The Jaguar XJS, launched in 1975 as the successor to the E-Type, focused on luxury and refinement for long-distance travel rather than outright sportiness. It combined an elegant aerodynamic design, with Jaguar's signature comfort and in V12 form, featured a 5.3-litre engine derived from the E-Type, delivering smooth and ample power. Celebrating 50 years since first launched, the XJS has gained a deserved reputation as a capable grand tourer in both coupe and convertible forms. Its appearances in films and television have also enhanced its status in popular culture.
In 1991 the model went through a “facelift”, that saw the previous XJ-S HE model name shortened to just XJS. Most obvious changes were to the body styling, with one piece front door glass, revised side rear windows, buttresses and rear light cluster. The boot lid was shortened and bonnet for the V12 acquired the “bonnet bulge” previously only used on the 6 cylinder models. On the inside there were revised seats as well an updated instrument cluster featuring an ‘analogue look”.
This example built in late 1991 and first registered in 1992 is an early “facelift” with the above modifications, but retaining the previous HE model’s chrome and rubber bumpers.
It was exported to Japan in 1994 where it remained until being reimported in 2016, with just 34k recorded miles. Now with just shy of 39k miles, supported by service and MOT history, it presents as a lovely example in attractive Oyster Metallic with a complementing Magnolia interior.
It features 5 spoke alloy wheels, rear spoiler, electric windows, door mirrors and seats which are also heated and with a memory function. The car also comes with air conditioning, cruise control, an upgraded aftermarket radio/cd player, the original trip computer, privacy rear side and rear windows, headlight washer system and front fog lamps.
As part of the pre-sales preparation, both the car’s bodywork and interior were fully detailed and the car’s underside was given a comprehensive underside preservation treatment. The car has a good service and maintenance history since being back in the UK, with its most recent service in February 2025 at 38,622 miles.
The car’s current MOT expires in February 2026, but the car will be given a fresh MOT ahead of a sale.
Production of the XJS continued until 1996, after which it was succeeded by the XK8. Today, the XJS is appreciated as a classic with unique styling and a strong enthusiast following. Its balance of refinement, performance and luxury makes it a desirable option for collectors and classic car drivers alike, especially in V12 form with low mileage, such as this example.
The Oyster Metallic paint highlights the car's sleek curves and complements the facelift model's more subtle design cues. As an early facelift model, it retains the chrome and rubber bumpers, offering a more classic appearance as compared to the body-coloured bumpers introduced in 1993.
As can be seen from the pictures, the bodywork presents in lovely overall condition with only the odd age related blemish. As part of the pre-sales preparation, the paintwork was treated to a comprehensive detailing, culminating in the application of a high end Carnuba wax finish.
The bright work, rubber bumper inserts and trim also present in the same overall condition, as does all glass.
The light clusters front and back are free from any cracks, with just a small chip missing from the rear outside driver’s side cluster.
The car has been fitted with the optional boot lid spoiler, which along with the privacy glass to the rear side and rear windows, add a nice sporty touch.
The car’s cabin is a wonderfully cosseting place to be. A luxurious combination of Burr Walnut and Magnolia leather, it features revised sports seats subtly finished with a double row of stitching, all contrasting beautifully, with the dark grey carpets.
The electrically adjustable and heated seats come with memory settings and are in excellent condition, with just the merest signs of wear beginning to show on the driver’s outside bolster. The rear seats appear as all but unused. Both door cards are also in great condition, as is the Burr Walnut veneer throughout.
The car is equipped with Jaguar’s trip computer, electric front windows, door mirrors, cruise control and air conditioning. It has also been fitted with an aftermarket Pioneer Radio/CD head unit and an external USB port.
The car comes with a spare alloy wheel and tyre is the same as the driven wheels, it also comes with its original jack.
With just under 39K recorded miles, the 5.3 litre V12 remains in great mechanical fettle, having been recently serviced. On the road, power delivery is turbine smooth and very linear across the rev range. The 4 speed automatic gear box provides smooth changes and kicks down promptly when asked. The engine bay is well preserved and is certainly consistent with the car having travelled so few miles.
Jaguars’ are renowned for their comfort and this XJS is no exception. The car’s suspension makes a fantastic job of soaking up the bumps and other road surface imperfections, without creating undue “wallow” when it comes to cornering. It provides for a relaxed yet sure footed drive, perfect for the GT car role it was designed to perform.
The car sits on its factory issued 16” 5 spoke alloy wheels, all fitted with correct OEM sized 255/60/16R Michelin Primacy 3 Tyres, fitted in 2022, all still with significant tread remaining. The spare wheel and tyre are the same as for the driven wheels. As part of the pre-sales preparation, all driven wheels were fully refurbished and as such now present unmarked and as new.
The powerful braking system works as it should, pulling the car up without any pulling to either left or right.
As part of the pre-sales preparation, the car’s entire underside and wheel arches were treated to our comprehensive underbody preservation treatment. This combines wire brushing off any surface corrosion, treatment with rust converter and then the application of various long lasting underbody protection coatings, depending on the mechanical componentry and underside area and which include various Dinitrol anti-corrosion coatings.
Consequently, the underside preservation treatment offers the vehicle comprehensive and exceptionally durable, jet wash-proof corrosion protection, even were the car to be used all year-round.
The car’s documented history show it as a UK built and registered car in 1992, exported to Japan in 1994, where it remained until 2016. Whilst there is no service history with the car from its time in Japan, it was reimported in 2016 by 4 Star Classics, showing a total recorded mileage at the time of just over 34K and treated to a full inspection and servicing. Since being back in the UK, the car has been well maintained and has covered around 5K miles to date, supported by service/maintenance invoices and MOT records. Invoices and records evidence, spark plugs change at 34,111 miles, a service 37,806 miles and the most recent service carried out in February 2025, at 38,618 miles.
In addition to the maintenance/service invoices and MOT records, the car comes with the current V5C document and a clear HPI check dated 19/12/2025. There is also a notebook meticulously recording maintenance works, refuelling dates, mileage and costs by the current vendor. The car also comes with 2 sets of keys.
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