1992 Jaguar XJS

OVERVIEW

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Concours-level preservation quality beyond belief
100% original Flamenco Red metallic paint & Creme leather interior
1 of 553 Coupes built in 1992
5.3-liter V12 engine
The final design iteration of the XJS
Recent comprehensive service
Books, tools, spare, jack, and factory promotional documents

Jaguar’s XJS was the last car that Sir William Lyons had his hand in designing. “We decided from the very first that aerodynamics were the prime concern, and I exerted my influence in a consultative capacity with Malcom Sayer [the aerodynamicist credited with the E-type and other Jaguar icons],” Lyons says in John Dugdale’s Jaguar in America. “Occasionally I saw a feature that I did not agree with and we could discuss it…I took my influence as far as I could without interfering with his basic aerodynamic requirements and he and I worked on the first styling models together.”

This V12-powered XJS is quite possibly the finest example on the open market, cosseted by collectors for years, who coveted its immaculate original Flamenco Red metallic paint finish and flawless Creme leather interior. Most of its life was spent in Pennsylvania housed in a large Jaguar-only collection where the car was driven an average of 1,500 miles per year until 2006, after which it was driven sparingly, adding fewer than 100 miles per year. The special collection was featured in the Spring 2016 issue of Garage Style magazine. In 2016, the Jaguar moved to California where its new owner added it to a sizable collection. Keeping with the previous owners mantra, the XJS was exercised, but with the intent of keeping the miles low.

Late in 2018, a northern California collector purchased the car and had the Jaguar immediately sent to British Sports Cars in San Luis Obispo, CA to have a comprehensive service performed on the XJS. Ensuring that all systems were functioning perfectly, this service included all fluids being changed (engine, transmission, differential, brake, coolant), new engine oil filter, along with new brake pads installed on all four corners. Since October 2018, the most recent owner has added less than 500 miles while exercising the V12 Jaguar on sunny weekends in Northern California.

When the XJS came to Canepa it was instantly clear that the car had led a pampered and cared-for life with its previous owners. Everything about the Jaguar speaks concours-quality. The perfect Flamenco Red paint glistens in the sun, and the Creme leather interior feels as pliable and comfortable as when it was new. The V12 starts without hesitation, with the entire driving experience feeling like a new car off the showroom floor. Quite possibly the finest example of a Jaguar XJS V12 in existence, this iconic British coupe will provide years of enjoyment and comfort in a sublime luxury experience that Jaguar was known for.

About the XJS

The XJS had one major restyling during its long life, announced on May 1st, 1991, for this example’s 1992 model year. Of the car’s 490 panels, 180 were reworked or were completely new, but it was a subtle massaging that kept the heritage and design DNA of the car. The rear windows, which incorporated black plastic panels on the original design, were rounded into a more graceful shape, and the vertical brake lights were replaced with horizontal units that emphasize the width of the car. For the first time, U.S. cars received the the more handsome one-piece Carello headlights in place of four sealed-beams.

1992 JAGUAR XJS COUPE
Engine: V-12, aluminum block and heads
Displacement: 5,343 cc
Compression ratio: 11.5:1
Horsepower: 262 @ 5,000 RPM
Torque: 290-lb.ft. @ 3,000 RPM
Fuel system: Lucas 26CU fuel injection
Ignition system: Marelli HE
Gearbox: GM Turbo Hydra-Matic 400 three-speed automatic
PERFORMANCE
0-60 MPH: 8.7 seconds
Top speed: 141 MPH