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The hand-built JaguarSport XJR-S 6.0-litre V12 was developed from the Jaguar XJ-S to emphasise its sporting character, without compromising refinement or luxury.
Founded in 1988 as a 50/50 Jaguar–TWR venture, JaguarSport grew from the TWR-prepared XJ-S’s success in 1980s touring cars. Hand-finished at TWRs factory in Kidlington by engineers who worked on the XJ220. Although the first XJR-S used the XJ-S 5.3-litre V12 engine, in late 1989 the XJR-S first used the TWR built 6.0-litre V12. This enlarged V12 delivered 333 bhp and 365lb ft of torque (the standard 5.3-litre V12 made 286 bhp and 310 lb-ft of torque). Its enhanced power and handling made it the most driver-focused XJ-S and launched Jaguar’s 26-year lineage of official R-badged road cars.
Finished in Crystal Blue Metallic with black piped Magnolia Connolly Autolux hide, this example is one of the best we have seen.
With just 115 RHD XJR-Ss built, this example is also one of only two XJR-S 6.0 V12s to have received the Knowles Wilkins Engineering’s (KWE) “Major Specification” package: a comprehensive programme of restoration, performance and handling upgrades, completed in July 2018 at a cost of £62,000.
Since restoration, it has covered just 10,879 miles. Its history includes records of 34 services to date and numerous maintenance and parts invoices spanning its lifetime.
Featured in November 2025 Jaguar Driver’s Club magazine, the car comes with an MOT valid until August 2027, its Heritage Certificate, all handbooks and service booklet in a Magnolia leather wallet. Also included is a documented record of KWE’s work, which includes a photographic restoration record on a USB stick, several JaguarSport XJR-S brochures, two books covering the XJ-S and its derivatives and a bespoke seven-piece JaguarSport TWR-embossed soft luggage set—ideal for extended touring.
The KWE Restoration – A Defining Feature
One of the most significant aspects of this car is its KWE certified “Major Specification” restoration, performance and handling upgrades. Knowles-Wilkins Engineering was one of the best-known Jaguar V12 specialists in the country and its work on this car is documented by a signed certificate from Managing Director Chris Knowles, confirming that the car was rebuilt to the following major specification and completed on 19 July 2018:
The PT conversions are engineered to significantly improve mid-range torque, throttle response and on road overtaking power comprising:
Collectively, the work costing £62,000, leaves a fully restored car, that retains its JaguarSport character but offers, improved performance, handling and reliability than the original 6.0 V12 XJR-S.
Specification & Options
Whist the car has benefitted from a comprehensive KWE works package, the car retains the equipment that made the XJR-S special, including:
Provenance & Rarity
One of just 115 right-hand-drive examples built, this 6.0-litre V12 XJR-S is further distinguished as one of only two to have received KWE’s Major Specification restoration and upgrade package. A genuine factory model—not an individually tuned TWR car—it holds a special place in Jaguar’s grand touring heritage. Its blend of V12 performance, enhanced handling, rarity and factory-developed refinement makes the XJR-S 6.0 V12 one of, if not the most sought-after derivative of the whole factory XJ-S range.
This example’s appeal extends well beyond its rarity. A comprehensive and continuous maintenance history and certified specialist restoration are complemented by performance and handling upgrades, while its bespoke luggage set adds a distinctive finishing touch. Together, these attributes present a compelling opportunity for the discerning collector or Jaguar enthusiast alike: a rare XJR-S with provenance, individuality and the enduring appeal of a V12 grand tourer.
The bodykit for the JaguarSport XJR-S was designed by automotive designer Peter Stevens (who later went on to design the McLaren F1) in collaboration with Tom Walkinshaw Racing (TWR). It provides not just a striking visual uplift to the XJ-S silhouette, the aerodynamic body kit was wind-tunnel tested to improve aerodynamic efficiency by 12%.
As part of the KWE restoration the car received a full bare-metal re-spray in Crystal Blue Metallic, and the glossy finish reflects that quality of preparation.
The purposeful aerodynamic aids are all in amazing condition. They include the front air dam, rear apron, deep sill mouldings, boot-mounted spoiler, twin tail pipes, black satin grille with V12 engine plaque, “Sport” grille badge and 6.0 Litre rear badge. They separate this rare edition from lesser models and recall the TWR collaboration.
If we’re being critical a few touched in stone chips on the top of the offside front wing and some very minor bubbling on the top of the offside rear wing (which has not broken the paint) are the only blemishes, but would not stop anyone enjoying the show circuit. Body-coloured door mirrors complete the picture, and the discreet, colour-coded rear parking sensors are flush-fitted, so that they do not spoil the lines.
As part of the pre-sales preparation, the car was given a professional detail comprising a light polishing to remove previous wash marks. The car was then finished with Swissvax Crystal Rock, a state-of-the-art, ultra-premium carnauba car wax engineered for concours exhibitions, professional detailers and collectors seeking an uncompromised high-gloss finish. It provides up to 12 months of protection against weathering, UV radiation and environmental fallout under ordinary driving conditions.
The cabin is unmistakably Jaguar. The lavish piped and stitched Connolly Autolux hide in Magnolia, supplied exclusively for JaguarSport, has been fully reconditioned and re-dyed by KWE. It remains sumptuous with only the lightest wear visible on the driver seat - the passenger and rear seats looking barely used. It matches the XJR-S exclusive Momo of Milan sports steering wheel, while the European burr walnut veneers have been renewed and all carpets, including the boot, have been renewed in Powder Blue with matching custom over mats for the driver and passenger footwells. XJR-S embossed headrests mark this interior out as something special. The etched stainless steel treadplates show only minor markings and all controls, switches and gauges work perfectly.
