1989 | Jaguar XJ-S H.E.

More of a soporific grand tourer than an out-and-out sportscar, the XJS was designed to seamlessly blur borders rather than blast down back roads. To this end, it was equipped with automatic transmission as standard. Although, the 295bhp and 318lbft of torque developed by its 5.3 litre V12 engine still resulted in a claimed top speed of 150mph and 0-60mph in less than eight seconds. Introduced at the 1988 Geneva Motor Show, the long-awaited full convertible version featured a reinforced floor pan, frameless doors and sophisticated electric hood (complete with heated glass rear window). Underpinned by the same all-round independent coil-sprung suspension and power-assisted rack and pinion steering as its Fixedhead Coupe siblings, the soft-top came with anti-lock brakes as standard. Priced at £40,000, a waiting list was quick to form.

Ask anyone familiar with an XJS and they'll tell you that KWE are at the very top of the heap for the model. This car's previous owner certainly did, and sent it to the Thatcham-based specialists for a comprehensive overhaul soon after purchasing the car in 2008. This work took four months to complete at a cost of £33,666. KWE carried out a full interior retrim, uprated brakes, suspension and steering, a £6,500 intensive V12 engine service, stainless steel non-cat exhaust system, a new soft top and liner, renovated electrics, Xenon headlamps, new 16” Pepperpot wheels and tyres, rear parking sensors, Becker GP sound system, cavity wax injection, and underseal treatment. 'Comprehensive' only scratches the surface of the work done to this car. If that isn't enough, the XJS comes with invoices for subsequent upkeep including a new windscreen in 2010, CTEK battery conditioner in 2011, localized bodywork repairs by KWE in 2012 which cost over £5,000, paint and chrome professionally detailed in 2016, and a gearbox oil change in 2018.

Our vendor purchased the car in February this year, with the aim of enjoying life with a soft-top, however for personal reasons needs to find a new home for it. He is meticulous in his care of his cars, with the XJS no exception; the Solent Blue paintwork and Magnolia leather interior remain in fine order, and the electric soft top responds faithfully to instruction. This is an opportunity to acquire a well looked-after classic grand tourer that's guaranteed to keep you grinning while the wind's in your hair. Consigned by Charlie McCreery

Lot details
Year: 1989
Make: Jaguar
Model: XJS Convertible
Registration: F57 GWB
Chassis No: SAJJWADW3DB160906
Odometer: 54,000


* Restored and uprated by KWE at a cost of over £30,000

* Low mileage and strong service history

* Previous long-term ownership