1988 Jaguar XJS 3.6

The Jaguar XJS design (codenamed XJ27) started around 1965 with the first production car being sold in 1975. It was primarily designed by Malcolm Sayer with input and control from Sir William Lyons. Although the public assumed the Jaguar XJS was a successor to the very popular E-Type it was in fact intended to be very different. It would be comfortable and luxurious – less a sports car than a sports tourer. This allowed it to use the same suspension layout as the recently introduced and supremely cosseting Jaguar XJ6. Externally the Jaguar XJS is most noticeable for its ‘flying buttresses’; sweeping from the top of the rear roofline down to the rear of the wings. Some criticize this feature but this was a common design for sports cars of the period such as Maserati and Ferrari. It also gave the quite large Jaguar XJS an excellent drag coefficient. Better than the E Type and allowing the XJS easily to attain over 150mph.The Jaguar XJ-S (later XJS), a luxury grand tourer, was produced by the British manufacturer from 1975 to 1996. The XJ-S superseded the (also known as XK-E) in September 1975, and was based on the. Although it never had quite the same sporting image, the XJ-S was a competent grand tourer, and more aerodynamic than the E-Type. In 1983 Jaguar introduced a completely new 3.6 litre straight 6 engine with 4 valves per cylinder. The six-cylinder cars can be identified by a slightly raised "power bulge", running along the longitudinal centre section of the bonnet. Between 1983 and 1987 the six-cylinder-engined cars were only available with a five-speed manual transmission (Getrag 265), with a four-speed automatic (ZF 4HP22) offered from 1987 onwards. Almost every Jaguar has been a break through in design or performance, or both, and this high performance luxury car has earned its heritage - what we have here is a guaranteed upcoming classic. The best investment strategy is purchasing the ‘right’ brand of classic car, as only certain quality brands will hold value, including Ferrari, Lamborghini, Aston Martin, and, of course, Jaguar. Cars from the 1970s to 1990s are beginning to be seen as ‘young’ or ‘modern’ classics, ideal for long-term investment. According to current market trends, prices are set to rise considerably. The XJS, created in 1976 in the shadow of the E-type, quickly won over enthusiasts and achieved a long production run, appearing in numerous TV shows over the years, including The Saint. The car’s instantly recognisable lines have cemented its iconic status and ensured lasting appeal. As well as the beauty, driving experience and nostalgia-factor of the XJS, the potential for returns on investment has also been widely documented. Many are now starting to recognise the significance of the XJS…which can only mean good things for value growth in the long term. The vehicle on offer here was supplied new via Meade Jaguar of Bolton and currently displays just circa 19.5K miles. This car is a time warp concourse example. Finished in Arctic Blue with brown carpets, beige leather upholstery and light tan wood trim. She is supplied with her original handbook and service booklet. Our learned vendor spotted this vehicle whilst in the UK at the Bonhams Oxford Auction on the 15th of June 2013 and was unable to resist the quality of this super low mileage quintessential 80’s classic.