• Seller: David B rill (Contact)
• Location: West Hartford, Connecticut
• Mileage: 95,000 Shown
• Chassis #: SAJNV4840KC154278
• Title Status: Clean
• Engine: 5.3-Liter V12
• Transmission: Automatic

Jaguar released the XJ-S as its replacement for the venerable E-Type in 1975, although it is fair to say that the pair followed markedly different philosophies. It was no secret that the company viewed the E-Type as a hard-edged and affordable sports car that was capable of taking on the best that European manufacturers had to offer. However, the XJ-S was conceived as a genuine Grand Tourer that could cover vast distances while keeping its occupants comfortable and insulated from the outside world. This 1989 XJ-S is a Cabriolet that has had only four owners. It presents nicely, drives well, and has seen little use over the past seventeen years. Therefore, the current owner feels that it deserves a new home with somebody who can appreciate all that it offers, listing the Jag with us exclusively at Barn Finds with an asking price of $8,400.

Jaguar introduced the XJ-S to an eager public on 10th September, 1975, initially offering a Coupe version only. The semi-convertible XJ-SC joined the range in 1983, with the company turning to external supplier Hess & Eisenhardt in 1986 to produce a true Convertible. It brought this variant in-house in 1988, and the Cabriolet remained available until XJ-S production ended in 1996. The current owner confirms that this classic underwent a repaint in its original Glacier White at some point while in the care of a previous owner, and this gives cause for optimism. While the exact date is unknown, there is no doubt that the paint as we see it was applied over seventeen years ago. Therefore, if it has survived in such good condition, it indicates that the work was performed to a high standard. There is a pleasant shine, with no significant cosmetic defects beyond some minor abrasions on the rear rubber bumper. Rust is not a major issue, confined to a couple of bubbles on the right rear rocker and behind the wheel arch. They are tiny, meaning that tackling their repair would not be a major undertaking. The underside shows a few small areas of surface corrosion, but no evidence of existing or developing steel penetration. The contrasting Black power top is new, featuring a glass back window with a defogger. It fits as tight as a drum, operating as it should. The remaining glass is clear, and apart from a small hole in one taillight lens, the trim is in good order.

Although Jaguar produced an XJ-S with a six under the hood, most buyers preferred their Coventry Cat powered by the beautiful 5.3-liter V12. This car features that motor, teamed with a GM-sourced three-speed TH400 automatic transmission and power assistance for the steering and brakes. The V12 produces approximately 300hp and 300 ft/lbs of torque, and while the Cabriolet tips the scales at around 4,191 lbs, the engine ensures that these cars always provide excellent performance. To say that this Cabriolet has led a sheltered existence is an understatement. The odometer shows a genuine 95,392 miles, with only around 12,000 of those accumulated by its last two custodians in the past seventeen years. The previous owner ensured that the car was maintained appropriately, while the current one recently replaced every rubber fuel line in the engine bay. The car runs slightly rough on initial startup in cold weather, but soon settles into the smooth idle for which the V12 is renowned. The car runs and drives perfectly, with no mechanical issues or shortcomings.

The XJ-S features all of the touches you might expect from a vehicle of this type produced in the late 1980s. The buyer receives air conditioning, power windows, power mirrors, a leather-wrapped wheel, heated seats, beautiful walnut veneer, and acres of soft and supple leather. The owner confirms that the seats received new covers in the correct Charcoal leather under a year ago. The remaining upholstered surfaces are extremely nice, with only one small cut near the right rear window. There is minor cracking on a couple of timber pieces, but the rest of the interior looks exceptional for its age. The owner confirms that the A/C doesn’t blow cold, which is a mystery for the buyer to investigate. The oil pressure and temperature gauges are inoperative, and the headlamps recently stopped functioning. However, the owner is investigating these small issues and hopes to have them addressed before the Jag heads to its new home.

British Leyland was a bold experiment that failed to achieve the promise it seemed to show. Many marques went into one side of what became an automotive grinder, failing to emerge from the other. That Jaguar survived is a minor miracle, and many people believe that the XJ-S was the last true Jag. Ford became the company’s owner in 1989, continuing to produce the XJ-S until 1996. When it released the XK8 as its replacement, it marked the end of an era for a badge that had soldiered on bravely well beyond its expected model life. This 1989 XJ-S Cabriolet is a slice of British motoring history, offering a wonderful combination of excellent performance and occupant comfort. Adding to its appeal is the affordable price, making this Jag worth serious consideration if you’re searching for a classic to park in your garage that will make the most of the summer weather.