1990 Jaguar XJS V12 Convertible 

The XJS had a 21 year run from 1975 to 1996 with a few iterations but all with the unmistakable XJS shape.  From the breathtaking flying buttresses of the coupe to the flat lined profile of the convertible, they are distinct and beautiful and not many people will debate that.  Amazingly, over that 21 year period, only 115,413 units were produced, an average of less than 6,000 per year.  By normal, large manufacturing numbers, that's a drop in the bucket, making owners among an elite and rare club. 

Offered for consignment, this 1990 XJS with 68,975 title verified actual miles.  It's had a recent tune up, newer paint and upholstery, a rebuilt at 55,171 miles transmission, and a list of new items that will provide some confidence to the next owner that this car has been well-maintained and updated.  It's a Classic Collection edition which includes such things as a boot lid badge, contrasting piping on the seats, a larger leather wrapped shifter, Birds Eye Elm wood trim, and a number of other items.  It is believed less than 500 Classic Collection editions were produced in 1990.


Exterior
Bathed in a June 2020 respray of Signal Red, the key to this car's design is a sleek body style with a trim body, yet a muscular stance which is often seen on expensive European cars that are capable of high speeds.  Within this thin body style are straight panels and good gaps as well as a set of dual headlamps upfront, bordered on the bottom by an integrated chrome bumper with a black 5 MPH crash bumper inserted.  This holds true on the rear of the car too, and the chrome is excellently preserved.  Around the corner design tail/turn signal rear lights frame the rear panel and trunk rear deck, incredibly unique and distinctive and in two years they would be completely redesigned.  Aluminum 15-inch lace honeycomb wheels are all around.  Flying up high is a black canvas power convertible top with a glass rear window that operates flawlessly.   Some slight fading on the canvas top was noted but that's the entire list of flaws on the entirety of the exterior.  Our consignor notes that the power antenna motor and relay were recently replaced.  

Interior
A swing of the doors reveals Biscuit colored leather on the door panels.  There is a veneer strip near the upper sill of each door, yes real wood, and it looks fantastic.  Other areas of the dash that have veneer are intact and nicely preserved and mix well with the light leather.  The front bucket seats are in glorious shape as they were redone in Biscuit leather that features  red piping around the edges and headrest.  The sporty seats also feature tuck and roll inserts.  A padded, leatherbound and burl center console races between the seats and hoses rocker switches for the power windows, roof, and cruise control.  The shifter resides here as well along with chrome ash receptacles and on the sides of the console are the switches for the front seat heaters.  In the center stack, an AM/FM/CD radio with Bluetooth capability has been installed.  A small, carpeted luggage compartment is behind the seats and allows you to share some space with the folded top when in the down position.  The dash looks clean, and toggles were working for all functions.  The trunk is nicely preserved lined completely in gray tweed.  A full-size spare is encased in black vinyl.  We note that the consignor has had all of the re-veneered to keep things looking spit spot. 

Drivetrain
The original 5.3 liter V12 engine is under the bonnet fed by Bosch-Lucas digital electronic fuel injection and a TH400 3-speed automatic transmission is on the back.  The transmission was rebuilt at 55,171 miles.  A 2.88 geared rear axle puts the power to the pavement.  Power disc brakes are found front and rear.  Visually, the V12 fills every niche of the engine bay with hoses, wires, fuel rails, and the sheer real estate the engine and its intake occupy.  Consignor note show us that the car just had an oil change, in March 2024 and alignment.  The entire brake system from the master cylinder back was replaced and so was the auxiliary fan motor.  

Undercarriage
Underneath we can note some surface rust, but structurally sound metal makes up the unibody, and floor pans as well as the rockers.  Independent suspension is on all 4 corners, coil springs in front and coil overs in the rear.  Dual exhaust handles the exhale and connects to stainless steel mufflers and all is looking good in this neighborhood.  Understated polished tips tuck neatly under the rear bumper.   We note some oil on the oil pan and some blow back.  Other moisture appears closer to the front stabilizer bar.  The steering rack bellows are noted to be torn.  

Drive-Ability
This car started right up, and we were off to the test loop.  It has great rail-like handling, great performance on the acceleration and handling front, and all in all very comfortable and a responsive car to drive.  Those V12 engines just run soooo smoooothly, I am always impressed with them.  Especially when they are totally in tune. 

A great powerfully cat with this V12 XJS, plenty of conveniences and stunning leather and burl.  Nothing says power, prestige and prominence like a Jaguar, especially a convertible and this one hits all 3 marks.  Couple in the thin body design being a sure hook for the Jag aficionados, and this one in great condition still has lots of life left to go find the nearest country road and play!  I can tell you this, having seen this car on the turnpike the day it came in, it looks and runs fantastic at 70 mph.  Long before I knew it was a consignment coming in, I was taking photos of the car on the road because it's such a rare beauty to see.

SAJTW4846LC175111

S-United Kingdom
A-Jaguar
J-Passenger Car
T-XJS
W-USA Spec, Driver Airbag
4-2 Door Convertible
8-5.3 Liter V12
4-Automatic, Left Hand Drive
6-Check Digit
L-1990
C-Browns Lane, England Assy Plant
175111-Sequential Unit Number

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