later after making the owner an offer he couldn’t refuse.

Happy to be reunited with E822 OHD, in 2005 he decided to show his gratitude by treating the car to a total no-expense-spared restoration, entrusting it to much-recommended specialists, Jules Bodycraft of Brewood, Staffordshire. Over the next year the car was completely stripped and rebuilt with virtually every part restored or renewed as necessary, the whole process being meticulously recorded in many photographs and bills on file. This proved no easy task as many parts were extremely difficult to obtain, the restorers having to scour the globe for some items (a ‘new old stock’ bootlid being finally tracked down in South Africa, for instance).

Some £40,000 later and the results speak for themselves: the car is now better than new in many respects, with all major underbody components shot blasted and powder coated to keep them looking good for many years to come, with the structure liberally waxoiled and rust-proofed throughout for the same reason. A new wiring loom has also been fitted at great expense, along with all new glass.

Upgrades include a full stainless steel exhaust system (including manifolds), polybushed suspension throughout with Gaz shock absorbers, a Sony CD player with an integrated hands-free kit and Bluetooth connectivity, remote central locking and a high quality security system. Virtually the only things that aren’t new are the original oatmeal leather seat covers which the owner wished to retain for sentimental reasons (although the seat foams are new, as is the piping).

Since the restoration was completed in 2006, the car has only covered some 1,200 fine weather miles and has always been kept in a heated garage that was specially built for the purpose. MOTd until June 2016 with no advisories recorded (what did you expect?), the car is said to drive superbly and certainly performed magnificently when we were treated to an extended test drive, feeling notably more taut and responsive than any other XJS we have encountered.

Only reluctantly for sale due to an unexpected change in circumstances, this wonderful motorcar is being offered here at a fraction of the costs lavished upon it to date. It comes with all its original handbooks, the aforementioned restoration bills and photos, plus much period promotional literature relating to the model.