As an unabashed Jaguar XJS fan, I was pleased when fellow Barn Finds writer Scotty G. alerted me to this gorgeous find submitted by reader Pat L. Not only does this XJS appear to be in beautiful shape, it features a rare TWR (Tom Walkinshaw Racing) body kit. Very 80s and ready for Radwood today! The XJS is advertised here on craigslist for $14,000 and is located in Long Island, New York.

While the XJS disappointed many marque purists who were expecting an E-Type replacement, when it’s considered on its own basis it was an extremely successful grand touring car. This car is a particularly nice one that has obviously lived a carefully garaged life for its 70,000 claimed miles. The paint is shiny and presumably original, and the painted “mesh” wheels are factory. I owned a cosmetically similar Lister XJS and I can attest from personal experience that few cars turn more heads. You either love or hate the styling, but you certainly notice it, especially in this color.

The TWR fiberglass all appears to be undamaged, including the rear spoiler with the hole for the electric aerial. You can easily reach speeds in an XJS where the aerodynamics actually matter — not that I would admit to having done that, of course! I will say that these comfortable coupes (do not make the mistake of thinking those rear seats are anything but an upholstered shelf) come into their own at triple-digit speeds.

Jaguar wanted everyone to know that there were twelve cylinders up front. After living under the hood of two XJSs long enough that I should know better, I still maintain that the 5.3 liter V-12 is the smoothest engine I’ve ever personally driven, and one of the best. It’s just that everything attached to that engine seems to be built, well, to a price. And there’s a lot of those things. All of which can fail. Expensively. Sigh.

Moving on to one of the best parts of an XJS — the interior. Although very period in design, just like the exterior, the inside of an XJS really makes the occupants (two only, remember) feel as if they are in a much more expensive car. The twin ashtrays in the center console can now be replaced with cup holders if desired. The walnut veneer in this car appears to be in spectacular condition. The only thing that lets this car down is the poorly repaired headliner. It’s not as bad a job as you think to replace, however, I did that in my first XJS for less than $20 and an afternoon’s work. Hint: good quality felt is very, similar to the XJS headliner material and sticks well with contact adhesive.

The appearance under here doesn’t quite match the rest of the car, but I don’t see anything that worries me. Scratch that, I see everything that worries me. I liken my former XJS ownership to my racing cars; periods of agony working on it that yield ecstatic moments of driving pleasure. Are you up for an engrossing ownership experience? If so, this XJS appears to be one of the best available!