45 years old this year, the XJS could be either considered as a bottle of wine that has matured nicely or a car that has simply developed into a classic by default. Based on the XJ6 platform, it had the unenviable task of replacing one of the worlds most beautiful cars – the E-Type. The XJS, to Jaguars credit, took a different approach rather than create a pastiche of the E-Type and created its own path particularly with the distinctive rear buttresses. Launched during a fuel crisis, it was a challenge to sell a car that would average 15 mpg and suffered from the malaise of BL build quality. However the 5.3 litre V12 engine was still BL’s jewel in the crown, and the XJS was at home among the exclusive V12 GT club. However, it’s in its Series II guise is where the car started to becoming worthy of the badge, with more efficient engines, cabriolets, TWR and Lynx tuned models and a significantly improved build quality. The design continued to 1996, with the galvanised 4.0 litre Series III cars being considered the best of the lot. They do represent excellent value for money, but like any big cat, requires plenty of attention and care.
Original S1 V12
S2 XJS V12 HE
S2 XJ-SC 3.6 Targa
S2 XJS Convertible with aftermarket twin headlamps
S2 XJS 450bhp Lynx conversion
S2 XJR-S 6.0 V12
S2 XJS Koenig
Railton F29
S3 XJS 4.0 homemade Liftback
S3 XJS V12 last ever model.
