When Jaguar planned the replacement for its iconic E-Type, the vision was to recapture the model’s hard-edged sports car glory days. However, with the E-Type developing into a competent and comfortable Grand Tourer, the company elected to continue the tradition in a vehicle encompassing luxury and performance. This 1986 XJ-S HE is one of three Jaguars in a collection of barn finds listed by this seller, and it shows promise as a potential DIY project. It appears solid and complete, with enough options to make life pretty pleasant. It is listed exclusively here at Barn Finds Auctions.
The seller knows little about this XJ-S, as it is a project car that belonged to her late husband. However, there is much we can learn from the supplied photos. Its exterior wears Sebring Red paint which appears to hold a good shine beneath the layer of dust. The longer I look at the pictures, the more I want to break out the bucket and sponge and wash it. The panels are straight, featuring tight gaps and no evidence of rust. Someone has fitted what appears to be a Lister body kit that includes a deep front spoiler, side skirts, a rear spoiler on the trunk lid, a rear diffuser below the bumper, and rear fender flares. Removing those items would not be difficult, but they give this XJ-S a sense of purpose. Some chrome items would benefit from a trip to the platers, although others might be fine with a polish. The glass looks good, and this car benefits from a factory sunroof.
This Jaguar’s interior is serviceable for a driver-quality classic, and lifting it to a higher level would not be difficult. The leather seat upholstery is crying out for a dose of conditioner, while the remaining upholstered surfaces require cleaning. The dash pad hasn’t succumbed to UV damage, but the clear coat is peeling away from the walnut trim. The headliner is sagging in places, but the buyer might be able to glue this without resorting to replacement. Overall, a deep clean would be a great starting point before compiling a shopping list for the interior. Demonstrating its luxury leaning, the interior features climate-control air conditioning, power windows, cruise control, a rear defroster, and a Clarion AM/FM radio/cassette player.
The seller supplies no engine photos, but it is safe to assume this classic hasn’t undergone any drivetrain upgrades. It rolled off the line powered by a 5.3-liter V12 that sent 262hp to the rear wheels via a three-speed automatic transmission. Unsurprisingly, power assistance for the steering and brakes was standard fare. Although it had strong luxury leanings and weighed 3,979 lbs, this XJ-S should cover the ¼ mile in 16.1 seconds before winding its way to 148mph if returned to a mechanically healthy state. The V12 is a complicated engine, but modern maintenance methods and parts can make them exceptionally reliable. Therefore, if the buyer can successfully revive it, this Jag could provide years of driving enjoyment.
The 1986 Jaguar XJ-S is one of the genuine surprise packets of the current classic market. While a significant percentage of enthusiasts focused on many versions of the E-Type, the poor old XJ-S was not only ignored but lampooned mercilessly. All good things come to those who wait, and now seems the time for this Jag to shine. Values have recently climbed far beyond the market average, and sale prices above $30,000 are not unprecedented. This car needs work to reach that level, but the potential is there for it to achieve it. That makes it a project car worth a closer look.
- Location: Elkins, West Virginia
- Mileage: 71,342 Shown, TMU
- Engine: 5.3-liter V12
- Transmission: Automatic
- VIN: SAJNV5846GC126062
- Title Status: Clean
Bid On This Auction
- Repairtech0 bid $2,100.00 2023-02-15 08:59:36
- Crazy bid $1,900.00 2023-02-15 08:50:41
- Fuhrman16 bid $1,800.00 2023-02-15 08:49:26
- Crazy bid $1,700.00 2023-02-15 08:39:00
- Fuhrman16 bid $1,600.00 2023-02-15 08:34:43
- Crazy bid $1,500.00 2023-02-15 08:13:16
- Fuhrman16 bid $1,400.00 2023-02-15 08:03:29
- Crazy bid $1,300.00 2023-02-15 04:10:25
- Fuhrman16 bid $1,200.00 2023-02-15 04:08:50
- Crazy bid $1,100.00 2023-02-14 20:59:21
- Fuhrman16 bid $1,000.00 2023-02-14 20:25:08
- Crazy bid $900.00 2023-02-13 16:08:47
- Repairtech0 bid $800.00 2023-02-13 11:00:18
- Crazy bid $700.00 2023-02-13 03:44:52
- Repairtech0 bid $600.00 2023-02-10 19:31:25
- Crazy bid $500.00 2023-02-08 12:40:03
- jocky1 bid $350.00 2023-02-08 12:24:52
papalou67 bid $250.00 2023-02-07 16:44:41- Gary b. bid $150.00 2023-02-07 14:15:18
Already have 4 XJS’s, so my wife wouldn’t understand I think..
In an XJS a sunroof is not a great thing IMO, as it takes away some of the already not so great headroom.
I looking for one basket weave wheel. I have three. Anyone have one?
Had a red 90 XJS Rag Top with 32k miles. Pristine condition. The UK electrical system (and it’s not simple) was probably the most fickle thing about the car. Google enough wiring diagrams and arm yourself with Kirby Palms XJS Help Book and these vehicles can be easily tamed. Not sure the Jaguar folks quite had the hang of making plastic for interior & etc. because it seemed to perish pretty easily. Very good looking cars!
