- Seller: Christopher K
- Location: Caspar, California
- Mileage: 114,386 Shown
- Chassis #: SAJNW4842LC166786
- Title Status: Lien
- Engine: 5.7-Liter V12
- Transmission: Automatic
Topping the E-Type was no small task, so when Jaguar introduced its replacement, the XJS, they decided to move away from the flowing curves and go for something with angular and aggressive lines. It was a dramatic visual and performance departure, but it was a new automotive era, and buyer demand had shifted toward GT cars. The car was a success with a 21-year production run and over 100k examples built. The XJS seen here is a project that needs finishing but is nearly there. Unfortunately, health issues are keeping the seller from completing it. It’s a two-owner V12 Convertible with a lot going for it. If you’d love to finish this project, make the seller an offer today!
While they are very different cars, a few parts, including the V12, made it from the E-Type to the XJS. Initially, production was limited to the coupe, but eventually, Jaguar introduced the convertible. The design worked well as a convertible and was quite popular, even with a price tag starting at $57,000. Coupes are a blast to drive, but there’s just something special about cruising in a V12-powered convertible.
The interior of this example is original and in usable condition but will need some sorting. It features leather seats with minor wear but are in decent shape considering the car’s age and mileage. A few of the pieces of walnut trim will need replacement or refurbishment. As these have gained more interest, parts supply has significantly improved. It won’t take much to make this one’s interior perfect, but being able to get parts to keep it in top shape makes daily driving less nerve-wracking.
The 5.3-liter V12 is a replacement engine pulled from a car with just 35,000 miles. It’s installed but will need to be buttoned up. Assuming it’s from a 1990, it should be good for 262 horsepower and 278 ft-lbs or torque. At least here in the US, all XJSs were equipped with a 3-speed automatic. The seller has records and manuals for the car, which are included. The seller has just completed all the paperwork to release the lien, so all that remains for a new title will be a Smog test and certification!
It can seem intimidating to work on Jaguar’s V12 engines, but they are well-documented. Getting it running will take some time and patience. Once it’s back on the road, though, it will be a blast to drive! Worst case, you can always swap the engine for a small block V8. So, if you’d love to give this Jag a good home, be sure to contact the seller with your best offer.
Nightmare under that bonnet. You could get a very reliable six cylinder and a stick in these, probably the best set up. The V12s purred like kittens, but rarely stayed that way.
SBC? But, but, it’s a V12! I don’t have any experience with these so I don’t know what sorting out one entails, but I would keep it the way it is. The only way it would be better is if it had a stick instead of the auto. Why is there a lien on the title?
This is a $500 parts car with zero demand for the parts.
It’s obvious many posts here are from folks never owning one of these jewels. I’ve had several XJS’s mostly from ’86 to ’94. While the ‘nightmare under the bonnet’ appears intimidating, in fact sorting it out is much easier than imagined. Here’s a pic of my ’94. Yes, early carbureted V-12 were cantankerous, although the subsequent fuel injected models were mostly trouble-free. The biggest impediment to the V-12’s success and longevity was the poor periodic maintenance by their owners. My finger’s a-twitching on this car, wish it wasn’t 5k miles away!
Spot on JimZ. I checked on what shipping would cost to North Carolina and it ranged from $1500 to $3000, with the upper end being an enclosed trailer. The pictures show some of the windows open and it may be that they are part of the problems for this car. With the asking price of $3500, it makes no sense to even make a $500 offer and add shipping plus BF’s $500 buyer’s fee.
If this was with in days drive for me, hook up trailer, would give $3k , cash, couch money, I can sell the the Dash and Door cards for $ 600.00 to someone who wants, easy parts money if don’t fix, clean, California parts sell. You have to know your market, most people don’t know and can’t fix, good for prices.
That actually sounds pretty smart, maybe someone will do that.
All the negative comments above….if you’ve never owned one, then you’re ineligible to comment. The V12 is a practically bulletproof engine. With proper maintenance (no more than any other basic car, unlike the exotics), this is a great engine. In this particular case, the wiring harness needs sorting and all you need is a picture from an original such as mine. The interior is in pretty good condition. When they replaced the engine, they didn’t replace the upper grill, and it looks like the lower grill and under plate is missing as well. Curious as to why the boot is propped open. Also it’s not a good idea to leave the radiator cap off and let junk get in. These do have issues with the quarter windows and the computer for the top. I don’t consider it to be a good design (although others do). In fact, I rewired both the top and the quarter windows to cut out the computer. I have separate controls for each quarter window and eliminated the relays involved. I used the relays for the top though. Other electrical gremlins can be the Delanair A/C system as it’s pretty complicated. Another thing is the Teves III ABS system. I’d replace the accumulator immediately as they lose something like 5% of their nitrogen charge per year (at least that’s what I’ve heard). I have 77K on mine and just replaced it after a total brake failure. Also, it would be will-advised to replace all of the fuel injection hoses. They dry out and can leak. There have been a few total losses from engine fires due to this issue. I’m about to do mine prophalactically since they’re not leaking….yet.
If this was near me, I’d be over there in a hurry. Shipping it from California to North Carolina is a problem, especially without a proper title. NC is a bear for getting titles if you don’t have one. I’d still be really interested if the price was a lot better, and it should be. I paid only $4K for mine with 70K miles and it didn’t need any sorting to put it on the road. Yeah, I’ve done things to it myself, but those are mostly maintenance items. It’s a hoot to drive both with the top down and up. At 90mph it feels like 60…so smooth. Never fail to get compliments on my BRG with tan top. The GM transmission is also bulletproof..
You just described why most people avoid these Jag’s like the plauge.
The major flaw of these is the wiring harness for the fuel injection. It is located in the heart of the V, between the inlet manifolds. The wire is PVC insulated, good for 80 degC max. The thermostat is 95 degC! The engine normal operating temperature exceeds the rating of the wire. The harness on mine broke like dried spaghetti when i removed it. I replaced the wire with XLPE insulation, good to 125 degC. I also routed the wire along the fuel rail (cooler running, not cool looking). Parts are not hard to get. There is a fantastic book available for free from Jaglovers.org that provides over 700 pages of information on the XJS. Good hobby car.
The V12 is a reliable engine. I would never swap it with a V8. I think this car is really worth saving. The only problem with the engine is when it sits for too long. It needs exercise.
Well said, Andreas!
The Cat does like to stretch their legs!
BTW, in the XJS community, the butchers that replace their V12 with a SBC are known as “Lumpers”.
The idea of merrily “dropping a small block V8” under the hood in California is a pipe dream. It would take an act of Congress to get that approved and smogged. California doesn’t like engine swaps.
I don’t know, Greg. There are an awful lot of custom cars in SoCal that seem to be licensed and driving. I get that the emission tests are rigorous, but that hasn’t seemed to stop folks out there.
I looked into it. The swapped car has to meet emission standards for the original year of the car, or be better. A modern crate engine (or an engine out of a newer Camaro) can do that, it you swap in the modern engine control systems. All that is required is time and money.