Rare 5-Speed: 1985 Jaguar XJS

Although most people associate the Jaguar XJS with its V12 engine, the company introduced a six-cylinder version in 1983. The seller believes this 1985 example is 1-of-24 such vehicles imported into North America during the 1980s. It presents extremely well and is a rock-solid, turnkey classic with 34,500 miles on the clock, awaiting a new home. The seller has listed the Jag here on Facebook Marketplace in Vancouver, Washington, for $16,000.

Jaguar introduced the XJS in 1975 as its replacement for the iconic E-Type. The original plan called for an eight-year production run, but a combination of circumstances led to the last cars leaving the Coventry line in 1996. The company didn’t stand still, performing ongoing updates on a fairly limited budget to refresh and modernize its aging design. Our featured Jag emerged in 1985, and a quick glance at the narrow bumpers and the headlights confirms it is a Euro-Spec classic. It is unclear when it arrived in North America, but it was never adapted to comply with domestic safety requirements. That’s great news, because the local bumpers and headlights gave the otherwise elegant XJS a more cumbersome appearance. The seller confirms it recently visited a Paintless Dent Removal company, which ironed out any minor bumps and bruises. The car retains almost all of its original Opalescent Maroon paint, with evidence of only a minor touch-up on one rear quarter panel. The seller can find no signs of previous accident damage, and since the Jag spent most of its life in California, its rust-free status is unsurprising. One headlight lens is cracked, but that is the only genuine fault facing the new owner.

Lifting the hood reveals where this XJS shines. Most of these classics rolled off the line with a V12, but Jaguar introduced the 3.6-liter DOHC six in 1983. It added an automatic transmission in 1987, but this car features the desirable Getrag 265 five-speed manual to maximize the car’s performance. The motor isn’t an automotive lightweight, producing a factory-claimed 225hp and 240 ft/lbs of torque. Those figures fall short of those produced by the V12, but Jaguar quoted a 0-60 mph time of 7.6 seconds and a top speed of 145mph. The seller says this survivor has a genuine 34,500 miles on the clock and has covered only 1,200 miles since they replaced the clutch, machined the flywheel, fitted new plugs, plug wires, and tires, and changed the fluids. They say it starts easily when hot and cold and runs and drives extremely well. The only identified shortcoming is the front engine mounts, which may need replacing. It appears that flying in and driving home is a viable option for its next owner.

The seller’s single interior image tells us little about the overall condition. However, it confirms that the car features a Nardi timber wheel, a modern CD stereo, air conditioning, power windows, and cruise control. The upholstered surfaces feature Tan leather, but its condition is unknown. However, the dash looks excellent, the Walnut trim hasn’t deteriorated, and there is no evidence of cracked or broken plastic. The seller admits some rubber seals have dried out, and the headlight dimmer needs replacement. Otherwise, everything appears to work as it should.

It would be easy to dismiss this 1985 Jaguar XJS purely because it doesn’t feature a V12 under the hood. However, that could be a mistake. The manual transmission offers an engaging driving experience, and its lower curb weight and lighter motor over the front axle make it handle better than its more powerful sibling. Recent mechanical work ensures it is ready to go the moment the buyer hands over their cash.  Therefore, if you crave a rare British classic that combines luxury with enjoyment, this XJS is worth a closer look. The seller claims that this may even be the car in the polo scene of Pretty Woman!