Description
H&H Classic Auction @ The Imperial War Museum, Duxford/ Cambridgeshire
9th October, 2024 13:00
1996 Jaguar XJ-S 4. 0 Celebration Convertible
Estimate
£18, 000 - £22, 000
Registration No: N462 PVL
Chassis No: SAJNX274XTC224855
MOT: May 2025
Desirable Celebration model of which just approximately 4, 000 were made
Delivered new to the US before import to the UK in 2018 and professionally converted to Right Hand Drive
Circa 80, 790 miles from new
Launched in September 1975 as a replacement for the E-Type, the XJS could only cheat time for so long and, in 1991, parent company Ford thoroughly reworked the luxury Grand Tourer at a cost of £50 million. Incorporating some 40 percent new panels, the rejuvenated model range sported a revised grille, headlamps, tail-lights, bumpers and rear wings. Its cabin, meanwhile, gained a new walnut facia and improved sports seats. The new version was powered by either a punchy straight-six (3980cc) or a soporific V12 (5343cc) engine; the former DOHC unit developed some 223bhp and 283lbft of torque. Featuring a five-speed manual transmission as standard, the 4. 0-litre XJS could also be had with a four-speed automatic gearbox. Capable of over 140mph, the model proved to be a refined and relaxing drive, and production continued until 1996. The 'Celebration' was the final iteration of Jaguar's XJ-S (later XJS). Its unique specification was in recognition of 60 years of the Jaguar brand and included: chromed rear view mirrors and headlight surrounds; diamond cut alloy wheels; wood trim for the steering wheel and gearlever; and seats featuring embossed Jaguar 'leapers' and contrasting piping.
Understood to have been manufactured on 13th December 1995 and dispatched to the Jaguar Cars Southern Region of the USA on 2nd January 1996, chassis 224855 came supplied in the attractive colours of Gold over an Oatmeal Leather interior. Unlike many American market vehicles, this two-plus-two seater is supplied with a copy of its service records from Jaguar USA, which shows that the first owner kept the car for four years before the second owner took custodianship at a mere 22, 199 miles. The Jaguar would be continuously kept well maintained, and would pass through a further three owners until imported to the UK by the previous owner in 2018. Upon arrival in the UK, the car would take on the registration number 'N462 PVL' and the driver's position was moved to Right Hand Drive, which appears to have been completed to an incredibly high standard. The vendor took ownership of 'N462 PVL' in 2023 and has used it sparingly, but in that time has had a new alternator fitted, a service conducted and has had a new set of headlamps fitted. The vendor describes the interior condition as being 'very good', and has advised that the seats appear to have been recoloured previously. Furthermore, he has stated that the mechanical condition is 'very good' and drives very well, with an eager start up of the 4. 0 Litre engine and a smooth automatic gear change. One area he believes could be improved is with some of the paintwork, as on the corners it is showing some age (it is original paint!) but he is confident the condition of the bodywork itself is 'very good' thanks to being from the warmer climes of the Southern States.
Now offered to market due to the vendor suffering some mobility issues; this great XJ-S Celebration is arguably the best colour combination and is the perfect GT car for also taking the kids away!
