1989 JAGUAR XJ-S V12 CONVERTIBLE - 11,133 MILES

This 1989 Jaguar XJ-S Convertible is a remarkably low mileage example of an elegant classic roadster, presented in astonishingly original condition with just two private owners from new. Under the bonnet sits the marque’s 5.3-litre V12 engine producing around 263hp, coupled with a three-speed automatic transmission. The odometer currently indicates just 11,133 miles from new, which is warranted by a letter in the file from the first owner.

First registered in July 1989, this original left-hand drive XJ-S was purchased new by a vice president of manufacturing for a multinational record label, intended for his wife’s use. Given the very low mileage, the car was self-serviced by him in the US, and thereafter once it had been imported back to his home in the UK. The car was kept for around 23 years, before it was sold on to classic car dealer David Roberts in Oxfordshire, from whom the current owner purchased it in 2012.

The bodywork of this XJ-S presents in excellent condition, with flush shut lines, even panels and no prior damage. The car’s rich Signal Red finish is in superb order, with no cracks or stone chips, and – per the first owner’s letter – it remains entirely original. The chrome body trims, Jaguar badging and quad-headlight trims all appear in good order, while the soft top convertible roof presents with no rips or tears, and still fits snugly over the frame. The car rides on a set of 16-inch ‘Lattice’ alloy wheels, which remain in excellent condition, along with the wheel nuts and centre caps. The vendor notes the body and undercarriage present with no rust whatsoever, while the engine bay has retained a near-pristine appearance.

Moving inside, the condition of the interior trim is described as excellent, and like the paintwork is completely original. The barley hide upholstery presents with the slightest signs of use, but with no notable wear or discolouration whatsoever. The door panels and carpets are also in great shape. The dashboard and door caps are accented with walnut trim, presenting with no scuffs or scrapes, and the main contact points and dashboard controls are all in superb condition. The original stereo system is also present and correct.

The car has been carefully stored in climate-controlled storage over the last eight years, covering only 150 miles in that time. It has however been started and run briefly on a regular basis to keep the engine in good working order.

The most recent MOT test was on 9 May 2017 at 11,128 miles, which resulted in a clean pass with no advisories or defects. The car will require a fresh MOT certificate if the intention is to use it on the road. The wheels are fitted with Pirelli P600 tyres all round, which were fitted during the first owner’s tenure, but which still have plenty of tread remaining.

Accompanying the vehicle is the original Jaguar wallet containing the owner’s manual, stereo handbook, extended guarantee and stamped service book, along with a selection of service invoices and MOT certificates dating back to the 1990s. The car also comes with a letter from the previous owner which verifies the mileage, along with the car’s import documentation and emission certificates.

Believed to be a rare accompanying item, this XJ-S also comes with a branded ‘Total Driving Experience’ cassette which features a selection of Jaguar-approved driving soundtracks. These were supplied by certain dealerships in period, but few cars retain the original tape.

This Jaguar XJ-S V12 Convertible is believed by the owner to be among the very finest examples of the breed, and it is hard to disagree. With its provenance and exceptionally low mileage warranted by the first owner of 23 years, the car remains in remarkable original condition throughout, and is undoubtedly among the very best collector-quality cars. It would be a wonderful car to exhibit at national or international shows, and of course is a stylish classic that deserves to be enjoyed on fair weather weekends.

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 through HPI checks and MOT history where available. 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. This vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.