Lot 036: Jaguar XJ-S V12 Convertible

The Jaguar XJ-S had a mountain to climb from the day it was launched  it had to replace the E-Type. The impossibly glamorous E-Type had captured the public's imagination like no other when it first appeared in 1961. Somehow the XJ-S failed to stir emotions in the same way when it first appeared in April 1975. However, time has been kind to the car and it now looks more handsome with every passing year.Largely designed by Jaguar's legendary aerodynamicist, Malcolm Sayer, it slipped through the air far more efficiently than the E-Type and was a paragon of stability and silence at speed. Based on a shortened XJ saloon floorpan, it weighed over 100kg less than an XJ12 and in early manual form could sprint to 60 in 6.7 seconds and top 153mph.In 1981 the XJ-S received the new HE (High Efficiency) engine with Michael May-designed Fireball heads which improved fuel economy by 20 per cent and upped the top speed to 155mph, making it the fastest automatic car in the world. The long-awaited full convertible was finally introduced at the 1988 Geneva Motor Show, featuring 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 siblings, the soft-top came with anti-lock brakes as standard. Despite the hefty price tag of �40,000 a waiting list was quick to form.This particular car was supplied new by HA Fox and first registered on 1st August 1989. It has covered a mere 44,400 miles from new, supported by a file of MOT certificates and service records with Jaguar specialists. The car has always been properly maintained and has recently been fitted with a new steering rack. The paintwork is said to be immaculate and all original in Signal Red, certainly the best colour for this car, and complemented by a magnolia hide interior with a black mohair hood and hard cover. With a long MOT and tax and a very fitting XJ private plate, it needs absolutely nothing except to be jumped into and enjoyed.