The Jaguar XJ-S (later called XJS) is a luxury grand tourer manufactured and marketed by British car manufacturer Jaguar Cars from 1975 to 1996, in coup, fixed-profile and full convertible bodystyles. There were three distinct iterations, with a final production total of 115,413 units over 20 years and seven months.
Originally developed using the platform of the then-current XJ saloon, the XJ-S was noted for its prominent rear buttresses. The early styling was partially by Jaguar's aerodynamicist Malcolm Sayer-one of the first designers to apply advanced aero principles to cars-however Sayer died in 1970, before the design was finalized.
From July 1981, the XJ-S was renamed the XJ-S HE and received the new High-Efficiency V12 engine for much better fuel economy. With the Fire Ball combustion chamber designed by Swiss Engineer Michael May, power output was increased as a by-product to 295 hp or 263 hp in North America. At the same time, the XJ-S HE received changes to its exterior and interior (body-coloured boot trim in place of the standard previous black, new five-spoke (starfish) alloy wheels fitted with 215/70R15 Pirelli Cinturato P5, chrome inserts on the upper part of the bumpers, burled elm inserts on dashboard and door cappings).
This very nice example is the first 5 Speed Manual equipped car I have ever seen-I am unsure how many were produced with the manual gearbox, but it has to be a very small number. The car presents very well from 5 feet- it has a few minor flaws in the paint- a few chips and a ding or 2- pictured- that are only visible upon very close inspection. The interior is quite nice overall with only some cracking but no rips or tears in the upholstery-which I believe could be redyed to eliminate. The Wood dash is in Excellent condition with no real cracking in the finish noted, and the brightwork is in excellent condition as well. The car has been in the current owner's care for a few years and was professionally serviced and recommissioned for this sale- The windows and Top- which is in very good to excellent condition-work perfectly and all the gauges give accurate readings as well. The wheels are in very nice condition with no curb rash, and the tires are relatively new.
The car presents very well, and really needs nothing to be immediately enjoyed. The car is complete with its top boot, books, tools and a decent folder of Service Records.
This is a great opportunity to get a Very Nice Jaguar XJS with a fun and excitement of the Manual Gearbox- not something you find everyday.