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.
Would be nice with a couple of pictures of the whole car instead of these jigsaw pictures. Looks like a nice car that has been taken care of would get a set of those sheep seat cover for the summer with those black seats.
I want a V12 Jaguar. I really do. I’m scared of V12 Jaguars too.
I’m scared one would exceed the amount of money I could afford to lose on an unnecessary purchase.
Exotic vehicles aren’t for the thin wallet, no automotive skills, can only afford one car crowd.
Walter, while these are exquisite cars, they do demand high maintenance. The engines themselves aren’t bad but all the controls around them usually cause the issues. Today, ideal examples have 20-40K miles and have been driven mildly every year. They also have exceptional receipts for maintenance for every year of their existance. If one doesn’t meet those criteria I’d look elsewhere.
If an unexpected $10K repair bill doesn’t cause you cardiac arrest, buy one. You may never spend that $10K but you will definitely spend a couple of grand each year.
For the record, BMW was also offering a V12 in their 750 and 850 models at that time. Mercedes followed starting in 1991. V12s are inherently smooth due to their perfect primary balance. And the Jag’s engine makes mechanical music to the ears. A lovely symphony not heard on less complicated engines.
These are strong runners, and the experience is truly enjoyable. It’s a shame these were detuned from their true potential, partly for fuel consumption, partly for emissions. The GM transmission was a big step in the right direction away from the previous BW, which put the slush in slushbox with a 20%+ friction loss and leisurely acceleration. The T700R4 is an excellent upgrade and improves cruise mileage to boot. The issues with the cars are in their age. Injectors fail, vacuum operated controls go south, the ignition electronics can defy diagnosis. Aging rubber hoses create issues that can lead the owner into replacing parts that aren’t really failing. But the owners network is strong and the potential issues well known. Additionally, replacement parts are often better made now than as -built. The one under bonnet phot shows a well maintained engine compartment and this bears further inquiry.
Jaguar was the largest bulider of V12 automotive engines world wide.
David E. Davis, the late editor of Car & Driver, famously said, “Every man should own a V12 car once.”
There’s a guy here in Roanoke who has about 10 of these
in various condition.I was shocked to see that many the first time
I drove down that street.
Here’s his most recent purchase.
Price lowered to $12,900.
That’s closer to what they might actually get.
As mentioned, the really expensive pitfall might be just around the corner, or never happen at all. Sometimes, a stylish ride like this can be deemed worth the risk.