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Auction Live

1989 Jaguar XJS V12 Convertible

At a Glance

Low Mileage | Well Maintained | Beautifully Presented

  • Mileage~51,195
  • TransmissionAutomatic
  • Engine5.4L
  • LocationWellington

AUCTION LIVE

Days
HRS
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CURRENT BID£6,000
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AUCTION LIVE

ENDS IN: 56 Days 12 Hr 51 Min51 Sec

CURRENT BID

£6,000

Introduction

Jacob Boodrie
Professional Consigner

One of the most desirable XJS models ever produced, and this lovely red V12 example attracts plenty of attention.

Considered one of the best-looking and most desirable XJS models ever produced, the convertible was a proper open-top luxury car, with an electric hood mechanism, strengthened front section, and subframe. Just ~7,420 of the 150mph V12 models were produced, with the brand's marked improvement in build quality and engineering, it became something of an instant classic.

Originally sold in the UK, the car has spent most of its life abroad. It was brought back to the UK and re-registered just before David purchased it around 11 years ago. The car features 21 services, most of them with the original main dealer which sold the car.

A complete respray was carried out before coming into David’s meticulous ownership.

This listing was written from information supplied by Jacob after meeting David the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Meet the owner

I've always loved the shape of the XJS, of course being finished in bright red paintwork with a large V12 really attracted me to this example.

David purchased this car ~11 years ago with the intention of enjoying it during his retirement and using it on weekend trips away with his wife. As a professional engineer, David is very meticulous when it comes to the mechanical upkeep of his cars, and having previously ran his own classic wedding transport business, he knows how to maintain, and is skilled in taking care of aging classics.

Since acquiring the car at ~36,000 miles, David has managed all the service work himself, including regular oil changes, various suspension parts replacements, hose and belt replacements, and spark plug changes. He's also removed the middle silencers to help the car breathe better and improve the exhaust sound. The only work he hasn't completed is fitting the air condenser for the air conditioning, as this has not been a priority since David only drives the car with the roof down on sunny days. The car will be sold with a brand new condenser unit.

David was hoping to keep this example to enjoy for many years during his retirement. However, due to lack of use, he is now decided to part with his XJS.

David will be on hand to answer any questions about the car in the comments below.

David
Vehicle Owner

Ask Questions

CONTACT OWNER

Exterior

The design of the XJS was a bold move for Jaguar, aerodynamically advanced for its time, and a shape that has matured gracefully.

Wheels and Tyres

The lattice 15" alloy wheels look great all around on this example, with no curb damage noted - David told us they have recently been refurbished.

They are wrapped in Continental ContiPremiumContact 2s on the front dated 2015 and Kenda Klever H/P on the rear. There appears to be a good amount of tread left on each tire.

Bodywork

The bodywork of this XJS V12 looks to be in great condition, with all the panel gaps around the car appearing to align very well. During our visit, we didn't spot any obvious dings or dents on the bodywork.

We've provided more detailed observations through our high-resolution images and videos. Please take the time to look through all the media files for a detailed view of what’s on offer and to assess the condition of the car for yourselves.

Paint

Finished in red, the paint is applied with even coverage and colour across each panel, it has been resprayed before David's ownership.

Once again, we've captured high-resolution images and videos of the car for you to assess the condition of the bodywork for yourselves.

Glass and Trim

The glass on this XJS Convertible looks great and looks in line with the history. During our visit, we didn't notice any chips, cracks, or discoloration. The window seals also look good and align with the overall condition of the car.

The bumpers, door handles, brightwork and window surrounds are all in great condition as well. You can see in the exterior photos that the convertible top is in good condition with no tears or rips. David rarely drives the car with the top up, only driving the car in dry weather.

Interior

One very fine cabin space for this convertible XJS, packed full of 1980s electric luxuries.

Seats and Carpets

The cream leather seats have held their shape very well over the years, as you would expect with cherished and careful ownership.

A similar story is told with the door cards and brown carpets.

For a detailed view of the cabin, please take a look at the extensive media.

Dashboard

The dashboard in this XJS shows no signs of any major damage or scuffs, and no warning lights are displayed.

The odometer showed a reading of ~51,197 miles during our visit.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

A black leather-wrapped Jaguar steering wheel is fitted, and this original steering wheel is in great condition.

The wooden and chrome gearstick looks good too.

For a closer look, check out the image gallery to see the detail.

Mechanics

The cream of the crop - a 5.4L V12 is found under the bonnet, offering very smooth power delivery.

Engine and Gearbox

This car has been subject to a lifetime of main dealer services before being maintained solely by David, which is exactly what you want to see as V12's are quickly becoming rare and highly desirable. We filmed a short start-up video, showing the car springing into life; please watch the video to see the detail. On the day of our visit, we started the car from cold, and it performed well on the road; the engine pulled nicely, idled smoothly, and ran without fault.

