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Closed Auction- Unsold

1988 Jaguar XJS V12 Convertible

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  • Mileage~46,316
  • TransmissionAutomatic
  • Engine5.3L
  • LocationChester

AUCTION CLOSED

1988 Jaguar XJS V12 Convertible

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Introduction

Paul Wright
Professional Consigner

An icon of the 80s with a long production run, the XJS is a fantastic GT with a silky smooth V12 powering the rear wheels.

Produced from 1975 to 1996, the XJ-S received several changes over the production run, this example coming in the middle known as the XJ-S HE. The most significant change to this generation was the "High-Efficiency" V12 engine that was now able to produce nearly 300BHP; that's Porsche 911 Turbo (930) territory, remember, but these cars were a very different proposition. Luxury grand touring was generally where these cars were positioned, although privateer teams and TWR successfully raced the XJS and gave the model further appeal.

With just one previous keeper and only ~46,316 miles covered in the past 35 years, this V12 Jaguar XJ-S is a real gem of a car. In its original condition, this Jaguar XJS is certainly a rare big cat looking for a new home, it comes to market from just over ~1 year ownership, the former keeper having the car from new for ~34 years.

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

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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.

Meet the owner

When my dad and I saw the one owner XJS for sale, we knew we just had to buy it.

Dan purchased the 1988 Jaguar XJS in December 2021, having owned and restored several E-types with his dad, the one owner XJS was too good of an opportunity to miss out on. They felt the XJS is the perfect two-seater tourer, which could easily be used daily if you wish.

Just over a year in ownership, and little time to use it, Dan has decided to let it go from his collection and let someone else enjoy owning the luxury grand tourer. Please feel free to ask Dan any questions about the car in the comments below.

Dan
Vehicle Owner

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CONTACT OWNER

Exterior

Sleek, smooth and an icon design in Jaguar’s history, the XJS convertible is a fantastic looking car.

Wheels and Tyres

Fitted with the original 15" lattice wheels, these look in excellent condition with minimal signs of age. The Jaguar centre caps are also in excellent condition. The tyres are a matching set of Pirelli P600, and have a good amount of tread remaining.

Please see the image gallery to take a closer look at the wheels.

Bodywork

Looking around the XJS, the shut lines align nicely with an even gaps across the whole car. There are a couple of small indentations, one on the bonnet and one on the top of the passenger wing, but these are light and only really noticeable in the right light, and we didn't spot any noticeable signs of corrosion.

We've highlighted in more detail our observations through our hi-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

Wearing the original coat of "Glacier White", the Jaguar presents itself exceptionally well. There may be an odd chip here and there, but these are few and far between, the paint looking even in colour and finish across all of the panels as pictured.

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 hi-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 windows are in excellent condition, with no noticeable scratches spotted. In addition, the chrome mirrors, window trims and seals are in good order. The roof is in good order, just a bit of light discolouration that comes with age and one small imperfection from folding on the nearside rear quarter.

The headlights and indicators have no signs of any chips or cracks, the chrome surrounds and bumpers are also excellent with a tarnish-free finish, and the rear lights are also free from damage.

Interior

Black leather, walnut trim, a proper 80’s mix and perfect for the luxury Jaguar interiors are known for.

Seats and Carpets

Having only been sat in for ~46,316 miles, the charcoal leather seats are in superb condition, with just a small amount of colour wear on the outside edge of the bolster, probably caused by the seatbelt. The door cards are also in excellent order, with no damage to mention.

The carpets are clean and tidy, with no signs of excessive wear to point out. Inside the boot is also well presented with the original jack and spare alloy wheel in place. Please see the interior gallery for more detailed images.

Dashboard

The dashboard in the Jaguar is free from any splits or cracks, and the walnut fascia is in good order with no signs of the lacquer cracking.

The instruments are working as they should, with the odometer reading ~46,316 miles.

Please see the interior gallery for more hi-resolution images.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The two-spoke leather steering wheel is in good condition with no signs of heavy use. The automatic gear selector is in good order along with the surround and also the walnut centre console trim, which, like the fascia, has no splits or cracks.

Please see the interior gallery for more detailed images.

Mechanics

If you're going to produce a grand tourer, arguably the only sensible option for the engine must be the wonderful 5.3 litre V12.

Engine and Gearbox

5.3 litres and producing nearly ~300bhp, the V12 is a fantastic engine. No issues are reported with the engine, and it sounds as smooth as silk when running, as you will hear on our Mechanical Review video.

The automatic gearbox changes gears effortlessly with no untoward noises. Watch our video to see the car in action.

Suspension and Brakes

Just as you would expect from any grand tourer, the suspension is nice and smooth, easily soaking up any bumps in the road. No noises were coming from either corner of the car during our test drive, and looking under the car, everything appears to be in good order.

The brakes bring the car to a halt in a straight line with no juddering reported to come through the pedal.

The Drive

A grand tourer which doesn’t disappoint! It looks classy, offers superb comfort, and the V12 is capable of munching up the miles with ease, just like a GT should do.

Electrics and Other

Inside the Jaguar is all original, including the factory radio cassette payer. The switchgear is reported to work correctly, and there are no signs of heavy wear to any buttons.

Please see the interior gallery for more detailed images.

History and Paperwork

With just 1 former keeper for ~34 years of the cars life, the car comes with the owner's handbooks, the invoices and condition as it stands suggests a well-maintained Jaguar XJS.

The V5 confirms that just one previous keeper took care of the XJS until Dan purchased the car in December 2021. There are many invoices showing work carried out and parts purchased for the Jaguar, all of which appear to be small general maintenance items. There are also several previous MOT certificates in keeping with the incredibly low mileage, and the current MOT is valid until 03.10.2023.

There's a lot to be said when it comes to finding a car in such original condition. Yes, you can restore a car to like new condition, but we think it's not quite the same as having a real deal 35 year old, one previous keeper until 2021 with only ~46,316 miles recorded.

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned a HPi check on the vehicle.

We've summarised our own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, and 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 on 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 bid/s, 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
04.10.2022 MOT 46,048
05.07.2021 MOT 45,987
02.05.2019 MOT 45,263
01.05.2018 MOT 44,606
26.04.2017 MOT 44,348
03.05.2016 MOT 43,783
14.10.2014 MOT 43,116
30.10.2013 MOT 42,296
01.11.2012 MOT 41,847
01.11.2011 MOT 40,973
03.11.2010 MOT 39,963
24.08.2009 MOT 37,617
05.08.2008 MOT 37,508
22.06.2007 MOT 36,577
07.04.2006 MOT 35,661
Key Details
  • ModelXJ-S V12 Convertible
  • TransmissionAutomatic
  • Reg. Date05.09.1988
  • CC5,343
  • Mileage~46,316
  • HistorySome
  • ColourGlacier White
  • Interior ColourCharcoal
  • Interior TrimLeather
  • Chassis #SAJJNADW3DA154073
  • Engine #BS061870HA
  • MOTExp: 03.10.2023
  • HPi ClearYes
  • Former Keepers1
  • LHD or RHDRHD
  • VisitedYes
  • Sale TypePrivate
  • Owned~16 months
  • Key FeatureLow ownership and low mileage
  • Auction ID1248






Auction Closed

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This car didn't meet its reserve price and may soon be available as a private sale - please contact us for more information.

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Ask Questions
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6 Comments
Johnmjag
Johnmjag
1 year ago

Hello, are there any service stamps in the Jaguar service book ?
I have seen the receipts online etc.
Regards, John M

bobkumar
bobkumar
1 year ago

Hi what’s the reserve on the car ?

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