1988 JAGUAR XJR-S TWR LE MANS CELEBRATION

This Jaguar XJR-S coupé is a well-documented and thoroughly maintained example of the Le Mans celebration model, produced by Jaguar and the Tom Walkinshaw Racing (TWR) group to commemorate their success in the 1988 24 Hours of Le Mans. Out of 100 examples built, this vehicle is number 63. It features a punchy 5.3-litre V12 engine producing 295bhp, and a three-speed automatic transmission. The car has been driven and enjoyed as intended, and now shows 110,600 miles from new.

First registered on 27 October 1988, the vehicle has had just one private owner before the vendor. While there are three previous keepers recorded on the log book, it is reported that the car was swapped between the first owner’s personal address and company details to arrive at this total. It remained in this private collection until it was purchased by the current owner in October 2018. The owner has the original purchase confirmation together with a V5C showing that the car was transferred from the company on 31 March 2016. The number plate authorisation certificate dated 18 September 2018 also confirms the details of the original owner. 

To the best of the current owner’s knowledge, there has been no damage to the vehicle’s bodywork, and the only particular imperfections noted are two stone chips on the front bumper and two minor blemishes around the windows. The majority of the Tungsten Grey paintwork remains original, except for the rear wheel arches following a repair, and the roof, in which a small hole was filled after the previous owner installed a now-removed telephone aerial.

The 15-inch JaguarSport alloy wheels were refurbished this year, and have no scuffs or scratches. The Le Mans celebration model was fitted with an aerodynamic body kit and rear wing, as well as uprated suspension with stiffer coil springs and Bilstein shock absorbers, all of which have been well maintained.

Inside, the original Connolly leather is in excellent condition, with only minor discoloration to a small area of the piping on the driver’s seat. There is also a small scuff on the bottom of the steering wheel. The vendor notes that there are no faults with any controls, switches, or other electrics, and no warning lights present on the dashboard. Factory-fitted equipment includes electrically adjustable and heated front seats, automatic air-conditioning and cruise control.

Following the change of ownership in October 2018, extensive work was carried out underneath the car. Any rust was replaced with new metal which was zinc painted and then rust-proofed.

The most recent service was carried out in May 2021 by Jaguar specialist Sheffield Prestige. During the previous MOT, the ECU was also recalibrated, and the vendor reports that the car is driving very well. Prior to this, it was serviced at 108,488 miles in April 2019, by Chew Automotive Engineering in Sheffield. The work carried out was extensive, and included an engine oil change, fresh spark plugs, new air, oil and fuel filters, a copper fuel pipe and brass fittings, a new gearbox filter and gasket, new uprated lightweight alloy radiator and cooling hoses new rear brake light units, reconditioned front brake calipers, new brake hoses and pads, a replacement cigarette lighter, twin exhaust tail pipes and four new Falken Ziex tyres. The vendor notes that the original exhaust tail pipes are still in their possession, should the new owner wish to refit them.

Repairs to the fan heater, driver's electric window, radio cassette player and aerial also took place at the 2019 visit. Prior to this, in 2017, a headlight adjustment and various wiring repairs were carried out, and a new indicator bulb was fitted. At the service in 2016, the front shock absorbers were replaced. A new battery with a five-year guarantee was fitted in July 2019. The driver notes that the air-conditioning system would benefit from re-gassing.

The most recent MOT test was on 13 November 2020 at 110,584 miles, which resulted in a pass with one advisory regarding a minor exhaust leak. The four Falken Ziex tyres were fitted in 2019 have since covered around 2,000 miles and have plenty of life left in them.

Included with the vehicle comes an owner's handbook with details of eight services, all by Mead of Blackburn, until 49,835 miles in 1993. The original owner’s family confirmed to the vendor that the car was always serviced by Mead while in their possession, but further evidence of servicing has since been misplaced – although there is a Mead sticker on the windscreen from 1999 indicating the next service mileage (109,000 miles). Other documents include the original XJR-S handbook and branded leather case, original toolkit, wheel jack and touch-up paint, Le Mans Celebration Coupe brochure as well as various instruction booklets, Jaguar assistance guides and a spare key.

This Jaguar XJR-S TWR Le Mans Celebration model is a well-maintained example of a very rare sporting GT. It is number 63 of just 100 vehicles produced and presents an opportunity to own a limited-edition tribute to one of the most iconic wins in British motorsport history. With 2021 also marking the 70th anniversary of Jaguar’s very first win at Le Mans, this TWR model would make a particularly relevant entrant for car shows throughout the summer months.

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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.