There’s a philosophy of sorts in the car world that suggests no matter how ungainly or unusual a certains styling trend was back in the day, cars from a certain era should keep those details intact. I look at my old German steeds with their handsome wood trim that inevitably cracks and needs to be restored; it’s a pain, but it’s what the doctor ordered when the perception of luxury in the 1980s suggested some hybrid of plastic and actual Poplar should grace the dash panels. In the case of this 1990 Jaguar XJS V12 convertible, chrome wheel arch trim and wire wheels were the norm, so while it may seem garish today, it’s good to see these details intact. Find this well-preserved XJS here on craigslist in Maine for $15,000.
After years of being perceived as a bit of nuisance maintenance-wise, the XJS has settled into an identity that affirms well-maintained cars are decent drivers and charming additions to an enthusiast’s garage. They will likely never achieve E-Type levels of respect, but that’s OK – not everything needs to be an icon. The good news is the XJS is undoubtedly a classic entry into Jaguar ownership and there’s no mistaking it for one of Britain’s most recognizable classics. In an era where Jaguar seems to have fallen victim to years’ of mismanaged marketing and product development, it’s nice to remember a time when the product line reminded us of the company’s impressive lineage.
The fact that Jaguar hasn’t had a major “hit” from a product standpoint in many years is disappointing, to say the least. The XJS, even with its well-documented maintenance headaches, reminds you of the fact that this was the same marque that produced XK120 and the Mark II. Today, those models still remain in high demand from the enthusiast set, and command top dollar when found in pristine condition. The seller is asking all the money for an XJS with its original V12 under the hood, and that’s OK if it’s been looked after. The reason many of these cars now sport V8 swaps is due to years of neglect, so hopefully, this one has been looked after (and the photos suggest that it has.)
Located in Maine, a place that is practically made for top-down cruising in the summer months when warm weather combines with cool nights for a near-perfect climate, this XJS has clearly been kept inside in the winter months. There’s not a hint of rust and the interior is in excellent condition, suggesting it hasn’t been left outside for extended periods with the top down. The automatic transmission will make for lazy cruising and isn’t super keen to respond, so even with 262 horsepower, that V12 won’t feel particularly quick – but for a car that still stops people in their tracks today, it’s not such a bad thing to give them an extra second or two to gaze. Thanks to Barn Finds reader Scott for the tip.
Pretty but 15k can get more entertaining options!!
Maine? No, wrong Portland, it is in Oregon. Which is much better than a Maine car anways.
Yep. I noticed right away that no way are those photos from anywhere in Maine.
WTF with the fisheye lens. All you get a sense of is the overall condition, but the images are annoying.
Wow, I have owned 2 XKE’s, one a V12. I owned the V12 6 years and the only issue was that I had to replace the fuel pump in the tank. This needs a close inspection, and if it passes, this would be a wonderful ride. I may be on the way to Portland.
Wow, I have owned 2 XKE’s, one a V12. I owned the V12 6 years and the only issue was that I had to replace the fuel pump in the tank. This needs a close inspection, and if it passes, this would be a wonderful ride. I may be on the way to Portland.
Had one just like in the same condition. It was too nice to risk a door ding so I seldom drove it, but I don’t think I ever drove it that I didn’t get a compliment. Asking all the money, but if you want one of these you need to buy the best one you can find. There are enough internet how-to’s out there to deal with electrical/mechanical gremlin if you are gifted enough to sort them yourself.
My 90 XJS does not have those chrome fender trim rings. I don’t know if it was an option or and aftermarket add on. I personally think them to be garish on a luxury cruiser moving it into the pimp-mobile category.
Portland, OR is a heck of lot better place to buy a car than Portland, ME.
Maybe the owner will get their price. They can ask. I hope that they do. I only paid $4K for mine with only 4K more miles.
Chrome arches and wire wheels were NOT options or standard on the S. Wheels on this are called “basket weave” and do appear to have been chromed. As for the arches, a dealer installed item. As Eric noted, they are a bit garish. As for the color and interior, I’m guessing this is a Rouge special edition which would also explain the chromed basket weaves but I don’t see any comment about that which would be a key selling point.
My XJ-S wheels were painted silver but I looked a sourcing a chrome set. Seems like $1,000 would do it 10 years ago.
I’m w/Fahr, not a small point on car sales/oriented sights: “Can so-few-produce-moderate numbers-of-quality-pic?” Is it all the camera phones out there that create the poor quality? Fish-eye lens distortions, poor angle of view, ends out of range and more – all due lill to display them to best advantage. I am not a pic snapper but can see these sorts dont due. Like my links for complete cars when our site shows a hulk I’m thinkin of links for these sorts. “What does the car really look like?”; “Boy, I no that car/truck, etc and this is a poor rep.”