The appeal of finding a manual transmission in a car where it absolutely does not belong is hard to put into words. A luxo-barge, a commercial-grade truck, a forklift – whatever it is, if it should’t have three pedals but does, I’m probably going to love it. And while there’s no end to the list of vehicles you could improvise a manual conversion on, finding a model that a couple of silly engineers at the factory managed to sneak a stick into is inherently more satisfying. The 1994 Jaguar XJS shown here here on Facebook Marketplace is a rare factory 5-speed model and offered in perhaps the best color combination of all.
Now, this is an extremely rare bird. The 4.0L inline-six engine in a late production model like this has the AJ16 mill, which was good for a healthy 238 b.h.p. This engine, when paired with the manual gearbox, makes for a lively and sporting combination. One of the biggest drawbacks to a Jaguar XJS has to do with the lethargic 3-speed automatic transmission that was installed, and often severely mutes any sense of sporting intentions. With three pedals, some of that lethargy melts away, and the big cat becomes a genuine backroads bruiser. Some enthusiasts even go so far as to claim the I6 and 5-speed combo is a far better car than any 12-cylinder example can hope to be.
Production numbers are scarce, but I’ve found a few references that seem to be on the up-and-up referencing a grand total of just 19 1994 MY coupes sent to the states with three pedals – yes, just 19 – which has to make a car like this among the rarest of all XJSs made. The seller doesn’t spend too much time waxing poetic about the rarity of his car, likely because he knows it will sell without a whole lot of tire kicking. It’s also likely why he has listed it with no price, because again, rarity is a major factor here in giving the seller fairly firm ground to stand on when it comes to setting a price. The interior is in great shape just like the outside, and while mileage is on the high side at 114,000, this durable powerplant should be only lightly broken in by this juncture.
Jaguar is oftentimes synonymous with producing V12 engines, but it also makes a very durable I6. The AJ6 and AJ16 generations of the inline six found in the XJS were known to be overbuilt and some owners have reported reaching upwards of 300,000 and 400,000 miles without too much heartburn. Maintenance costs shouldn’t be too egregious, either, if you buy an example like this that appears to have been looked after. While the price is anyone’s guess, what do you think is a fair number for a one-of-19 Jaguar like this 5-speed equipped XJS?
Classic Green and Tan leather, and a five speed? I know what I would pay, 5 grand, because it’s a thirty year old car with 100, 000 miles. But I’m a cheap skate. Actually the nation average for a Jaguar XJS coupe is a little over six thousand, but that’s discounting the rare drive train, but, if no one wants to drive a stick these days it’s moot.
A 30 year old British car!
Id gladly pay a premium for a stickshift but i dont deal with people that don’t list a price. I assume they’re insufferable and I don’t want to deal with them. It’s just about the most important piece of information you want on an ad so if they won’t write what they want then I won’t call and ask! Rant over…
Its the only way I would buy one of these…. with a stick!! Probably a very similar feeling when driving a rare 7 series BMW with a stick! There are a few of them out there also!! Bravo on still seeing manual transmissions! A friend of mine with the funds available told me the new Porsche 911’s are no longer going to offer a stick or many of the other high end sporters for that matter! The excuse is that the computer can shift the car better and faster! So what? Maybe for racing cars where every team wants an edge….I want to drive a car, not have it drive me!!! I’m old school…………..
I don’t understand why they didn’t list a price. They don’t want to sell it?
3.54 gears ⚙️ to help this manual cat 🐈 jump off the line. Not a rocket but as Lavery says would be a nice driver. 👍 Plus it’s a couple hundred lbs lighter than the mighty V12 brother. Still a tank at a little over 3800lbs. 🇬🇧
I6, manual transmission, flying butresses off the back window, and a hood long enough to land a plane on. Pretty sweet grand tourer.
I’m right there with everyone else – put a price in the ad, or don’t bother advertising.
I think this statement is kind of the wrong way around – “Jaguar is oftentimes synonymous with producing V12 engines, but it also makes a very durable I6”.
The vast majority of Jaguars iconic post-war cars, including LeMans winning D-types, XK120-140-150, E-type and numerous 4-door sedans, between 1949 and 1992 were powered by variations of the XK straight-six. more accurate to say that they “….also made some V-12s” because the numbers of V12s produced is a small fraction of the straight-six production numbers
No price listed? No interest then. Owner probably thinks the car is made of gold.
All Jaguars should have manual transmissions!
They did not accept a $15K offer, so looks like they want top dollar. Agree this is a rare XJS, but as we all know the value of an XJS is all relative to the condition and prices are all over the map……
I did not see any information about turning down an offer. Did you make the seller an offer?
Buyers are always looking for a good deal and the asking price is what makes it a good deal or a not so good deal. I’ve been complaining about sellers not giving an asking price for the longest. Good to see I’m not alone on this So the best thing I can say about this car is it’s a Jaguar.The worst thing I can say about this car is it’s a Jaguar.
I just purchased this car for what I consider a very reasonable price. It’s in very good condition. The manual transforms the driving characteristics of the car. As the former owner told me, it drives more like an E type than an XJS. I certainly agree.