Most unreliable mechanical device I ever owned. Local dealer (Imperial Motors) wouldn’t honor warranty claims. Unbelievably complicated and expensive to repair. Looked good parked in the garage.
A longtime friend of mine had 2 “12”s. One to drive and one for spare parts. Eventually he replaced the v12 with a 350 Chevy engine using a conversion kit from JTR in Texas. “Jags That Run”
Then it was fun!
Hey John-
Jag lovers call swapping out the V12 for a SBC “lumping”, not sure where that term came from.
I’ve passed on many a purchase opportunity where the bodies show original and pristine, but then open the hood and…ugghhh!
I’ve owner many of these XJ-S automobiles, so I’m sorta a quasi authority on them. First off, you will want to be fairly adept at turning wrenches, as paying someone to do even simply maintenance can be well, expensive. Properly tuned, the V12 is a wondrously smooth machine. I changed a few things on my ’86 which was my first in a long line of XJ-S’s. Like the center console that utilized cupholders instead of ashtrays. Changed the anemic rear-end to a mid-70’s with a much lower ratio. Modified the belt system removing unneeded appliances like air pump. Moved the alternator to an up-top position to get it out of the road grime. Added a rear sway bar which eliminated body roll and gave incredible stiffness in high speed turns. They actually put the mounts on the rear deck for the sway bar bushings! And a whole host of other refinements. I’m happy to chat with whoever gets this beauty!
I rescued a 87 Lister North America XJ-SC a couple of months ago. Cleaning up what I can do first….or attempt to do….before taking it to my V12 specialist here in Charlotte. NC LOVE LOVE LOVE the look of my car with Lister body kit and 16″ Lister wheels. And yes….mine was converted when new to the 5 Spd Manual V12. Wish I lived closer so I could have a mentor as I learn to tackle this beast and to what angles I need to maneuver my arms to reach all the hoses. :)
Do’t mean to be a party pooper, but I’ve had a 78, 84 and currently have a 95. I agree that familiarity with spanners and ratchets will be a must unless the buyer has deep pockets. I bought my 84 in about the same shape as this about 5 years ago. It had been sitting for several years and required a complete brake rebuild, about 2 weeks of Marvel Mystery oil in the cylinders before I turned it over (it was a ran when parked), replacing every belt and hose as well as a complete cleanout of the tank for old gas and rust where it was parked with about a 1/2 tank in it and cleaning of the injectors. The interior was nice. It took 3 treatments with Connolly Hide food before the leather was happy.
I paid $700 for it.
I had about an additional grand in it by the time I sold it (that did include a new set of tires) and even then it took about 3 weeks to finally get $3,500 for it. I do believe your $30k+ number is a bit of a dream. Most of the 80’s S’s I’ve seen sell were in the $8,000 to$13,000 range. There were exceptions (there are always exceptions) like a Rouge or super low mileage (which is funny because low miles just means your going to have more problems to deal with) but if this gets anywhere near $1,500 I’ll be pleasantly surprised.
Surprised?
I have owned 4. Now own 2. Not for the fant of heart mechanically. I love the body lines, someone has to be me! Wheels Omaley
Wheels, you got me by one!
I loved my Jags and the admiration they garnered.
Here’s a pic of my last 3 rag tops!
On my XJS 1989, I replaced the distributor with two 6 cylinder crank sensor ignition systems and installed 6 dual throat webbers. Removing all Lukas makes it awesome. I replaced the body with a Devin Special. I like it a lot!
Those are great mods if you want to keep and drive the car. And getting rid of Lucas Prince of Darkness electrics of any type helps reliability.
I’m a long term owner and have 4 of these. The vac retard systems can be a challenge, along with Lucas electrical. Most unmolested XJ-S cars are fairly reliable and is common to see cars with 150-200k miles on them. The suspensions can be expensive and difficult for repairs. Probably one of the most under rated GT cars ever made.
Sorry to utter those despised two words that the purists hate but at that price (anything less than a grand) with an engine that no doubt needs your bank manager’s approval to repair and maintain, all I can say is: ‘LS swap’ and daily drive the sucker.
William-
With all due respect, your comment indicates you’ve not been privileged to own and/or drive one of these beauties. Lumping a Jag with a V8 is not without pain, including radiator, electrical, and torque converter changes. Even though they use a THM400, sometimes even the bell housing requires change.
Jim. I’ve driven jags but no not the v12 and I grew up with British cars and their odd quirks. My comment has nothing to do with how they drive. To me, it all comes down to what you want, a faithfully restored vehicle that is a weekend fine weather only driver, and that due to its age, will have maintenance issues due to infrequent use, or something that shows its age but goes like stink and is reliable as a DD. The LS swap is very common for the XJS, not at all rocket science and I have no doubt that adapter plates are available but I would actually change the gearbox as well. It just comes down to taste, desired use and budget Jim. If it were a more preserved specimen, I would agree with you but you could drop a used LS drivetrain in this and be driving it every day for $5k.