Lot details
Registration No: C919BRU
Chassis No: SAJJNACW3CC128281
Mot Expiry: May 2011

Launched in September 1975, the XJ-S (later XJS) was designed by Malcolm Sayer with input from Sir William Lyons. Though effectively a replacement for the legendary E-Type, it was a cat of very different character - a luxurious, high-speed grand tourer rather than a race-bred sports car. Based on the XJ saloon, it was a two-door monocoque equipped with all round independent suspension, four-wheel disc brakes and rack and pinion steering. It was powered by a fuel-injected version of the silky 5.3-litre V12 unit proven in the E-type, mated to either a Borg Warner automatic transmission or manual gearbox. However, the latter option was quickly discontinued and in 1979 the Borg Warner unit was superseded by GM's three-speed Turbo-Hydramatic 400 automatic box. The newcomer could cover the 0-60mph dash in around 7.6secs and top 150mph flat out. Economy, however, was not its strong point - cue the High-Efficiency (HE) engine.

The XJ-S was equipped with the HE unit from July 1981, its Michael May-designed cylinder head not only endowing it with far better economy (consumption was reduced by as much as twenty percent), but also more power - now 295bhp. Other changes included: new five spoke alloy wheels, chrome inserts to the bumpers, and wood inserts for the fascia and door cappings. New for 1983 was the two-seat XJ-SC. A semi-convertible, it featured a non-removable targa-type centre section and fixed cant rails above the doors. It was initially only available with the recently introduced 3.6-litre AJ6 engine, the V12 XJ-SC appearing in 1985.

The right-hand drive 1986 V12 XJ-SC offered is finished in Burgundy Red and trimmed in beige leather. It was reportedly recommissioned two years ago following a 10 year lay up. On returning to the road, it received replacement brake discs and callipers, a reconditioned radiator, four new tyres and a battery. The vendor tells us that the interior linings of the removable roof panels were also replaced at some stage and that around 10 years ago the Jaguar was treated to "an inexpensive respray". He describes the coachwork as "fair for its age", the engine as "good" and the transmission as "working well". The car is MOT'd into May 2011.