The original Jaguar audio has been replaced by a modern Bluetooth/DAB/CD stereo system with upgraded 6” speakers, bringing everyday usability to a car of this age. The air conditioning system has been completely renewed, and the entire electrical system was renovated as part of the restoration.
Equipment includes:
Engine & Performance
Beneath the bonnet is the awesome 6.0-litre V12, 700cc larger than the 5.3-litre it replaced. In JaguarSport form from TWR, it delivers 333 bhp and 362lb/ft of torque at 3,750rpm, (the standard 5.3 V12 made 286 bhp at 5,150 rpm and 310 lb-ft of torque at 2,800 rpm), providing for a claimed top speed of 158mph and a 0-60mph time of 6.5 seconds.
In addition to the 700cc larger capacity, the original JaguarSport engine specification include:
In 2018 the engine received a full KWE rebuild, including cooling system renewal. KWE’s published specification for V12 internal reconditioning (Code E1), a copy of which is supplied with the car, sets out the objective of bringing the engine back to as-new or better in wearing parts, cleanliness and performance, with all dimensional checks to Jaguar-specified tolerances. The specification includes:
As part of the KWE Major Specification package KWE also installed AJ6 Engineering’s PT (Plus Torque) Power Enhancement, which is designed to focus on improving the car’s mid-range torque response further sharpening the response of the V12.
This included:
To compliment and further enhance the effectiveness of the PT power Enhancement, KWE fitted a tuned, large-bore stainless steel exhaust system ending with quad exhaust tips, giving the V12 a richer and more purposeful voice.
Transmission & Drivetrain
The transmission is a special Hydramatic-developed GM400 automatic, uprated and recalibrated with different change points to suit the 6.0-litre engine, so changes are crisp and responsive. A Salisbury limited-slip differential was standard.
All changes are smooth, with kickdown coming in faster than on the standard XJ-S. With the increased power the upgraded 3 speed box makes for a relaxing long legged GT car, with serious performance available on request.
Suspension
TWR developed the original suspension, with increased coil spring rates and Bilstein shock absorbers front and rear, specially tuned for the XJR-S. As part of the 2018 restoration, KWE carried out its S1 suspension, brakes and steering restoration and upgrade.
Rather than just replacing individual worn components, KWE's S1 package is an all-encompassing, ground-up rebuild of the car's complete running gear:
The overall impact of the S1 upgrade is to refresh and improve handling dynamics over and above the original car and well beyond that of a car of this age.
The exclusive 8x16 Speedline aerodynamic light alloy wheels are pristine and are fitted with brand-new Falken ZEIX ZE 320 225/55/R 16 tyres on the front and Falken ZEIX ZE914 225/55/R 16 tyres on the rear, both of which have significant tread remaining.
Braking is by an electronically controlled anti-lock system with YAW control.
The brakes, were restored and upgraded to KWE’s S1 specification in 2018. The package includes, fitting modern high-efficiency callipers, new brake lines and performance pads to safely handle the vehicle's weight and power.
As part of the KWE restoration the car received cavity wax injection and a full underseal renewal, protecting the structure from the inside out. As part of the pre-sales preparation the underside was inspected to check the integrity of the previous undersealing, which was found to be in good order. However, as an additional layer of protection an additional layer of Dinitrol underbody anti-corrosion clear wax was applied to the floor pans, front and rear sub-frames, suspension components, engine and gearbox casings, as well as the rear axle. Combined with the bare-metal re-spray, this gives the car a level of corrosion protection that is rarely found on an XJ-S of this age.
Distributed by JaguarSport Limited, the car was supplied new to its first keeper by Jaguar main agents Grange Motors Service on 3rd August 1990. It has had just four previous keepers.
The history file includes the current V5C and a clear HPI report dated 22nd October 2025.
Maintained throughout by Jaguar main dealers and respected specialists, the car has 34 service records (29 service-book stamps to May 2017 and five additional service invoices to Aug 2026), plus comprehensive maintenance and parts invoices. The speedometer was replaced at 50,000 miles on 19 June 1997 and reset to zero by KWE, after the major restoration and engine rebuild completed in July 2018. Cotswold Prestige Cars carried out the latest service on 14 August 2026 at 10,184 miles since restoration.
A separate KWE folder contains the restoration certificate, signed by Managing Director Chris Knowles on 19 July 2018, KWE’s V12 internal reconditioning specification and a USB stick documenting the restoration and engine rebuild in photographs. All handbooks including the service booklet are included in the XJR-S-embossed Magnolia leather wallet.
Also included are several JaguarSport brochures, the November 2025 Jaguar Driver’s Club magazine featuring the car, a KWE upgrades brochure, two books on the XJ-S and its derivatives, and an XJ-S history compiled by the Jaguar Heritage Trust.
Service records from the stamped service book and additional invoices are detailed below:
Whilst every effort has been taken to ensure accuracy of the vehicle descriptions and information, some inaccuracies may occur. It is important that you do not rely on this information but check with Montpellier Motor Cars Limited about any items which may affect your decision to buy this vehicle, as well as examine the vehicle and check the accuracy of the information before purchasing any vehicle. We cannot accept any liability arising from any errors in the data provided.
Whilst every effort is made to represent details accurately on our Web Site, variations or errors may occur and so the information contained herewith does not constitute an offer for sale of any particular vehicle, accessory or specification.
