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Curated Auction

1988 Jaguar XJ-S Coupe

At a Glance

Time Warp Condition | Original Owner | Only ~11,965 miles | Garaged Since New

  • Mileage~11,965 on clock
  • Transmission4-Speed Automatic
  • Engine3.6-litre
  • LocationCastle Bromwich, West Midlands

Curated Auction

We’ve visited this car, taken the images and written the description below - we’ve also verified the seller’s ID and actioned a HPi report - learn more

Curated Auction

We’ve visited this car, taken the images and written the description below - we’ve also verified the seller’s ID and actioned a HPi report - learn more

CURATED AUCTION

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CURRENT BID£2,000
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ENDS IN: 56 Days 12 Hr 51 Min 51 Sec

CURRENT BID

£2,000

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Video #2

Introduction

Darren Rungasamy
Photographer and Editor

An instant candidate as a show winner, it wouldn’t take much effort to bring up to concours standards - not your average XJ-S; this is investment grade quality.

The XJ-S started its life in less than auspicious circumstances, with the fuel crisis and ongoing quality issues taking its toll, the new Grand Touring luxury cruiser had to navigate through some stormy weather by the time it emerged into the 1980s with an improved outlook. In 1983, a new 3.6-litre straight-six engine was installed, producing a useful ~221 bhp, giving the design a new lease of life while providing decent performance with respectable fuel economy. The revamped XJ-S's success was also aided by substantial adjustments to the engineering, materials and build quality.

By the late 1980s, Jaguar had completely recovered from the dark days of BL ownership and became a shining example of a premium mass-produced brand. While it retained much of the styling cues from the original 1975 design including those distinctive buttresses C pillars, there were significant revisions to the suspension, engine management system and interior fittings.

This has to be a unique opportunity to obtain one of the most original 3.6-litre XJ-S coupes we have encountered. It was bought new in 1988 from Evans Halshaw Birmingham by its current owner and lived its whole life within a 20-mile radius of its Browns Lane birthplace. It has been exceptionally well looked after and has a recorded mileage of just ~11,965 miles.

If you've been looking for an investment grade XJ-S then this could be the very thing for you.

This listing was written from information supplied by Darren after meeting Alan the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Video #2

Meet the owner

My wife asked me to buy a family car but I came home in this!

Alan ordered the car during the 1987 Christmas holiday and brought the car home in the New Year. It has been used sparingly over the past ~37 years and only infrequently in the last few years.

Garaged throughout its life, it has been to a few local classic car shows, where its originality and condition always attracted welcome attention. At a show, the car brought tears to the eye of a former Browns Lane assembly worker.

After many years of being part of the family, the car's lack of use and Alan's decreasing mobility are forcing the sale of the XJ-S.

Alan will be happy to answer any questions about the car in the comments section below.

Alan
Vehicle Owner

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CONTACT OWNER
EXTERIOR VIDEO
Video #2

Exterior

This is possibly the best unrestored and most original XJ-S on the market today.

Wheels and Tyres

The 15” lattice alloys are in excellent shape with minimal signs of age.

The car is fitted with a set of Pirelli tyres, they are over 20 years but are in decent shape with plenty of even tread.

Bodywork

There are no issues in regards to the exterior metalwork - the panels are free from corrosion, and asides from two minor treatable dings on the driver's door and rear wing below the rear offside window, the panels are in impressive condition.

All the panels are flush to the body with even shut lines. The doors open and close without problems, although the bonnet struts will need replacements.

Of course the structure of the car is in great shape - the underside, inner wheel wells, engine bay, boot floor and suspension mounts are solid throughout.

We've highlighted in more detail our observations through our high-resolution images and videos, so please take time to look through all the media files for a detailed view of what’s on offer, and for you to assess the condition of the car for yourselves.

Paint

The paint has a pleasing lustre, catching some mild swirls in the sunshine. The red colour is consistent throughout and asides from the odd minor mark, we didn’t see much in terms of road wear damage, chips or scratches.

The images are taken from a few different angles to show off the car as you would see it if you were standing there for yourselves. So please take the time to fully assess these high-resolution images and videos of the car, for you to make up your own minds about the condition of the paint.

