1988 JAGUAR XJ-S V12 CONVERTIBLE

This Jaguar XJ-S V12 is a remarkably well-preserved example of the 1980s convertible, presented with low mileage. Its 5.3-litre naturally aspirated ‘High Efficiency’ V12 produces around 295bhp, with rear-wheel drive via a four-speed automatic gearbox. The odometer shows just 40,048 miles from new.

First registered on 13 October 1988, this vehicle has five previous keepers on the log book; however the seller understands that it was in the ownership of just two different families before he acquired it 20 years ago. Since then, he has undertaken regular maintenance to preserve this Jaguar machine, ensuring that it remains in highly original condition and running well.

The exterior of the car features handsome red paintwork, which is in generally superb condition, even after 32 years. As you would expect from an unrestored car, there are some small chips and blemishes around the front and bonnet, and some minor blemishes around the front badging and nearside headlight frame. The soft-top roof remains neat and tidy, showing minor signs of discoloration, but with no rips or holes, and fitting snugly over the frame. There are some paint chips and patches of bubbling on the 15-inch ‘Lattice’ alloys, but the raised stampings indicate that these wheels are entirely original and unrestored.

The cream leather interior shows minor signs of age and wear, which is unsurprisingly more noticeable on the driver’s side. There is a small patch of surface damage on the driver’s seat base, likely from scuffing next to the handbrake grip, but in general the upholstery presents well. It is charmingly original as-is, but could be subject of sympathetic repairs, cleaning and re-connolising by the next owner if they wished. The seller notes there are no issues with any controls, switches, or other electrics, and no warning lights present on the dashboard.

The most recent service took place at 39,972 miles in June 2020, and was carried out by Monkmoor Motors in Hereford, who have performed the vast majority of work on the XJ-S over the last 10 years. As well as the usual engine oil and filter changes, two new front brake calipers were fitted, along with two new wiper blades. The prior service took place in July 2019, where the car was also given new brake fluid and submitted for an MOT.

The most recent MOT took place on 18 June 2020 at 39,972 miles, which resulted in a clean pass. The Pirelli P600 tyres at the front were new in 2015 and have only covered around 500 miles since then, while the rears have plenty of tread but may benefit from replacing on the basis of age.

Despite owning the car for 20 years, the seller has only covered a few thousand miles in that time. Nevertheless, a variety of maintenance has been carried out during his tenure, including a new starter motor, a new air-conditioning drive belt and tensioner, an overhaul of the steering rack, and refurbishment of the nearside exhaust manifold. The anti-roll bar links have been replaced, the brake calipers have been rebuilt or renewed, and new front shock absorber top bushes have been fitted. The service notes from 2019 indicate that a new ABS accumulator may be required in the short term, but there are no other noted issues.

This Jaguar XJ-S V12 Convertible is a well-presented and well-preserved example of an elegant British classic. With low mileage, and what is believed to be original paintwork and upholstery, it remains as characterful as ever, and the seller reports that the car still drives beautifully after over 30 years on the road.

The description of this auction lot is, to the best of the seller's knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller, and performs a level of due diligence. However, bidders must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description, and conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to a bid. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details.

All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.