Lot 039: 1991 JAGUAR XJS 5.3 LITRE CONVERTIBLE

Launched in 1975, Jaguar's XJS was never envisaged as a direct replacement for the E-Type. More of a soporific grand tourer than an out-and-out sports car, it was designed to seamlessly blur borders rather than blast down back roads. To this end, it was equipped with automatic transmission as standard. Though, when fed the quoted 295bhp and 318lbft of torque developed by a post 1981 H.E. (high efficiency) 5.3 litre V12 engine, this still resulted in a claimed top speed of 150mph and 0-60mph in less than eight seconds. Introduced at the 1988 Geneva Motor Show, the long awaited full convertible version featured a reinforced floorpan, frameless doors and sophisticated electric hood (complete with heated glass rear window). Underpinned by the same all round independent coil-sprung suspension and power assisted rack and pinion steering as its fixed head coupe siblings, the soft-top came with anti-lock brakes as standard. Priced at some £40,000, a waiting list was quick to form. Finished in gleaming white with blue-edged magnolia leather upholstery, this particular example is variously described by the vendor as being in "good" (interior trim, electrical equipment, wheels / tyres) or "very good" (engine, automatic transmission, chassis, bodywork, paintwork) condition. Reportedly benefiting from full service history up until 52,500 miles, the Jaguar is believed but not warranted to have covered a mere 56,159 miles from new. Further understood to have had just two registered keepers, the appropriately registered 'J777 XJS' sports "a dark blue mohair hood, matching mohair hood cover and winter 'hood up' cover". Riding on correct-type lattice alloy wheels, it is hoped that this "excellent luxury summer tourer" will possess a fresh MOT certificate by the time of sale. While other items set to accompany the car include the aforementioned service history, a current road tax disc (valid until August 31st 2007) and Jaguar tool box / kit. PLEASE NOTE: This vehicle comes with an MOT certificate until February 2008.