Lot details Registration No: K140NKD Chassis No: SAJJNAED3EK18397 Mot Expiry: June 2011
That Jaguar's XJ-S (later the XJS) will become an increasingly sought after classic is beyond doubt. Based on the XJ Saloon, it was launched in September 1975 as a replacement for the legendary E-Type, though it was a cat of very different character - the E-type being a race-bred sports car while the XJS was more of a high speed GT machine. The excellence of its basic design was ably demonstrated by its 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 XJ-S 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 40 percent new panels, the rejuvenated model range sported a revised grille, headlamps, taillights, bumpers and rear wings. Its cabin, meanwhile, gained a new walnut trim fascia and improved sports seats. The new version was powered by either a punchy straight-six (3980cc) or a soporific V12 (5343cc) engine; the former DOHC unit was quoted as developing some 223bhp and 283lbft of torque. Featuring a five-speed manual transmission as standard, the 4.0-litre XJS could also be had with a four-speed automatic gearbox. Reputedly capable of over 140mph in either case, it proved to be a refined and relaxing drive. Some 115,413 XJS Coupes and Cabriolets were produced during the model's 21-year reign.
The right-hand drive XJS 4.0 Coupe on offer left the factory in 1992. It is finished in Red complemented by an Oatmeal-coloured leather interior and equipped with automatic transmission. The vendor tells us that the bodywork is "good but has some slight blistering", the engine is "good" and the paintwork, transmission and interior are all "OK". In the current ownership for the last twelve years, the Jaguar is sold complete with lots of general history, bills and numerous old MOTs. The current certificate runs into June of this year.
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