1990 Jaguar XJ-S V12 HE

Highlights

• Just one former registered keeper
• Described as unmodified, retaining its original specification
• Good history file including original book pack and bill of sale
• Extensive service history
• No rust reported in the usual trouble spots
• MOT to 20th August 2027

The Appeal

Magnificent though it was, the XJ-S had a drink problem. Early cars averaged 10 mpg, 12 if you were really gentle. The 70s' fuel crises hit sales hard. This prompted a redesign of its 5.3-litre V12 engine.
The breakthrough did not come from within Jaguar, but from a Swiss engineer and former racing driver named Michael May.

He devised a way to run a much leaner mixture. Normally, lean mixtures burn slowly and unevenly, causing misfires and engine damage, but May solved this by designing a completely new cylinder head layout known as the "Fireball" combustion chamber. Thus, the HE was born. On steady highway cruises, the XJ-S could now achieve 20 to 22 mpg. Sales skyrocketed accordingly.

This 1990 example has had just one former registered keeper before the current vendor acquired it approximately three years ago, during which time it has seen very little use. The bodywork is described as being in very good order with only a couple of minor marks on the paint. The vendor has also inspected the usual XJ-S trouble spots and reports them to be in very good condition. With an MOT valid until August 2027, this XJ-S HE presents a fine opportunity to acquire a well-documented, original example of Jaguar's improved V12 grand tourer.

Key Information

• Mileage: 56,800 miles (indicated)
• Country of registration: United Kingdom
• MOT status: valid until 20th August 2027
• Technical specs: 5,343cc V12 petrol, three-speed automatic
• Paperwork: Original book pack, original bill of sale, and extensive service history reportedly present

Recent work:
06/26 – Berkshire Jag Components

• Supplied reconditioned X35 power steering pump (Part EAC3167, VIN 169354)

08/21 – TFI Motor Trimmers

• Replaced headliner board and recovered trim rails

08/21 – Just XJS Cars Ltd

• Supplied XJS window motor and mechanism

07/19 – Martin Robey Sales Ltd

• Supplied oil filter, air filters, and sump gasket

07/19 – MBS (Exeter) Ltd

• Renewed steering rack mounts and fitted steering rack bush kit
• Removed and refixed detached headlamp mount, followed by headlamp adjustment
• Adjusted parking brake
• MOT test completed

08/90 – Exeter Jaguar

• Vehicle purchased new / delivered (Jaguar XJS in Black)

The Detail

• Pre-facelift car
• Red paintwork complemented by red seat piping and red carpets
• The vendor notes some minor paint imperfections, but reports the car's body to be very sound
• Cream leather upholstery presenting very well for the car's age
• OEM lattice-type wheels shod with Kumho tyres
• OEM spotlamps with rare 'growler' covers
• Headlamp wash/wipe
• Smart luggage compartment complete with full-size spare wheel
• Factory radio/cassette and trip computer
• Power steering pump and hydraulic lines replaced during current ownership
• The vendor states the engine starts first time and runs smoothly
• The vendor describes the exterior as being in very good order with only a couple of minor paint marks
• All switches reported to function correctly
• Air conditioning requires a regas, per the vendor

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