Glass and Trim

The glass and seals are in great shape. All lights and lenses are in good condition too.

The chrome has lasted well, with mild signs of age spotted on the grille and tail light trim. The aerial rubber seal has perished. The bumpers are well mounted and provide a good fit to the body, just the rear offside corner rubber trim has a light scuff on it.

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INTERIOR VIDEO
Video #2

Interior

The excellent interior presentation is as close to original as possible.

Seats and Carpets

The seats are in excellent shape, with very little signs of age.

The carpets and mats are like new.

The luggage area finish suggests minimal use.

Dashboard

The dashboard and centre console are in lovely condition, with no signs of age or wear. All the switches and controls are in excellent shape and Alan confirms they are all working as they should - the tape player is operational too.

The wood veneer trim shows no damage and the trim padding, door cards and headlining are free of marks.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The steering wheel and gear lever are in excellent condition.

VIEW ALL
'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO
Video #2

Mechanics

Well maintained throughout its life, the engine pulls exceptionally well.

Engine and Gearbox

The start-up process was straightforward; the engine fired up immediately without hesitation. All dashboard warning lights remained off throughout our visit. The engine idled smoothly with no unwanted noises heard. The exhaust condensation soon cleared up and didn’t exhibit any excess fumes. The car was leak-free on the day.

The engine is smartly presented with decent hoses and ancillaries.

The 4-speed automatic gearbox works well, with no delay or slippage.

The kick-down works smoothly and launches from low speeds to motorway pace with remarkable ease.

Suspension and Brakes

The car drives exceptionally well, absorbing the road with composure and free of any mechanical noises from the wheels.

The brakes are effective, slowing the Jaguar down with no drama.

The Drive

Since Alan informed us that it was the longest the Jaguar had been driven in at least a year, we felt a little bad about asking him to give it a test drive. However, it gave us a perfect opportunity to appreciate the XJ-S refinement and prowess. We cruised along the dual carriageway at 50 mph, as the car glided along the road in near silence.

The acceleration is impressive, we hardly noticed the pace it picked up as Alan edged the XJ-S towards the national speed limit. The steering is free of play or wobbles and remains true upon braking. It corners without any issues, we heard a light knocking noise inside the cabin but it felt like a loose bracket rather than mechanical. However, the noise soon disappeared after the 20-minute drive.

Alan has not had any problems with the engine's reliability, two services in the last 3 years - both carried out in the previous 150 or so miles should give plenty of assurance.

Alan has not reported any problems with the engine temperature or oil pressure.

Electrics and Other

It retains its unused jack and tool kit.

Alan has pointed out that the passenger side electric window lift is not operational, however, everything else to his knowledge is fully working.

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Video #2

History and Paperwork

Despite its low mileage, it has three decades of MOT certificates in the history.

Registered in January 1988, Alan bought the car new from Jaguar main dealer Evans Halshaw. It comes with a folder of invoices, the most recent spending has been on servicing. Older invoices relate to sundry items.

The car has MOT certificates back to 2000 and comes with 4 service stamps, the last one was carried out just 20 miles ago in July 2024. It has an MOT to July 2025 and comes with two sets of keys and its complete owner's wallet and booklets.

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned a history check on the vehicle - this is a professional check operated by HPI that will highlight if the car has been previously stolen, recorded as being in an accident, or have any outstanding finance - note, this does not include a mileage history check.

We've summarised our own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in hi-resolution detail - this has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So please sit back, have a cuppa and take your time to review everything on this listing in order to make your own assessment of the vehicle's condition. Viewings are also welcomed with all our listings, so please get in touch with us to arrange a suitable time - we just need to speak to you first and receive a valid photo ID before confirming.

If there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please first ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bids, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - just like a traditional auction house.

