Much to people’s surprise when they learn the details, the facelift version of the Jaguar XJS was not really the stopgap cosmetic update of the aging XJS. Instead, it was an entire reworking of the design with almost every part of the car changed. I heard Jaguar representatives at the time quote a number of $30 million that was spent on the reworking of the XJS into the final edition of the car.
The Jaguar XJ-S (the dash would later be deleted) was at the time the first new Jaguar GT car design since the introduction of the E-Type. It represented a change in focus for the company and, instead of delivering a true sports car, was instead a GT car. Journalists and the Jaguar faithful moaned about this at the time, but the fact is that from 1961-74 Jaguar sold a total of 72,245 E-types in all series and forms. Between 1975-96, on the other hand, a total of 115,413 XJS models were sold; it lasted years longer than the E-Type. With that as a metric, the XJS was the more successful car. Yes, an XJS is a GT car, whereas the E-Type – at least in Series 1 and 2 forms – is a sports car, but it seems that Jaguar was right: People had moved on and wanted a GT more than a sports car.
Today’s AutoHunter Spotlight is an example from what many people feel was the best era for these cars, a final-year 1996 Jaguar XJS Convertible. The auction ends Thursday, April 24, at 11:45 a.m. MST.
The seller describes this XJS as being powered by a 4.0L inline-six mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. Finished in beige metallic over a light brown leather interior, this British vehicle is now offered by the seller with service records, Oregon license plates and registration, two sets of keys, an owner’s manual, a clean CARFAX report and a clear title.
This car is being offered by a private seller and has completed a total of only 62,037 original miles. It is a four-owner car, and the CARFAX shows it to have had accident-free ownership in Florida, Connecticut and Oregon.
From the photos provided, the exterior of this XJS looks to be in good condition. My guess is that the factory paint color for this car is actually Topaz, but I am a geek about this stuff. The overall condition of the paint looks good, with no evidence of fading or clear coat issues. The owner does note there is a minuscule dent on the driver’s-side corner of the hood.
The interior also looks to be in excellent shape. This is extremely important, as the leather and carpet used in these cars is of very high quality and quite expensive to replace. The wood in the car also appears to be uncracked, though there is some fading on parts.
Under the “bonnet” (the British term for “hood”) is what I feel is probably the finest inline-six Jaguar ever built: the 4.0-liter AJ16. This engine was so good that Aston Martin used the block and head for their DB7. These engines are not only extremely well built and reliable, they also really look great, in my opinion. The 65,000 miles on this engine means in many ways that it is just broken in. Do not fool yourself into thinking you need a V12 in your XJS. Having driven both, I honestly feel these AJ16 engines are better than the Jaguar V12 and much less expensive to service. They offer similar performance and are the last of the legendary inline-six Jaguar engines. As an added bonus, this XJS is said come with extensive service history, as well as both keys and a full set of manuals.
Many people will tell you that you have to be crazy to buy an XJS, and in many ways they are right. This car, though – being what looks to be a well-cared-for inline-six 1996 model – is a different story. By the time of the facelift, the cars from Jaguar had really risen to another level. They really were reliable; you shouldn’t be afraid of a car like this one. As an added bonus, these final-year cars are incredibly rare: a total of only 2,113 were built in 1996.
If you are interested, had you better act fast and place a bid, as the auction for this 1996 Jaguar XJS Convertible ends on Thursday, April 24, at 11:45 a.m. MST.
Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and a photo gallery