This Jaguar XJR-S Celebration Le Mans coupe is an exceptionally rare limited-edition grand tourer, presented in outstanding condition with remarkably low mileage. It is powered by the 295bhp 5.3-litre V12 engine, coupled to a three-speed automatic transmission. The odometer shows just 2,400 miles from new, and the car remains in incredible original condition.
A genuinely bespoke model, the XJR-S was produced by JaguarSport - a dedicated high-performance business owned jointly between Jaguar and the Tom Walkinshaw Racing (TWR) Group. As the name suggests, this car is one of just 100 examples built to commemorate the marque’s triumph in the 1988 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Taking the standard coupe as the foundation, TWR added an aerodynamic body kit and rear wing, unique alloy wheels, uprated suspension with stiffer coil springs and Bilstein shock absorbers, finished with a sumptuous Connolly leather interior with burr walnut veneers.
This particular car is number 54 of the 100 built, and has just one previous registered keeper. They bought the car from TWR Jaguar Ltd in Leamington Spa in 1988, and enjoyed it on the road for two years. It was then put into climate-controlled storage, and only put back on the road in 2015 following a recommissioning service. The car is an astonishing example, and even featured in the 1997 book ‘Jaguar: the Legend’ by Jonathon Wood. The current owner acquired the car last year.
As you would hope for given the mileage, the bodywork remains entirely original, with no dents, dings, or corrosion. The paint finish is essentially as-new, with no blemishes, scuffs, or scratches in the top coat. It sports black and blue parallel coachlines, which feature the 1988 race-winning XJR-9 near the tail lights. All of the brightwork is in good order, as are the window and door rubbers. Factory stickers and labels are in place throughout. There are no cracks of chips in any of the light lenses, and the various black plastic trims show no fading. It rides on the correct set of 15-inch JaguarSport alloy wheels, which are pristine.
Inside, the original upholstery is in outstanding condition. The seats are all trimmed in luxurious oatmeal Connolly Autolux leather, with light grey piping. While the rear seats show a few soft ripples as the leather has breathed over time, there are no marks or other blemishes, and the leather looks exactly as you would expect given the incredibly low mileage. Factory-fitted equipment includes electrically-adjustable and heated front seats, automatic air-conditioning, cruise control, and the original stereo and cassette deck. There are no known faults, and all of the switchgear works as it should.
Having spent around 25 years off the road and in storage, this XJR-S was treated to a thorough recommissioning in 2015. As it had been kept indoors and in a carefully controlled environment, it was really only perishable items that needed renewing, including a fresh battery and a set of tyres. Since then, the car has been exercised regularly but over no significant distance, just to keep moving parts in good order.
The most recent MOT test was on 31 March 2020 at 2,393 miles, which resulted in a first-time pass with absolutely no advisories. The online MOT history indicates that it has covered just 106 miles since its recommissioning in 2015. The 235/60 R15 Pirelli P600 tyres fitted during this work are therefore still in as-new condition.
Accompanying this remarkable Jaguar are all of the original books and literature, as well as two keys. In the boot, there is a briefcase stocked with original tools, which are unused and unmarked, as well as the full-size spare wheel. The history file includes a copy of ‘Jaguar: the Legend’, as well as various period magazines with road tests and features on the XJR-S, plus dealer documentation from the original sale.
This Jaguar XJR-S Celebration Le Mans is a rare British classic in astonishing condition. Undoubtedly a car that would appeal to discerning Jaguar collectors, it is also a sporting grand tourer that is a delight to drive. Given the condition and mileage, this is almost certainly an unrepeatable opportunity to acquire such a well-preserved piece of Jaguar and TWR history. The phrase ‘buy the best example you can afford’ is common advice in the collector car world, and this is surely the best example of all.