Lot details
Registration No: RUW879R
Chassis No: 2W2989
Mot Expiry: June 2020

- 1 of just 385 pre-HE V12 manual gearbox cars built

- Restored in 2014

- Rated by the vendor as being in 'good' to 'excellent' condition

The XJ-S has truly come of age. The E-type was always going to be a hard act to follow, but the replacement coupe launched in September 1975 retained the mighty 5343cc V12, endowing this grand tourer with silken thrust. It rode on typically Jaguar independent suspension: double wishbones up front, and the William Heynes-designed independent rear suspension that ingeniously uses the driveshaft as the upper suspension link, saving space. Comfort and pace were unrivalled. At first, buyers had the option of a manual four-speed gearbox or three-speed automatic transmission, but all XJ-Ss were automatic from 1978 onwards. There were soon engine upgrades to more efficient HE spec and eventually 6 litres, and the choice of a 3.6 and later 4.0-litre straight sixes. In 1991 the XJS was facelifted with revised rear styling and new front and rear lights. Replaced by the XK8 in 1996, it was in production for longer than the E-type and sold in greater numbers. Time has been kind to the XJS's looks, and now prices are rising as its popularity increases. As many have rotted away, good ones are increasingly harder to find.

One of the rare and decidedly collectible pre-HE V12 manual transmission cars (of which just 385 were made), 'RUW 879R' was restored in 2014. Entering the current ownership a year later, the Jaguar was driven from Edinburgh to its new home in Suffolk without incident. Finished in Yellow with Beige leather upholstery, the XJ-S is variously described by the vendor as being in 'good' (interior trim), 'very good' (V12 engine, four-speed manual gearbox, electrical equipment) or 'excellent' (bodywork, paintwork) condition.