1990 Jaguar XJS 5.3l Convertible

This vibrant example of the breed is one of the last pre-facelift XJ-S V12 Convertibles. It is a left hand drive European model which was built in April 1990 before being exported to Holland and supplied new via a Dutch main dealer in May 1991. After 14 years in Holland the XJ-S was exported to Tenerife in December 2005.

The XJ-S would spend another 11 years in the dry and benign climate of Tenerife before being bought by current owner, Laurence, in 2016. In September of that year, Laurence imported the Jaguar to the UK with the convertible being first registered here at that time. At the point of import the XJ-S had covered a shade over 32,000 km (just under 20,000 miles). As of today 68,100 km is recorded (42,315 miles), equating to under 2,800 miles covered per year on average whilst in Laurence’s charge.
 

For some, the XJ-S Coupe’s styling was divisive. Luckily for them, the appearance of the full convertible in 1983 revealed a daintier looking car with more obvious sports car DNA and a well resolved and fully integrated hood design.

This XJ-S Convertible is presented in bright Signal Red paintwork with a black fabric hood, and hood cover and it suits the car admirably. Whilst the climate in Tenerife was conducive to a well preserved body structure, the strong sunlight wasn’t so beneficial for the paintwork. As such, Laurence acquired a Jaguar exhibiting some significant paint fade in 2016. As a result he commissioned a full respray in 2017 which accounts for its impressive condition today. A deep, lustrous shine hence seems to emanate from every panel. Other notable features here include the US specification quad headlamp set up in place of the usual elliptical Cibie items and a deeply chromed bonnet leaper. A pair of auxiliary, under bumper driving lamps are also fitted.

The car sits on a set of the original “lattice” light alloy wheels. These are in a fair overall condition with a little paint loss evident in places. The alloys are 15-inch items and are shod with a matching set of quality Pirelli P600s in a 235/60 configuration. The fabric hood is finished in black and was newly fitted in August 2023. It is complete with a glass and heated rear window.
 

Our example’s cabin is trimmed in luxurious black leather and generous accents of burr walnut veneer. It’s a fine blend which has aged very well and presents in a fine, overall condition. That leather extends to the heavily bolstered sports seats, door cards, centre console and sections of the dashboard. The seats are stitched into horizontal, padded box pleats for additional comfort and support. The condition of these is excellent with even the driver’s seat bolster in fine shape. The seats are both heated and partially electrically adjustable.

The dashboard is beautifully finished in burr walnut veneer which extends into the centre console and wraps around and into the door cards. The now familiar gauge set draws the eye, especially with the four aircraft style, barrel gauges monitoring levels and pressures. The so called “airbag prepared” four spoke steering wheel features veneered accents which have been bleached in the Tenerife sun. Laurence reports that the air conditioning system was converted to use modern R134A refrigerants in 2017 at a cost of over £1,500.

Behind the seats is a useful, carpeted luggage shelf with a sensibly shaped, lockable valuables locker set into it. The boot is surprisingly commodious too. It is finished in its original, mid-tan carpet set. A pristine looking full sized spare wheel and tyre are secured to the rear bulkhead. A full, cased, original tool kit and jack are also present. 
 

This particular XJ-S features the iconic 5.3L V12 engine so often associated with sporting Jaguars and, indeed, originally slated for use in the XJ13 Le Mans car. The mighty V12 is mated to the 3 speed Hydra Matic automatic transmission which feeds all that power (291bhp) and torque (317Ib-ft) to the rear wheels. This combination is ideal for optimum, drama free wafting with ample reserves of real-world urge on tap when needed.

For such an iconic and revered engine, the Jaguar V12 makes a strong argument for the use of engine covers. It is akin to a plumber’s fever dream given the maze of pipes, wires and even bellows in evidence. In that sense it all looks highly original and well presented throughout. The underside also looks very straight and tidy, belying this car’s 35 year history. It is also noted that new front brake callipers and front and rear pads were fitted in March 2025.
 

A concise but instructive paperwork archive is included with this XJ-S. The V5 Registration Document is on hand confirming Laurence’s status as the first and only UK keeper to date. The current MoT in hard copy is also present and is valid until the end of April 2026. 

Other highlights include the original book pack complete with the service booklet. The latter contains a partial stamped history from this car’s time in Holland. Two original keys are included as are a number of invoices detailing maintenance work undertaken.
 

The XJ-S may have got off to a faltering start due to a confluence of various gusty headwinds but, luckily, John Egan was parachuted in just in time to grant the car a reprieve. That reprieve gave the XJ-S the time it needed to find its feet, settle into its own skin and ultimately do something the E Type never did – get better and better each year. From these inauspicious beginnings, the XJ-S went on to enjoy a 21 year production life with over 115,000 being produced – considerably more than the E Type achieved.  

This example is a fine one, too. Its long life overseas seems to have done it plenty of favours in terms of underlying body condition and the 2017 respray builds nicely on those firm foundations. With just one UK keeper to date and a reassuringly low mileage covered this is an example that is sure to prove appealing to those that know their Jaguars. With that legendary V12 under the bonnet, too, this is truly an ownership opportunity to be seized and relished.

We are happy to offer this car for auction with an estimate in the range of £10,000 - £14,000.

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