1988 Jaguar XJS 5.3 V12 Convertible

This lovely 1988 Jaguar XJS 5.3 litre V12 Convertible has been owned by the vendor for the past 18 years. Despite its age, the car has seen relatively light use, having been driven actively for just three years before the vendor's daughter was born 15 years ago. Subsequently, for the next 13 years, the vehicle has been carefully stored in a dry environment. 

However, two years ago, the vendor took the proactive step of initiating a comprehensive full-body restoration. This meticulous process aimed to bring the Jaguar back to its former glory, addressing signs of wear and tear accumulated over the years and ensuring that the vehicle was restored to its original condition. 

We need to mention that the Jaguar is classed as a Category D, which was assigned in the late 1990s. This designation, indicating that the vehicle had suffered damage at some point in its history, was not disclosed to the vendor at the time of purchase 18 years ago.

Finished in Diamond Blue metallic, the Jaguar's paintwork presents very well. This is following a full bare metal body restoration completed at the end of 2023. 

From the front of the XJS, the Cibie headlights are bright and clear with no damage. The chrome work has some tarnishing, most noticeable on the bumper. The bonnet does look like it sits a little lower on the driver’s side, but this may just need some minor adjustment. 

Looking down the long, smooth flanks of this classic-shaped Jaguar, there are no dings or dents to point out, and the doors align well with an equal gap. The windows appear in good condition with no noticeable scratches. The roof has recently been replaced and is, therefore, in excellent condition. 

At the rear, the smooth sides flow nicely to the boot lid, which appears to align as it should. The large corner light lenses are free from any splits or cracks, and the chrome work, like the front, has some age-related tarnishing. 

The original lattice wheels are fitted and in excellent condition thanks to being fully stripped and re-powder coated. A matching set of General Grabber HP tyres have also been fitted, and these are in nearly new condition, as they were only fitted in September 2023.

The original blue leather interior complements the Diamond Blue metallic exterior. The front seats are generally in good condition with a small amount of colour wear, and there is a split on the driver's lower bolster, which has come apart on the seam where the stitching has split. This is probably something an upholsterer could rectify, but they would obviously need to inspect it first. The door cards also have some minor colour wear in places, and the walnut trim has lost some of the lacquered finish. 

The black top section of the dashboard is free from damage. The walnut fascia has cracked in places, and some of the lacquer has flaked off. The instruments are working correctly, and the odometer shows a reading of 79,938 miles. The switchgear looks in quite good condition, with just the normal amount of wear to the lettering on the most used buttons, like the electric windows and roof. The pictures show the windows up, because they don't appear to work currently. The original Jaguar cassette head-unit is in place, and the lower section of the walnut trim also has signs of age with cracking in the lacquer. 

The original carpets do have some wear to them, particularly on the driver's side, where the edging has come away from the floor section. With that said, there are a number of Jaguar specialists who have carpet readily available should you wish to replace it. 

In the boot area, the spare wheel is in place, complete with the wheel cover, jack, and wheel brace. There are some stains on the carpet, which may be reduced with a deep clean but probably won’t be removed completely.

Making the big cat what it is, is the 5.3-litre V12, which, as you probably know, has a fantastic sound, especially when the roof is down, and you can hear all 12 cylinders working together in harmony. 

As can be seen in our video, the Jaguar fires up, and there have been no issues reported with its running. A three-speed automatic transmission transfers all the 291bhp to the rear wheels.

The brakes bring the car to a stop in a straight line, and no issues have been reported. 

Looking under the Jaguar, the sills and floor area are in excellent condition thanks to the recent restoration. There has been some stone guard applied under the wheel arches, helping protect against unwanted corrosion from creeping in.

As we mentioned earlier, the Jaguar has been in storage for the past 13 years, and two years ago, the vendor decided it was time for it to be restored. Cromer Classic Cars carried out the restoration over a two-year period, which was completed in December 2023. 

The restoration included a full bare metal respray coated with epoxy primer and finished in the lovely Diamond Blue metallic. New floor pans and sills were also fitted, taking care of any corrosion to the underside. 

Mechanically, Cromer Classic Cars recommissioned the car by servicing the engine and replacing brake calipers, pistons, and pipes to ensure everything was running as it should when it was returned back to the vendor. The total cost of the restoration is in excess of £20,000 which can be seen on invoices and is backed up with photographs taken during the restoration. 

The MoT was carried out on the 15th December 2023, and it passed with no advisories.

The Jaguar XJS is an excellent cruiser, especially when fitted with the 5.3-litre V12, which makes it the more desirable model to own. This one is perfect for anyone wanting to experience just how good the XJS really is. 

Owned for 18 years and given a fresh £20,000 restoration completed in December 2023, this is the perfect time to purchase a big cat with a now excellent body and low mileage for its age. 

We estimate this 1988 big cat will fetch between £14,000 - £18,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at the Bonhams|Cars Online HQ. Viewings are strictly by appointment. To make a booking, please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, and read our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.