Lot details Registration No: K496BSX Chassis No: SAJJNAEW3EN180221 Mot Expiry: June 2010
That Jaguar's XJS has become a 'bona fide' classic is beyond doubt. Launched in 1975, the excellence of its basic design was ably demonstrated by a twenty-one year production life. Based around a two-door monocoque bodyshell equipped with all-round independent suspension (double wishbone front, lower wishbone / radius arm rear), four-wheel disc brakes and power-assisted rack and pinion steering, some of its underpinnings even found their way into the later Aston Martin DB7 and Jaguar XK8. However, the XJS could only cheat time for so long and in 1991 parent company Ford thoroughly reworked the luxury grand tourer at a cost of £50 million. With its sheet metal incorporating some forty percent new panels, the rejuvenated model range sported a revised grille, headlamps, taillights, bumpers and rear wings. While its cabin gained a new walnut trim fascia and improved sports seats. Powered by either a punchy straight-six (3980cc) or soporific V12 (5343cc) engine, the latter SOHC unit was quoted as developing some 280bhp and 306lbft of torque. Featuring smooth shifting automatic transmission as standard, the 5.3 litre XJS was reputedly capable of 0-60mph in 7.5 seconds and 150mph. Yet for all its performance capability, the Jaguar proved a refined and relaxing drive.
Finished in metallic blue with magnolia leather upholstery, this particular example is variously described by the vendor as being in "good" (engine, automatic transmission, electrical equipment), "very good / original" (bodywork) or "very, very good" (interior trim, paintwork) condition. Fitted with an alarm / immobilizer, the Jaguar is believed but not warranted to have covered some 50,800 miles from new; a figure that is reportedly substantiated, at least in part, by "old MOTs and service bills etc on file". Said to have been recently recommissioned and MOT tested following a period of storage (November 2007 - June 2009), the XJS boasts "new rear discs / pads etc". Riding on lattice alloy wheels, 'K496 BSX' is summed-up by the seller as "a very genuine example", while he further comments that "in my opinion it would be hard to find a nicer car".
All successful bids must be paid in full by midday the day after the auction at the latest.
You can collect your new pride and joy from our venue until 1pm the day following the sale or our partners are on hand to help arrange safe transportation:
If so, contact one of our friendly specialists for your free valuation by completing the form below and someone will get back to you as quickly as possible.
If you prefer to speak to humans, don't hesitate to call our office on +44 (0)1925 210035