Jaguar released the XJS coupe in 1976 not as a direct replacement for the E-Type, which retired in 1974, but rather as an evolution of the breed. While the third series XKE wasn’t exactly the same sporting car that appeared in 1961, it retained much of the original’s character. The XJS, meanwhile, was a true grand tourer aimed more at comfort and cruising than spirited driving.
Whereas the E-Type was curvaceous and sinewy, the XJS used aggressive lines, with its most distinguishable feature being its flying buttresses trailing from the roof to the squared-off tail.
In a sense, the XJS took inspiration from Mercedes-Benz’s 2+2 GT, the 450SLC, a boulevardier capable of comfortably eating up the miles. To that end, the XJS was fitted with Bosch-Lucas fuel injection, a three-speed Borg-Warner automatic transmission, air conditioning, power steering and brakes, and leather upholstery. The Jag used the same 5.3-lite V-12 engine found in the final iteration of the XKE to hit a top speed of around 150 mph.
Through the years, the color range was expanded and an H.E (high efficiency) engine was added in 1982, but sales remained between 3,500 and 5,000 cars a year. When the XJS was discontinued in 1996, it was the longest-running Jaguar model ever, at 20 years.
Thanks to the production numbers, the XJS is still abundant today. The V-12 engine is comparatively difficult to work on, and underhood temperatures are a common issue that impact everything from hose and wiring longevity, to slipping valve seats, to over-pressurized fuel hoses.
Nevertheless, there’s considerable cachet to the V-12, which is silky smooth and almost silent at its best. Fuel economy should not be a concern of yours if you are seeking one out, and the wisdom of buying the best you can was never truer than when it was applied to the XJS. Luckily, even very low mileage examples can still be affordably found.
This example is an US import with a fully documented history and the 266 PS V12 engine.
Production date | 04/1986 |
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Body Type | Coupe |
Engine | 5.343 ccm, 266 PS V12 |
transmission | Automatic |
Steering | Left Hand Drive |
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Layout | Rear Wheel Drive |
Color - exterior | Red |
Color - interior | Beige |
Miles/Kilometers shown | 51.950 mls |
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Chassis / VIN | SAJNV5842GC132019 |
Location - Country | Czech Rep. |
Location - City | Pisek |
• 2-door coupe body type; • RWD (rear-wheel drive), automatic 3-speed gearbox; • gasoline (petrol) engine with displacement: 5343 cm3 / 326 cui, advertised power: 195.5 kW / 262 hp / 266 PS ( SAE net ), torque: 393 Nm; • characteristic dimensions: outside length: 4869 mm, width: 1793 mm, wheelbase: 2591 mm; • reference weights: base curb weight: 1805 kg; • top speed: 238 km/h (148 mph); • accelerations: 0-60 mph 7.6 s; 0-100 km/h 8.5 s
Mlada Boleslav, Czechia
Jablonec nad Nisou, Czechia
Jablonec nad Nisou, Czechia
Prague, Czechia
Prague, Czechia
Pisek, Czechia