Disclosure: This site may receive compensation when you click on some links and make purchases.

No Reserve V12 Coupe: 1986 Jaguar XJS

Yes, there is no such thing as a cheap, old Jaguar. I get that. But if you just wanted to have an iconic V12 cruiser in your garage for not much scratch – and had the ability to wrench on it yourself – it’s definitely a cheap car to buy. The XJS presented here is listed with no reserve and bidding is quite low at the moment, and it’s understandable given the reputation these old Jaguars have for being absolute mechanical nightmares when neglected. Still, if buying a perfect one is outside of your budget, at least this example looks to be rust-free with a decent interior. Find the Jaguar here on eBay with bids to $1,250 at the moment.

The paint is obviously quite tired, but I find it slightly charming. I love the idea, actually, of driving a Jaguar like this with loads of patina, and I might even give a nod to the crowd that likes to clear-coat over this type of surface rust. The seller notes his brother bought the Jaguar as a project and that circumstances deem he let it go. No details about its history prior to the current owner are offered, but the seller does confirm my suspicions that there’s no rust to contend with and mileage of 72,000 is believed to be genuine. The chrome fender arch trim should definitely be removed by the next caretaker.

The interior is a bright spot, with blue leather holding up nicely and overall just looking like it needs a good detailing. Pictures reveal a very original cabin with a factory Jaguar headunit still installed, and wood trim that looks reasonably tidy. The backseat shows very little in the way of regular use, and given the condition of the paint, I’m mildly surprised to see the cabin isn’t completely scorched inside. I can’t tell from the pictures whether the dash is cracked, but I’d say there’s a good chance it is if this Jaguar has been sitting outside long enough for the paint to deteriorate to the level it has.

The engine bay looks complete and relatively un-messed with. The seller notes it will start and run by spraying starting fluid directly into the carburetors, and that his brother has purchased a new battery and fuel pump for it. Overall, it seems like a project car that didn’t get much attention before progress stalled, and while it is cheap, count on it needing lots of love before you’re driving it confidently down the road. Still, when it comes to vintage cars, starting with one that isn’t rusty is the smarter gameplan – ask me how I know (or don’t.) I’ll bet this one finds a new owner for less than $2K.

Comments

  1. Avatar Eric_13cars Member

    Carburetors? Isn’t this an FI model? My 90 is.

    Like 3
    • Avatar Dave Skinner

      Yes it is- The injector rails are visible in the engine photo.

      Like 3
  2. Avatar angryjonny

    The Jags of the 80s had an amazing ability to get the performance of a slant 6 out of a V12.

    Like 14
    • Avatar Pete

      With none of the reliability or dependability.

      Like 13
    • Avatar Husky

      Why not swap in a (Eight point Two liter) Cadillac 500″ engine and get some 190 healthy horse power :-)

      Else, perfect object for a 318 Poly Swap ;-)

      Like 3
      • Avatar Gaspumpchas

        Husky I was thinking the same thing, but to put all that effort into a POS like this for a sleeper, you could do something really cool. I could get my hands on a v8 Mercedes mill and tranny, and though hmmm that would be cool, then an estute friend reminded me that we have enough problems with old ford and chevy engines. Like Dirty Harry calahan said, ” a mans gotta know his limtiations. Good luck and stay safe!!
        Cheers
        GPC

        Like 1
  3. Avatar DualJetfire

    It’s a leper for a reason.

    Like 2
    • Avatar Matthew Gowdy

      Avoid at all cost! If you buy it you WILL be sorry.

      Like 0
  4. Avatar Gaspumpchas

    Brother gave it to his brother for a project. Family troubles. Interior looks good, the trouble is under the hood. Whoever ended up with this is in a world of misery. Somebody needs to take the hit and send it to the crusher. This pile of garbage was no good when it was new. My first car job was in a jag dealership, I was in Jr hi school. Learned early, and they just got more complicated. Just one ol grey hairs’ opinion and adventures. Stay safe.
    Cheers
    GPC

    Like 7
  5. Avatar Slantasaurus

    One day the Pope asked God what kind of car he drove. God replied “My favorite car is a Jaguar XJS but even I cant keep it running.”

    Like 5
  6. Avatar CJinSD

    LS engine and General Lee tribute paint job.

    Like 6
  7. Avatar Ward William

    At that price, drop in a LS3, leave the patina and drive the crap out of it.

    Like 0
  8. Avatar Tesla209

    Gentlemen. Please, I only had to remove anything that said “Lucas”, 6 Weber carbs, Mega Jolt Ignition. Oh, and replace the auto with a 5 speed. One of the best motors I have had!

    Like 2
  9. Avatar Eric_13cars Member

    I frankly don’t get all the negativity about the later Jag V-12 engines. The early 70’s 12s with the strombergs and poor head design were an issue, but the later injected versions with better heads are trouble-free in my experience. I have a 90 XJS droptop and the engine is great…very smooth application of power throughout the band, strong, fast, quiet. Yeah, there are electrical gremlins in other areas (power window switches, power top switch, power door locks, quarter window motors, cruise control), but the drive train is great with the GM automatic. It’s a great road car and at 90 or so feels like 50. When I bought it I had to rebuild the steering rack and power steering pump (and replaced the hoses for it) and when I did it I added neoprene bushings and have not had any issues since (shout out to Maval Mfg in Ohio who did the rebuilds and were great to deal with after I tried and failed). I love my car!

    Like 4
    • Avatar Fiete T.

      In spite of what Jag fan/apologists say, the best thing that happened to them is the late-’80’s purchase by Ford. When the Dearborn folks walked into the plant, they were like “What in the actual hell is this?” 1990 was the year the capital improvements Ford made started showing up in the product. Still not perfect, but they got worlds better. Yes, I actually own a ’90 Jag…it’s not as bad as legend would lead folks to believe

      Like 1
  10. Avatar G-Lo

    I would love to go full Icon Derelict on this-leave the exterior paint in this condition, take it down to the shell, restore the interior and do away with all of the original electricals, out in a 6 speed manual, add an LS-V12 out of Australia(600 jp or so), modern Wilwoods all around, have someone scale up the wheels and cut replicas to 17”. That would be a fun project.

    Like 1
  11. Avatar SebastianX1/9

    Its best to pretend Jaguar and Maserati ceased to exist between 1980-1999, and then reemerged in the 2000s with cars more in keeping with their 60s-70s.

    Like 1
  12. Avatar tompdx

    I’ve also had great luck with Jag V12s. I’ve owned a very early XJS and it was a great car. I did have to have the head rebuilt on one side after overheating, but a $300 machine shop bill and a bit of elbow grease later she was blasting down the AZ highways again. The engines are actually way overbuilt, and he mechanicals are all sound. It’s just the electrical connectors that require regular attention.

    Like 0
  13. Avatar Arthur Moody

    i have a 1986 with a lt1 engine and auto trans.runs great but the rest of the car
    is a pain in the butt. you better know how to work on cars.

    Like 0

Leave A Comment

RULES: No profanity, politics, or personal attacks.

Become a member to add images to your comments.

*

Get new comment updates via email. Or subscribe without commenting.