David reports that the car starts from cold with no issues and drives well with its smooth automatic gearbox powering the rear wheels.

Take a look at the mechanical video to see the car starting from cold, driving around, and for a closer look underneath the XJS and the tidy engine bay.

Suspension and Brakes

The suspension appears to be in good condition, providing a smooth journey on the sweeping Taunton roads; we didn't notice any unwanted noises from the suspension when out on the road with David.

During our short drive in the car, it felt just as you'd expect for a sports car from this era, coming to a stop without any fuss too.

The Drive

The ultimate grand tourer, with all the looks and the powerful V12 under the hood - you can sit back, relax, and arrive at your destination in extreme class and comfort.

Electrics and Other

We didn’t test all the electrics during our visit, but David reports that, to his knowledge, they are functional and operational, aligning with the overall condition of the car.

The air conditioning needs recommissioning and David has a new condensing unit ready to be installed.

The car has its original stereo unit fitted.

History and Paperwork

With 21 service stamps, and coming to market from ~11 years of ownership, this is one very lovely example ready to be cherished further.

The car has plenty of originality, with the preferred 5.4L V12.

Take a look at the history and paperwork media to see the previous MOT reports, servicing, and parts this XJS has received over its life.

The XJS comes with a current MOT valid until 12.07.2024.

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned a HPi check on the vehicle.

We've summarised our own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, and as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in hi-resolution detail - this has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So please sit back, have a cuppa and take your time to review everything on this listing in order to make your own assessment on the vehicle's condition. Viewings are also welcomed with all our listings, so please get in touch with us to arrange a suitable time - we just need to speak to you first and receive a valid photo ID before confirming.

If there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please first ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bid/s, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - just like a traditional auction house.

Service History
Date Type Mileage
13.07.2023 MOT 51,087
27.04.2022 MOT 50,697
19.05.2021 MOT 50,117
07.05.2019 MOT 49,691
04.05.2018 MOT 48,200
02.05.2017 MOT 47,660
09.04.2016 MOT 45,452
26.03.2015 MOT 43,391
10.02.2014 MOT 40,581
02.03.2013 MOT 38,814
27.04.2006 MOT 35,625
27.04.2006 Service 35,625
14.06.2005 Service 33,450
27.11.2004 Service 31,593
30.05.2003 Service 30,186
10.04.2002 Service 26,764
11.06.2001 Service 23,720
19.07.2000 Service (MD) 20,490
23.11.1999 Service (MD) 18,514
10.02.1999 Service (MD) 13,692
06.07.1998 Service (MD) 13,296
21.07.1997 Service (MD) 12,211
11.05.1996 Service (MD) 11,537
19.01.1996 Service (MD) 10,130
02.06.1995 Service (MD) 9,524
15.03.1994 Service (MD) 7,854
08.12.1992 Service (MD) 6,267
04.03.1992 Service (MD) 5,681
12.08.1991 Service (MD) 3,171
06.02.1991 Service (MD) 2,715
09.08.1990 Service (MD) 2,119
03.10.1989 Service (MD) 548
Key Details
  • ModelXJS Convertible
  • TransmissionAutomatic
  • Reg. Date12.09.1989
  • CC5,343 V12
  • Mileage~51,195 on clock
  • HistorySee Media
  • ColourRed
  • Interior ColourCream
  • Interior TrimLeather
  • Chassis #SAJJNADW3DB165697
  • Engine #8S071371SB
  • MOTYes. Exp - 12.07.2024
  • MOT ExemptNo
  • Road Tax ExemptNo
  • HPi ClearYes - All Clear
  • Former Keepers6
  • Tyre TreadGood
  • Tyre BrandKenda/Continental
  • Tyre Age2015
  • Security SysYes
  • LHD or RHDRHD
  • VisitedYes
  • Sale TypePrivate
  • Owned~11 years
  • Key FeatureCondition
  • Auction ID1860


Auction Bidding

Live Bidding
Current Bid £6,000
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Auction Ends Thu 9th May at 7.40pm
Bidding History
Previous Bids  3
£6,000 bid by gmullaney25.04.24 @ 12:18:30
£5,000 bid by Belsey24.04.24 @ 23:20:55
£2,500 bid by Philthepot24.04.24 @ 21:29:48
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Insurance Quote


Average annual insurance premium for a XJS like this is £159 via our trusted partner ClassicLine.
GET AN INSURANCE QUOTEAnd get 10% off when you mention us.

*Quote is based on a garaged vehicle in CV32 5QY (Leamington Spa), travelling 3,000 miles per year, 1 driver who is 45 years of age and is free on accidents and convictions – valid Spring 2024.

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Vehicle Location

Wellington

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