1989 Jaguar XJS Convertible

This shamelessly indulgent luxury cruiser has been leading a remarkably sedate, stress-free and pampered life for a considerable amount of time.

Today, the odometer is showing a paltry 54,972 miles.

In 2016, the figure was 53,884 miles.

Ten years prior to that, in 2006, the mileage was recorded as being 51,371.

The vendor, who has owned the car since 2015, appears to have mostly driven this car on the way to and from an MoT testing station once a year.

We can thank his diligent curation for the car’s very good condition.

He is only reluctantly selling because circumstances make it the right thing to do.
 

This car presents very well and the bodywork is reassuringly devoid of any dinks, dents, crumples or creases of consequence.

The doors shut with all the authority and gravitas you would hope to find on a car of this quality, and the panel gaps and shut-lines are consistent, even and true.

The car’s black fabric hood, which is fully functional, is also in fine fettle, save for a few scuffs at the base of the ‘C pillar’ section on the passenger side, and the odd crease earned while stowed.

The tonneau cover is just as good.

The lattice-pattern alloys don’t appear to have been formally (or informally) introduced to any kerbs or other roadside obstacles, and the matching tyres seem to have a good deal of life left in them.  

Still vivid and vibrant, the ‘Signal Red’ paintwork has held up pretty well and retained a good deal of shine and lustre.

The key exceptions to that rule are to be found on the n/s/f wheel arch, where there are some scratches and scuffs in evidence, and on the front valance on the same side, where some paint has flaked away and there is some minor corrosion and bubbling to be seen.

In general, the chrome-work is very good, having successfully fought off any foxing, tarnishing or pitting.

The chrome strip above the front bumper, while not warped as such, is some way from being as flat as a billiard table.

Elsewhere, the car is sporting a number and distribution of stone chips, minor scuffs and swirly scratches that are far more in keeping with its low mileage than its age.
 

Much like the exterior, the interior better reflects the mileage than the age.

The seats are as comfortable and supportive as they are functional, and the cream leather upholstery has weathered the passage of time with commendable stoicism and defiance.

The only indications that the car has been around for a while is a little light creasing around the bolsters – a fate which will surely befall us all in the fullness of time.

The door cards, one or two minor scuffs aside, are in very good order as are the carpets and (very bright red) mats.

The roof lining, while intact, is a little stained and baggy in places.

The car’s wood veneers are mostly good, but those on the centre console around the gear selector are cracked in places and there’s some fading under the lacquer.

The steering wheel, gear-selector, handbrake and other controls are broadly beyond criticism, as is the dashboard’s refreshingly analogue array of knobs, buttons, switches, instruments and dials.

As far as we’re aware, everything does what it’s supposed to do.

The boot is in good order and contains a full-sized spare wheel. 
 

The engine bay is very full of engine and, as ever with Jaguar’s mighty 5.3-litre V12, it is an intimidatingly complex and busy thing to behold.

There are more pipes in there than you’d find at a Sherlock Holmes convention.

Thankfully, they’re clearly all connected properly, because the engine runs, pulls and keeps going as smoothly and powerfully as you would hope and wish.

Everything we can see appears to be tidy, correct and in its right and proper place. 
 

The car’s service book is stamped up until 2015, after which time there are bills, invoices and receipts attesting to servicing, maintenance and repairs carried out over the years.

Given the fact that it’s spent at least two decades going virtually nowhere, it hasn’t generated a huge amount of history.

The car comes with a recent, clear HPI report and a heritage certificate.  
 

These big, beautiful boulevard bruisers are getting more than a little thin on the ground nowadays and, consequently, they’re becoming increasingly sought-after.

The sage advice with one of these is always to go for a low mileage, properly maintained car that’s clearly been well cared-for throughout the course of its life.

We’re confident that this splendid example ticks all of those boxes and more.

We are happy to offer this car for auction with an estimate in the range of £8,000 - £12,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at Bonhams|Cars Online HQ. Viewings are STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT and we are open weekdays between 10am - 12pm or 2pm - 4pm. To make a booking, please use the ‘Enquire About This Vehicle’ button on the listing. Feel free to ask any questions, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.