One of the perks of being a Barn Finds writer is that we get to look over a lot of really neat cars for sale. That can also be a curse, as there are always too many cars and not enough personal funds; such is the case with this Lister Jaguar XJS, which I would be on the way to pick up if there were any way that I could. Instead, I’m writing it up so that one of you can live my dreams! It’s located in Buffalo, New York and is being auctioned here on eBay, where bidding is up to $7,000 but not surprisingly hasn’t met the reserve yet. There’s also a buy it now of $11,995.
As I have owned a stock 1987 XJS previously, I can tell you that it is both the best and worst car I’ve ever owned. The V12 is like a turbine when it is running well, with ample power begging for something other than the 3-speed GM-sourced automatic. Guess what — this car has the Getrag 5-speed that was fitted to some of the Lister-modified cars, along with the Nardi steering wheel and body kit. Oh, I can’t forget the BBS wheels and heavily modified suspension as well. Can you see me drooling through the screen?
The XJS shows up as having four owners and has been in the northeast US since delivery 58,423 miles ago — and there are records that agree with the low mileage. There are some small dents in the rear bumper but as a whole the car looks presentable.
I appreciate the owner taking this picture of what they claim is the only rust. Not that easy to take care of, but worth it in my opinion considering the rarity of the car. This article posted by classicdriver.com states that some car’s engines were modified to 6.0 liters over the original 5.3 and I found a reference to 25 that were twin-turbocharged. I’m sure this isn’t one of the 25 but it would have been nice to see a picture under the hood.
All I wanted to change in my XJS were the steering wheel and the transmission. Wipe the drool off the keyboard, Jamie! Ok, one of you needs to buy this car to save me from me. Either that or buy a car from me so I can afford it.
Update…I’m still trying to convince myself not to bid…I’m not succeeding…
Bid placed. Fingers crossed…
Sounds like the new web site will be on the back burner lol! Best of luck Jamie, that Jag is a beauty!
If I win it you will quickly see some of my other cars for sale here…and as far as the other site goes I’m not about to steal Jesse & Josh’s thunder, but it’s going to be great!!!!
Good luck, I hope you win it !
Thanks, AngryMike!
Hmmm, all bids show a bid date of 7 October. You stated on 4 October that you have placed a bid! How does that work?
Good and valid question. Apparently when someone lowers a reserve to below what you have previously bid, instead of what I thought would happen (you just becoming the high bidder at the new reserve level), instead I received an email from eBay stating that the reserve had been lowered to $8499 and that I was $1 from making the reserve. Didn’t make sense to me as my bid was above that point already. It’s as if eBay gave me a second chance…”he’s lowered the reserve, you really sure you want this old car?” Anyway, I rebid at that point and all’s been well since. The time stamp on the bid changed to when I re-placed it. Anyone else had this happen?
I will be watching the auction, I do give you kudos for posting the site.Take care, Mike.
Mike, I admit I thought for a moment about asking Josh to pull the post…but…I just can’t operate that way. Doesn’t work for me :-)
We’ll see how it goes. I haven’t hit the reserve yet…
Ya know Jamie, I think the gang here would not bid knowing how much this rig means to you. I think you are blessed. Not sure what the reserve is but I hope it is about $7100. Luck, Mike.
Hope you win it Jamie The lister cats are awesome bidding is $8,498! Are you the only bidder???
Yup, that’s me…reserve just lowered and my fingers and toes are now crossed through Tuesday!!
Like the 5 speed ,I guess that one of the things that makes it a special car is the groundeffects ,I think it would look a lot better with out them ,good luck 🤑
Don, I think you had to grow up with BBSs and flares, and even then lots of folks didn’t like them :-). Thanks for the wished luck!
Before throwing down a bunch of bucks are you sure its a Lister? The wheels are not the aerodynamic type offered by Lister. Also, quick research shows that there should be a Lister id somewhere on the body (I think). Given that the current owner has 3 XJS’s and is obviously familiar with what the Lister version it seems like they’d go a bit further providing some type of provenance – other than saying it had “all the Lister options installed when new (well…..except the wheels…and???) Maybe the fact its got a 5 speed is enough? Just asking – I may be all wet, but there’s more info I’d want on such a rare car.
It has the Lister documentation…check out the owners manual supplement in the auction listing. I also found the last time it had been sold on a Jag forum; seller has done/had done a lot of work since then. I also checked the wheels; they were fitted to US model Listers, not Euro models. The BBSs on the prototype US car were slightly different but I’ve seen pictures of a production car with these.
I DO see your points :-). But if I’m the winner I’ll be happy with it…and ultimately that’s what counts, right!
P.S. I really dislike the Euro Lister wheels!
Jaime, do you have the tow truck ready if you do win it?
Yup. I have relatives in Buffalo that I’d love to see anyway. Truck and enclosed trailer on standby.
