2021-02-21 09:50:49 | pauls writes:

Car at auction at:

themarket.co.uk/listings/jaguar/xj-s-v12-he/81aa15e0-de5c-45f3-b087-8844b5a2ab1c

Auction description:

Manufactured in 1990, our car is beautifully presented in Diamond Blue with contrasting Doeskin leather interior. With V12 power and that silky-smooth automatic gearbox, it is the epitome of the XJ-S in its heyday.

The car was part of a private collection and spent over a decade at the then owner’s holiday home in the South of France. We can just imagine him cruising along the Corniche, sea views to one side, spectacular mountain scenery to the other. The car remained British registered during that time.

After his passing, his widow began selling off his prized automobiles and our seller was lucky enough to secure the XJ-S and it was repatriated to the UK in 2018.

Being kept in a warm dry climate for so long has clearly helped keep the car in good fettle, but even so our seller embarked upon a detailed renovation programme in order to return it to tip top condition. He spent over £6,000.

It has undoubtedly been a labour of love over the last couple of years, but with other projects waiting in the wings, it is now time for another lucky individual to take custody of this grand old lady. She’s ready to go and up for new adventures! 

On the Outside

That Diamond Blue paintwork stills has a lovely lustre. Our seller left the bodywork alone during his renovations as the car presents well. The shut lines are generally good and straight and there are no obvious signs of accident damage or repairs.

If we are being picky, there are a few areas we would look to address. There are some stone chips on the leading edge of the bonnet and the lower sills could do with a little love in places. There is a scratch on the passenger door, easily seen in our photograph.

There are some marks beneath the fuel filler cap, where keys have no doubted rubbed during the very many fill-ups the car has needed during its lifetime. There is also a rust spot on the inside edge of one of the flying buttresses.

The rear spoiler bears a mark or two and if we are honest, we would try to remove it altogether.

Both front and rear bumpers are slightly out of shape. Having seen how the French choose to touch park, we suspect these are a leftover from the car’s overseas adventures. 

These are but trifling issues and do not in any way spoil what is a sound car in very presentable condition.

The wheels are in generally good order and we are delighted to see a full set of Jaguar recommended Pirelli P600 tyres fitted all round. They have plenty of tread on them too.

On the Inside

Doeskin leather, not only does it look good, it smells divine. It is in great condition too, with that wonderful patina that shows age with beauty. We would do nothing to the seats other than continue to feed them with generous amounts of hide food to clean and preserve.

Complimenting the leather is the wood dash which also presents in good order. We suspect the car has been mostly garaged as strong sun can wreak havoc on old veneers.

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, air conditioning to keep you cool (it’s icy cold too we are told) and even heated seats to ward off the winter chill. 

A common issue with older Jaguars is a droopy headlining. The seller addressed this issue by having it replaced. The new liner was supplied by Aldridge trimmers who retain the original Jaguar patterns. It was fitted well and undoubtedly lifts the interior. An invoice for £526 confirms the fitting.

The boot was also retrimmed and once again Aldridge provided the right fitments, so it all looks as good as new.

Underneath

Most of the money the seller spent on refurbishment went on the mechanicals. Where to start?

Firstly, the engine underwent a full V12 service, no mean undertaking as there is a lot of engine to deal with. The car has covered little miles since.

All the hoses were sensibly replaced as were various belts. 

The air conditioning condenser was replaced, which helps to explain the ice-cold air conditioning.

The rear brakes, a notable XJ-S trouble spot, were completely replaced and in order to make the job easier, the rear axle was dropped out and powder coated before being reinstated. 

The front discs were also replaced, so the XJ-S now stops as well as it goes. And boy, does it go well!

The XJ-S in renowned for offering a smooth ride and in order to keep it that way, our seller had new suspension bushes fitted and any worn parts replaced. 

Most of the work was carried out by Jaguar specialist GDP and seems to have been done to a high standard. The parts, as can be seen from the invoices, were supplies by well known Jaguar parts suppliers such as David Manners.

The XJ-S also sports a stainless-steel exhaust which looks to be in great condition.

The car’s underside shows nothing of concern, though we would be inclined to splash some underseal liberally around to help preserve and protect.

History Highlights

The owner’s pack is present and correct with all the instruction books etc. The service record is included and boasts a selection of stamps from the car’s earlier years. There are some early invoices too, showing work that has been carried out.

The last service was carried out in November 2019 and there is a stamp in the service book to prove. The car has done just a few hundred miles since.

Our seller has a raft of paperwork showing the extensive works carried out in the last couple of years and this can all be viewed in the picture sections. This includes:

New suspension all round shocks and springs 

Bushes all replaced 

Front and rear brake discs 

Rear brake callipers and pads 

Replace master cylinder 

Major service V12 

Service A/C drum, receiver, dryer and ancillary parts 

Fuel pump 

Repair central locking 

Replaced all rubber belts 

Replaced all rubber hoses 

Realigned exhaust system 

Removal of rear axle, strip and recondition and powder coat 

Replacement expansion tank 

New headlining and trim fitted 

New carpet boot trim fitted 

There is also a Heritage Certificate which confirms many of the car’s details.

Whilst enjoying its extended vacance en France, the XJ-S did without an annual MOT, but the history on its return to Blighty shows nothing of concern. The current certificate is valid until February 2022.

Fill up the tank and she’s ready to go!