Service History
Date Type Mileage
09-07-2024 Jaguar Specialist 22,500 miles Service 11,883
05-07-2024 MOT 11,878
01-08-2022 Jaguar Specialist 15,000 miles Service 11,839
15-03-2022 MOT 11,833
02-07-2019 MOT 11,799
13-04-2018 MOT 11,747
30-04-2014 MOT 11,704
27-02-2013 MOT 11,549
25-08-2010 MOT 11,533
20-08-2009 MOT 11,394
30-08-2008 MOT 11,382
29-08-2007 MOT 11,263
26-07-2006 MOT 11,199
25-07-2005 MOT 11,111
30-07-2004 MOT 10,974
01-08-2003 MOT 10,935
01-08-2002 MOT 10,790
01-06-2001 MOT 10,606
03-05-2000 MOT 10,418
15-08-1996 MOT 9,895
14-01-1991 Jaguar 7,500 miles Service 7,392
03-06-1988 Jaguar 1000 miles Service 1,147
VIEW ALL
Key Details
  • Model Jaguar XJ-S
  • Transmission 4-Speed Automatic
  • Reg. Date 04-01-1988
  • CC 3590
  • Mileage ~11,965 on clock
  • Colour Red
  • Interior Colour Cream
  • Interior Trim Leather
  • Chassis # SAJJNAEC3CA147175
  • Engine # 9DPAMA135507
  • Last Service 09-07-2024
  • MOT Yes Exp. 04-07-2025
  • MOT Exempt No
  • Road Tax Exempt No
  • HPi Clear Yes - All Clear
  • Former Keepers 0
  • Tyre Brand Pirelli
  • Tyre Age Over 20 years
  • # of Keys 2
  • LHD or RHD RHD
  • Visited Yes
  • Sale Type Private
  • Owned Since New - 37 Years
  • Key Feature Originality
  • Vehicle Registration E424 TOV
  • Driver’s Side RHD
  • Fuel Type Petrol
  • Body Type 2-Door Coupe
  • Auction ID 2628
VIEW ALL
VIEW ALL
Video #2

All Images

Exterior

Interior

Mechanics

History and Paperwork

All Videos



Vehicle Location

Castle Bromwich

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    Auction Bidding

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    Current Bid £2,000
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    Auction Ends Thu 1st May at 7.50pm
    Bidding History
    Previous Bids  1
    £2,000 bid by Colquhoun018.04.25 @ 08:46:40
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    Post a comment or ask the owner a question about the car.
    3 Comments
    Colquhoun0
    Colquhoun0
    2 days ago

    Hi Alan,

    Is there a dent on the passenger door about the size of a golf ball ?

    Regards Gary

    AlanBa
    AlanBa
    Seller
      Colquhoun0
    1 day ago

    Hi Gary, the dent is not the size of a golf ball it is a tiny ping. I think the photo is showing shadowing that has enhanced the look of the tiny dent. I hope I have helped with your enquiry.

    Colquhoun0
    Colquhoun0
      AlanBa
    1 day ago

    Thank you

    MORE COMMENTS MORE COMMENTS

    Insurance Quote


    Average annual insurance premium for a XJ-S like this is £158 via our trusted partner ClassicLine.
    GET AN INSURANCE QUOTEAnd get 10% off when you mention us.

    *Quote is based on a garaged vehicle in CV32 5QY (Leamington Spa), travelling 3,000 miles per year, 1 driver who is 45 years of age and is free on accidents and convictions – valid Spring 2025.

    Delivery Calculator


    Vehicle Location

    Castle Bromwich

    Key Bidding Facts

    What is your reserve policy?

    A reserve is the minimum price that the seller will let the car go for. We work with sellers to set realistic reserves in line with market pricing – we don’t take on vehicles with unrealistic pricing. Reserve met / not met labeling may or may not be announced during the auction – this is just like a traditional auction house, i.e. bidders may only know when they’ve been successful at the end of the auction.

    If the reserve hasn’t been met at the end of the auction then we work with the highest bidder to try to work out a deal with the seller.

    Why shouldn’t I leave bidding to the last minute?

    Auto-Extending Bidding – we’ve developed auto-extending auctions that mimic traditional auction house bidding; it’s a key feature to make sure classic vehicles achieve their true worth. Bids placed in the last one minute automatically extend the auction by two further minutes. So there is no need to leave bidding to the last second.

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