1993 | Jaguar XJS 4.0

British Elegance with Bite - 1993 Jaguar XJS 4.0 i

When the last E-Type rolled off the production line in 1974, narrow sports cars were no longer en vogue. The new safety regulations from the US demanded more prudence than emotion, forcing Jaguar to equip the new XJ-S with crumple zones and bulky bumpers.

The aerodynamic body with distinctive flying buttresses also set it apart from the previous Jaguar style. At first it wasn't particularly well received. The XJ-S was also considered to be fast, but thirsty and unreliable. At the end of the 1970s, it was even considered to halt production.

Jaguar's new boss John Egan gave the XJ-S a facelift in 1981. The engine became more economical, quality improved and optical retouching (especially more chrome on the body and wood in the interior) made Jaguar’s grand tourer look more classic again. In 1988, a full convertible was even released in response to demand from the American market. The model was a hit: in 1990, over 10,000 XJ-S were manufactured. In 1991, another facelift was carried out, quality was further optimised and the 6-cylinder engine was increased to four litres.

The XJ-S, initially viewed as slightly quirky, developed into a classic, with no fewer than 115,000 units sold by 1996. Thanks to its unusual lines, it has long since achieved the unmistakable character of the E-Type – and it has always been a sophisticated touring sports car.

Our auction vehicle was first delivered by Emil Frey AG in 1993. Since then, it has had three changes of ownership. The vehicle has been with the current owner since 2015, who commissioned a complete overhaul of the cylinder heads in 2020. The XJS is in very good condition and can be driven immediately; the last MFK vehicle inspection was completed in August 2023. The veteran status has also been added to the vehicle documentation, dated 25.08.2023. A youngtimer with both a past and a future.