I’m presuming this was NOT a comment on the reliability (or lack of) of certain British cars…having owned over 40 in my life I’m well-prepared for that…
I saw this on EBay and have been watching. V12 and a clutch pedal had me seriously thinking about it.
I’m right outside of Buffalo and was going to offer to put eyes on it for you if you wanted. Would have been an excuse just to go look at it.
SSP, more than happy for you to go :-) I’m far enough down the purchase road in my head that bad news probably wouldn’t change my mind enough, though. I’m a softy that way (some would say soft in the head) for British cars…
Good deal. I didn’t see the documents. Also, I was wrong on the wheels….the link I followed was for TWR conversions. Found a pic with wheels matching these.
Best of luck winning the auction. Nice piece of car to hold onto and enjoy!
Good luck! The steering wheel is lovely .. I have been playing with getting an XJS for ages.
Fine piece of machinery and history too, but I’d be terrified over what it’d do to my bank account! Close the window Super D, close the window…
You’ll note in the post (which I originally started to write with an eye towards convincing myself not to want the car…it didn’t work) that practicality and low cost never entered my mind… LOL!
i guess if i own a tiger i don’t need a jaguar…so i wont bid…lol
Greetings All,
If you are going to get an XJS this is the one!
I’m trying!!!
There certainly is a picture of under the hood! Look again with your glasses on! LOL, if I only had a secure place to store this one, I would already be arranging a meeting with a paper sack with $100.00, dollars bills in it! I love this car!
The underhood pictures were added later :-)
Good luck Jamie, last few hours to go, I am rooting for you.
Thanks! Fingers and toes crossed!
Yahoo! If I got this right you got it! Congrats!
Whoooooooppppppeeeeeeeeeeeee!
I am certainly very happy for you buddy! I wished I could just take a ride with you! Let everyone know after you get your hands on it how this baby handles!
Thank you!
Sweet!!! When you get it home we’d love to see it, Jamie.
HEY!! Congratulations, Jamie!!! I literally can’t think of anyone better for this car than you are, nice work!
Jamie,
I’m extremely happy for you. Been there done it! Update us once you get it home. Any idea when you will pick it up?
I have a 94 XJS Convertible. I love the car with my other British cars. Honestly, I have to work on them daily, but I guess I enjoy it!
Richard
Not yet, but we will be driving up and trailering it home!
I’ll be sure to document this — hopefully as a “success story!” Seller has been great so far!
So far, I have NEVER had a negative. I know I have been lucky! Yes, please document in the days ahead!
I have never had a negative so far and have bought about 20 cars at a distance. Most were brought to my home by a carrier. Interestingly, all the sellers are now my friends! I KNOW I have been lucky! YES, please update.
Pictures would be great!!!!!
I will document the journey with glee! I’ve bought at a distance three time before, once through eBay, and all have been good. The way the seller has communicated has me pretty confident about this one too. THANKS for the well-wishes, everyone!
Congrats Jamie! It’s the 11th now and I missed this post when it came out originally, but I can say this now! I’ve wanted one for a very long time but haven’t had the money. Great car man!
Thank you! Working on a date for pickup now :-)
Update: things are still going smoothly; working on a date to go pick it up!
Congratulations. I’ll go get it for you right now if you want and drive it to you, it’s sitting no more then 10 minutes away! First tank is on me.
I know I said earlier I was local to the seller. It turns out he’s just the next town over from home and in the same town where I grew up and now work. I mentioned the car to friends of ours and they know it. They live right around the corner.
Congrats on the win Jamie will be very interested to see how you like the car. There were a couple of legit Listers for sale in mid-state NY about 2 years ago (yours is not one of them) that I was very tempted to get. Having already had 2 XJS’s I hesitated on buying one of the Listers, and by the time I convinced myself to get one, both had been sold. The V12 Jag is one of the most pleasant cars I’ve ever driven and I am sure you will have a blast with it!
Update: we are driving up to tow the car back; scheduled to get it November 3rd! No, I wasn’t quite brave enough to fly in and drive it home…
Thanks for the update Jamie. I have NOT forgotten you and the car. Continue to update!
Richard
1994 Jaguar XKE Convertible
Still on schedule 😁. Bought a key fob and a Hot Wheel version…
Do youmhave the sales brochure yet?
I always buy an original brichure when i get a new car.
I haven’t been able to find any brochures for the USA Listers, but I am collecting copies of the magazine articles (including the Road and Track one I fell in love with the car through so many years ago). Paul, I do that too, even with the ‘transportation’ cars I purchase.
Congratulations! I always liked those XJS’s, and had a XK8 for a while. I just ran across an Always wanted one car, a 61 Ventura bubbletop, it was in Thrifty Nickel, and I’m so lucky I was the first one with $.
Thanks, Chuck! That Ventura looks neat!
On the way home with the car!!!! 😀😀😀
Was the car exactly as described? Any disappointments?