This 1995 Jaguar XJS convertible represents the end of the line for the long-lived platform of beautiful, if not needy, Jaguar coupes. Though 1996 was the final year, marking a production run spanning just over two decades, this 1995 model still bears the visual clues of being a near-final model thanks to the cosmetic facelift they received after 1991. The seller claims this example has just 55,000 miles and has been in his family’s care for many years. Find it here on eBay where bidding is at $6,500 with no reserve.
I think almost every iteration of the XJS is pretty, but I really thought the facelifted models hit it out of the park. The bumpers were way more aerodynamic, cleverly masking how obtrusive the U.S.-required safety bumpers were on the earlier models. The tinted taillights certainly weren’t necessary, but they gave the Jaguar an extra dose of attitude to combat the stodgy image. The wheels weren’t to my liking but certainly were appropriate for the era, and a much more aggressive design than what had been the standard rolling stock to this point.
The interior didn’t change much over the years, with acres of wood trim and leather, just like modern Jaguars. The seller notes that the car remains highly original, with the factory radio and cassette with trunk-mounted CD changer still in place. The XJS even comes with its original car cover, keys and fobs, and the complimentary baseball cap the first owner was given. Inside the trunk is a built-in battery tender to keep the battery charged, almost as if Jaguar knew most owners would use the convertible as a fair-weather driver only. The top is said to work well.
The best part is, the seller claims it has been maintained by the original Jaguar dealer it was purchased at since new. To buy a vintage car of any make and model usually demands that some record-keeping accompany it, but a classic Jaguar XJS is the kind of car that makes it a requirement. Really, some of the bad reputation is due to the second or third owners not keeping up with the model’s maintenance needs, and buying one that’s clearly been loved since day one should result in a better ownership experience.
I think Weasel took his drivers test in one of these, but his was blue.
Your right, it was blue but it was a 1975 model (first year).
Really good looking car. (y)
Hard to beat the distinctive style of Jag convertible!
Most people will be scared off by the Jag reputation for being unreliable & expensive to maintain.
BUT since this one appears to have been meticulously dealer maintained PERHAPS some lucky buyer will snag it at a “Bargain” price??
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(Heck, I’m almost tempted to take a risk, buy it, drive it for a year or 2, then resell it for (hopefully) the price paid or more.)
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Anyone care to GUESS what the final bid will be??
6,500.
Might be a good buy as it’s been well-maintained and it sports the more reliable(?) inline 6 as opposed to the finicky V12. Can’t deny the overall condition is very good and the color combination is very attractive.
The little woman likes these Jags and it is technically a Ford product so I could still be considered brand loyal. Alas, with 2 vintage Fords, two Ford pickups and the wife’s Dodge Magnum (a German exotic?), the stable is full. Too bad, this lovely Jag is a temptation.
Yes, with the six this should be relatively straightforward to maintain.
I used to believe that Ford improved things when they acquired Jaguar, but have discovered the hard way that outside of manufacturing, they made things worse maintenance-wise by designing overly complex computer systems to control everything down to the turn signals. If the main computer in the instrument cluster fails on a Ford era Jag, you can’t start the car or even communicate to get OBDII codes to determine what is wrong. And like every other car manufacturer now, there is no parts support after ten years. So there are no new instrument clusters, body control modules or anything else. Be forewarned: Ironically, today likely the worst car to buy is one 15 years old (and especially a low volume exotic) regardless of mileage, because the computer systems just weren’t made robust enough compared to the mechanicals and you may end up owning a lovely looking pile of parts on four wheels.
I think you are mostly correct but I think this should be worse in that this is probably an OBD1 car as OBD 2’s did not come out until the next year.
Parts supply on these is not that great and I have had an issue with getting simple items like transmission lines and rear brakes. I ended up having the transmission lines made and after several attempts got the correct brake parts.
I like these, the engines and drivelines are stout, the interior is wonderful and they are great cruisers, but the electricals are scary. I am not afraid of the Can Bus system it is just these are difficult to diagnose and parts availability is dismal. I would like to rip out the factory ECU and replace it with something like the Infinity box which has a better open architecture for diagnostics, unfortunately this is not a cheap switch.
I’ve got a ’96 in the same color combination. In my 9 years and 20k miles of ownership, problems have been few. There is nothing better for a road trip !
My last XJS convertible was a ’94 V12. Loved every bit of it, sorry I sold it. This 95 Maroon convertible is a beauty, and currently only at $7100. The only negative (IMHO) is the 6cyl, would much rather have a 12.
My bidding finger is getting twitchy…….
i want now it for $ 5000 dollars