WITHDRAWN We regret to inform you that this Lot has now bee...

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We regret to inform you that this Lot has now been withdrawn from sale. 

1979 JAGUAR XJ-S COUPE

Registration Number: AFV 810V
Chassis Number: JNAEW3AC103654

Introduced by Jaguar on September 10, 1975, at the Frankfurt Motor Show and put into production the following year, the XJ-S carried on the legacy of the E-Type with its V12 engine. The new coupé was produced in three series until 1996, the last of which lost the hyphen in its name and became simply the XJS. From the E-Type, it inherited the 5.3-litre 12-cylinder engine but fitted with a new innovative Bosch D-Jetronic electronic injection system, developed by Jaguar’s own engineers. The bodywork, elegant and rich in heritage compared to Jaguars of the recent past, is based on a platform derived from that of the company's flagship XJ, making the XJ-S more suited to long, fast journeys than to purely sporting driving. Performance, on the other hand, is excellent, with a 0-100 km/h sprint in less than seven seconds and a top speed of 245 km/h - a remarkable figure for a kerb weight of 1,675kg.

The XJS has 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 a three-speed automatic, but all XJSs were automatic from 1978. 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. 

Offered from a sizeable classic car collection, we understand this 1979 XJ-S has been subject to much restoration work over the last 15 or so years. In previous ownership from 2006, the Jaguar was acquired from the deceased estate, showing 43,843 miles recorded, and sympathetically restored over a six year period. The coachwork was refinished in Sebring Red, as original, but the factory-supplied black vinyl roof remained in situ. The interior is believed to be original, and does indeed display a very nice patina.  

Changing hands a few years later, we understand in around 2018 further mechanical works were undertaken, including servicing, the fitting of new brake discs and pads, refurbishment of the Kent alloy wheels, fitting of new Pirelli tyres, a replacement heater matrix, radiator and oil cooler and the fitting of a stainless steel exhaust, amongst other items. 

The XJ-S subsequently starred on Jaguar’s stand at the London Classic Car Show in 2017, and was featured in Classic Cars Magazine in 2018.

Acquired by our current owner at auction later in 2018, the Jaguar has been stored for the last few years and no doubt will benefit from some recommissioning works.  

Now showing just over 50,000 miles, and fitted with its original period Jaguar radio-cassette, this stylish XJ-S is offered with a current V5C document.