When we think of collector cars, we tend to make a connection between vintage vehicles and value. I know I’m guilty of this; if a car doesn’t have potential to increase in value, even gradually, I may write it off. But really, we should look at the value of the vehicle as it relates to the driving experience it provides rather than its ability to pay you back. We might appreciate a wider range of vehicles with this perspective, such as this 1990 Jaguar XJS Convertible listed here on craigslist. It’s said to have been with the same family since 2005 and is offered for $15,000.
When we think about the landscape of luxury comfort cruisers in the early 90s, you still had a generous assortment to choose from. In addition to the Jaguar XJS, you could also waltz over to the BMW store and pick up an E24-chassis 6-Series, or shuffle down to the Mercedes-Benz dealer and buy a W126 coupe. The Jaguar was the only one of the three offered with a V12, however, good for 263 hp and 278 lb-ft of torque. This was paired with a 3-speed automatic GM transmission which did mute the experience a bit and certainly wasn’t prone to being rushed, but it still out-accelerated the BMW (which, it should be noted, could be ordered with a manual transmission).
However, the Jaguar oozed luxury in the classic British tradition, while the BMW and Mercedes both were staid and solemn in comparison. Thick carpets, extensive woodgrain trim, and of course, that massive hood hiding a V12 engine all combined to create a vehicle that had massive presence in traffic. It still does today, especially when you find one that’s clearly been looked after like this car. The interior is in remarkable shape for a convertible, and indicates to me that the most recent ownership has cared for it just as described in the listing. It also shows just under 60,000 original miles.
Over the years, different alloy wheel designs were offered on the XJS. I believe these flat-faced wheels came from a later, facelift model, offered as a standard equipment beginning in 1993. It’s not a bad thing, but I noticed it right away given this is an earlier car. People who follow a brand closely tend to rotate parts around that keep the vehicle as closely tethered to the OEM ecosystem as possible, so if the long-term owners were Jaguar enthusiasts, it’s not surprising that they opted to keep it within the corporate family. This looks like a well-loved West Coast cruiser, and worthy of the asking price if there are supporting maintenance records to go along with it. Thanks to Barn Finds reader Curvette for the find.
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