Lot 001: 1989 JAGUAR XJS 3.6 COUPE

Introduced in October 1983, the Jaguar XJS 3.6 was intended to be a sharper, more sporting foil to the range's established, soporific 5.3 litre V12 model. To emphasise the difference, it was fitted with a five-speed manual Getrag gearbox as standard. With some 225bhp and 240lbft of torque on tap courtesy of its 3590cc DOHC 24 valve straight-six, the claimed 140mph top speed and 0-60mph time of 7.4 seconds were a near match for the V12. Yet when such performance was not called upon, it could reputedly return thirty miles per gallon, a feat beyond the V12's capabilities. The brand new AJ6 unit also had the advantage of being considerably lighter. This weight saving allowed Jaguar engineers to alter the all-round independent suspension's coil-spring rates giving notably better turn-in and less body roll. A revised, more positive feel to the power steering improved the handling still further. Available in coupe or cabriolet guises (Jaguar's first open car since the Series III E-type was phased out in 1974), the 3.6 was a strong seller. Finished in metallic blue with pale blue leather upholstery, this particular example is variously described by the vendor as being in "good / original" (engine, electrical equipment), "good / excellent" (automatic transmission, paintwork) or "excellent" (interior trim, chassis, wheels / tyres) condition. Though, he considers the bodywork to be "excellent except for minor dents to both doors". Showing just 13,000 miles on its odometer, the XJS has been in the current family ownership from new. Returned to the supplying dealer, Merritts, for its 7,500 mile service in 2000, the Jaguar has averaged a mere 1,000 miles for the last seven years. Reportedly only driven on "dry summer days", we are informed that the coupe has yet to have its 15,000 mile service! Riding on lattice alloy wheels, this low mileage XJS is offered for sale with MOT certificate valid until September 2008 and road tax valid until February 2008.