Lot 196: Jaguar XJS HE Coupe

When the XJS was first launched back in 1975, the world had not long recovered from another "Oil Crisis" and petrol was a heady 73p per gallon (16p per litre). With single figure fuel consumption easily achievable with a not so heavy right foot, the 5.3 litre V12 XJS raised a few eyebrows but in America, it also raised a few legal questions regarding the quoted fuel consumption figures from Jaguar. This ended up in federal court and Jaguar were found to have been exaggerating the figures and received a slap on the wrist. All of this resulted in a redesign of the V12's heads and much improved fuel figures. In 1981 the new HE V12 engine became available, which was now equipped with High Efficiency "Fireball" heads, designed by Swiss engineer Michael May. When fitted to the XJS, this new engine showed much improved fuel consumption but this was also due to the change of final drive ratio, to a very long 2.88 - 1, which did not receive so much publicity. The result was an XJS that could, with care, achieve over 20mpg on a long run, still push you back into your seat with huge amounts of torque and pop up to 150mph when required. Offered here is one of the very first of these revolutionary 'HE' XJS V12 cars with 'May' cylinder heads and substantially revised interior. This immaculate example was UK supplied new, as the Stratstone PDI testifies,but exported to Jersey with the first owner. In 1985, it was sold to the second owner, a senior director with Nat West, Guernsey who finally retired with it to the Isle of Man. In 2001 the car was sold to the third owner, an active classic enthusiast who toured extensively with the car just before parting with it to Jaguar specialist Robert Hughes in 2010 when the car returned and was re registered in mainland UK and sold on to the present owner. The intention was that the car be again exported, but owing to unforeseen personal circumstances the car has remained in professional storage, though it has been started and' exercised' on a regular basis under the instructions of our client. A decision has reluctantly been reached to part with this immaculate XJS which has a valid MOT until December 2012, current V5C and has still covered a mere 31,000 miles since new. Another rare opportunity.