1989 Jaguar XJS V12 Convertible

A car is only original once and if a low mileage, unmolested XJS V12 Convertible is your heart’s desire, then you are in the right place.

The was supplied to its first owner by Jaguar dealer Paramount in Cardiff in April 1989. A wealthy chap we understand, he shipped the car to Jersey where he was lucky enough to have a holiday home. There is sat for much of its early life, cocooned no doubt in a lovely garage and exercised when the owner was in residence.

From the MoT history, it seems likely the car was back on the UK mainland from 2012, covering just a few hundred miles for the next few years.

Our seller bought the car around five years ago from Meridien Majestic, a classic car dealer in Bournemouth with a good reputation for selling the best cars.

He has thoroughly enjoyed the car during his ownership, though miles covered have been modest. Even so, he has not stinted on maintenance as attested to by the raft of invoices which accompany the car.

Unfortunately, the seller’s wife finds getting into and out of such a low-slung car a bit too much of a challenge, so with reluctance this mighty fine XJS is now up for grabs. And they don’t come much better, so read on for chapter and verse.

As befits a car that has had a gentle life and clearly been looked after, the signal red paints absolutely sparkles. Vibrant, rich in tone and scarcely without a blemish. Impressive for a car that is 30+ years old.

Door shut lines are nice and even and down the sides there are no signs of any dings from car park injuries.

The chrome door mirrors are in great condition as are the door handles and bumpers. There are a few marks on the rubber trim on those big protective bumpers though. The nearside rear has been replaced.

The black hood has weathered the years very well, with just some crease marks from when the hood was folded away. A heated glass rear window ensures good visibility all year round and the many layers of insulation make for refined high-speed cruising when the roof is in place.

Our seller has added a wind deflector, which prevents those uncomfortable back drafts when alfresco motoring. Also included in the sale is a tonneau cover, which when fitted covers the folded hood beautifully for that clean, uncluttered look.

You will also note the XJS has had a twin headlight conversion, which we believe much improves not only the car’s looks, but also night driving. There are also fog lights fitted under the front bumper, the covers for which look a little tired.

Wheels have a dramatic effect on a car’s looks and our seller chose to replace the tired old wheels a fully refurbished correct set. Each is fitted with a Jaguar recommended Pirelli P600 tyre, all with plenty of tread. We like to think that care taken with tyres is generally a good indication of careful and considered classic car ownership.

Magnolia leather, not only does it look good, but it also smells divine. It is in quite excellent condition, with a little creasing to the seat bases. We do note some slight damage to the piping on the driver’s seat and some marks on the base by the handbrake lever. An occasional feed with hide food to keep them looking at their best is recommended.

It should be noted that both the seat base rubber supports have been replaced.

In keeping with the gentleman’s club atmosphere of the interior is the wood dash and door inserts. Our seller had not only the dash wood replaced, but also the wood on the ‘ski slope’ between the seats.

Also taking pride of place is a tactile Momo steering wheel, much nicer to use that the original item, though this is included should you wish to reinstate it.

The carpets are in good order, a sign of careful ownership.

There are plenty of toys to play with too. Cruise control for those long motorway jaunts and air conditioning to keep you cool (it’s icy cold too we are told).

The boot is spacious, with ample room for luggage should a continental touring holiday be on the cards and any excess bags can be stowed away behind the front seats. There’s a full-size matching spare, complete with the required Pirelli tyre. There is also a lovely tool kit in a case, ideal should any running repairs be required away from home. The boot lid gas struts have been replaced, old age taking their toll.

The XJS is such a relaxing car to drive. Fire up the silky smooth V12 engine, engage drive with the spindly gear lever, release the fly-off handbrake and waft. If there is a better way to cover ground quickly, all the while cossetted by the soft seats, we would like to know it.

We are not sure we have ever seen an XJS with such a lovely undercarriage. Take a look at the pictures in our extensive photo gallery and prepare to be impressed. We doubt the car has seen a rainy day, never mind a salty road and it shows. To be fair, only 1,400 miles have been travelled in the last decade, so she has been a lady of leisure, cossetted and pampered when not in use.

You won’t be surprised to read that the engine compartment is in tiptop order too. The might V12 sits proud and there is a lot to take in. It’s a tried and tested unit, fitted to many a fine Jag over the years. Smooth, refined, powerful and perhaps just a tad thirsty, but you knew that anyway.

All the signs of careful maintenance are there, and we cannot spot anything untoward.

The sound deadening material on the underside of the bonnet is coming away in places, so a little time with a glue gun may be advisable.

We are told the automatic gearbox is a smooth operator, as expected, and we note that our seller replaced the shift regulator. The new item is adjustable, so you can now change the point at which the 3-speed box shifts into top gear.

Sadly, there is little in the way of paperwork from the car’s first owner, but being a person of some wealth, we think we can safely assume the Jaguar was properly cared for, despite the low miles covered.

The online MoT history tells us that in 2012, the milometer was reading 14,203 and now ten years later just 1,400 extra miles have been covered. The current MoT certificate is valid until August of this year.

So, what work has been done during our seller’s custodianship of the XJS? A list might be appropriate:

• New shock absorbers all round

• Correct reconditioned wheels fitted

• Lower front grill shot blasted and powder coated

• NSR rear bumper replaced

• Air conditioning reconditioned

• Both seat base rubber supports replaced

• Gearbox auto shift regulator replaced – now adjustable

• OSR brake calliper replaced

• Fuel filler cap replaced

• Middle exhaust boxes replaced

• Dashboard and ski slope wood replaced

• New boot lid gas struts

• Gear shift position indicator renewed

This delightful XJS is undoubtedly one the best of its type on sale today. A striking colour combination is just the start. Just two careful owners and an exceptionally low mileage should excite, but once ensconced behind the wheel, that’s when the fun really starts.

Effortless power, impeccable refinement and ease of driving are there for the taking, so why not place a bid? We estimate the car will sell for between £20,000 and £25,000.

Viewing is always encouraged, within government guidelines of course. The car is located at our Abingdon headquarters; we are open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm and to arrange an appointment please use the ‘Contact Seller’ button at the top of the listing to make an appointment. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’