Lot Ended
Description
Fully restored in 2014 and only 2,369 miles since; advisory-free MOT;
current owner since 2019; an exceptionally smart example of this handsome
GT
While the
outstanding ride, handling and 150mph performance of the original XJS V12 were
rightly praised by the contemporary motoring press, there was no getting away
from its heavy fuel consumption and high servicing costs. A smaller,
leaner engine was needed to broaden the appeal of the car to a
wider range of drivers.
So it was that in 1983 the XJS became the
first model to receive Jaguar's new 24v 3.6-litre AJ6 engine, a smooth and
potent unit that was not far short of the V12 in terms of outright performance
but was happy to run on unleaded fuel and was in a different league for
economy.
"It is the 24-valve engine's flexibility
that impresses most," wrote Autocar. "Such is its low-down pulling
power that, in town and urban conditions, one rarely needs more than 2,000rpm to
keep up with the traffic flow."
Lighter and more
energetic than the 4-litre AJ6, the 225bhp 3.6 was equally powerful and put less
weight over the front wheels for improved turn-in and overall agility, making it
a proper driver’s car compared to the land yacht V12 model. A Getrag 5-speed
manual was available as an option but even in 4-speed auto form it could sprint
to 60mph in 8.0 seconds with a top speed of 143mph.
The Heritage Certificate shows that this 3.6 Automatic left the
Browns Lane factory in November 1987, finished in Crimson with a Doeskin
interior, destined for Julians of Reading. Little is known of the car’s
subsequent history but old registration documents name two further owners up
to 2013 when it was acquired by Mr B Goodman, MD of G&G
Engineering Ltd of Coventry, manufacturers of injection and compression mould
tooling.
It seems that he had the car completely
rebuilt over the next three years, as documented by many parts invoices on file.
This included many new body panels plus a host of trim and mechanical parts
(brakes, steering suspension etc). The brightwork was sent to Coventry Auto
Components where it was triple chrome plated.
It also had a new fuel
tank, a new Falcon stainless steel exhaust system and the rear subframe was shot
blasted and powder coated in black satin. A new speedo was also fitted recording
zero miles.
Although there are no invoices for
these, a note from a former owner on file states that the engine was
totally rebuilt by ex-Jaguar engineers and the gearbox was reconditioned. It
also states that the interior was retrimmed by another ex-Jaguar employee who
had worked on the XJS production line before he retired, and that the car also
received new electrics and air conditioning unit (see photos).
Finally finished in late 2014, it flew through
an MOT in December of that year, with no advisories recorded, and has been MOT
tested six more times since, the current MOT being valid until March 2027 which
was another clean pass.
Our vendor acquired the
XJS in July 2019 and in November of that year he sent it to Jaguar specialists
Powerbell Services of Taplow for a thorough check-over which cost £525
including two new rear shock absorbers, the mileage at this point being
1,015 (see last photo).
Very lightly used during the current
seven-year ownership, this Jaguar has only covered 2,369 miles since the
restoration was completed, being mainly tucked away in heated storage as part
of our vendor's collection of classic cars.
As you can see in the photos, it still looks to be in great shape
some 12 years since it was restored, with a particularly wonderful
interior. It has been starting promptly and running well as we have moved it
around on site, with healthy oil pressure.
On
offer here at a fraction of the cost it would take to restore such a car
today, this freshly rejuvenated XJS is crying out for the
more regular exercise it deserves and looks hugely tempting at the modest
guide price suggested.
Consigned by James
Dennison – 07970 309907 – james.dennison@brightwells.com