Description
Beautiful Jaguar XJS V12 with interesting history - Rare factory black paintwork with original cream leather interior. Serviced and maintained regularly by Jaguar specialist every 6 months by current owner, regardless of cost.
Purchased new in 1986 by CBS Records as the flagship company vehicle for their London HQ during the mid 80's. During this time the vehicle was well looked after and regularly serviced every 6 months by Guy Salmon Jaguar and Jaguar specialists Handman Collis. In 1991, CBS Records were taken over by Sony Music and became Columbia Records. The vehicle was subsequently sold and purchased by a private individual before being acquired a few years later by Jaguar Land Rover who appreciated and recognised the vehicle's provenance and was part of the Jaguar Heritage Museum Collection for almost 20 years.
In 2019 the vehicle was put up for auction by Jaguar Land Rover along with a number of other vehicles in the Jaguar Heritage collection. The famous Jaguar XJS V12 (lot no. 007 in auction catalogue - see image) was then purchased by the current owner who commissioned an extensive mechanical overhaul in 2021 by Jaguar XJS engineering specialist (and respected JEC club racing legend) Chris Palmer with invoices totalling over £12, 000 over a 2-3 year period. The vehicle was in good condition when purchased but the current owner decided to commission a full mechanical overhaul. This included the replacement of general suspension components including bushes and ball joints which were replaced with genuine OEM parts. A full brake service, new battery, new aerial mast, replacement dashboard circuit board, switches and various other electrical components. The original radiator was sent out to a specialist to be fully refurbished, hoses replaced and the cooling system flushed and serviced. A new headlining was professionally installed by Rolls Royce/ Bentley interior specialists and a complete new roof was fitted and professionally re-sprayed. A set of newly refurbished period correct 15" starfish alloys were also added together with a brand new set of 4 x special fitment Pirelli P5 225/ 65/ R15 tyres (alone over £1000). A full recent service and mechanical inspection in July 2024 totalled over £850 and included 12 new spark plugs, oil, filters, fluids, wiper blades and several other items.
The vehicle comes complete with the original Jaguar Clarion Radio/ Cassette player, owner’s handbook & document wallet, Jaguar XJS factory toolkit and all associated paperwork from new (including the original bill of sale to CBS Records in 1986). Full stamped service history to date, road tax & a new MOT to June 2025 (passed with no advisories). A recent professional exterior and interior detailing was also recently carried out by vehicle detailing specialists AWC.
The vehicle is currently part of a unique private historic Jaguar collection in Essex and has been very well maintained since its extensive recommissioning. Always stored in a dehumidified private classic car storage facility, serviced and driven regularly but only on dry days. Luxury car cover included. Overall, a truly wonderful and original example of this iconic Jaguar XJS V12 with a unique history and much charm and character.
Please note that the vehicle is almost 40 years old and many of the original exterior and interior features have been retained to preserve the originality. There are therefore some areas on both the exterior and interior that show some signs of age/ patina when examined closely.
Apart from the new roof and headlining, and a good detail of interior and treatment of the the leather seats, the current owner decided to retain the patina, character and charm of the original interior as he appreciates its authenticity, history and originality. The new owner will of course have the option to improve things cosmetically as they wish but personally, I love the originality of it and as the saying does, these vehicles are only original once and the current owner has chosen to enjoy it exactly as it is.
A forthcoming move to Ireland by the current owner forces a reluctant sale and this beautiful XJS is now is looking for a new custodian.
Please contact the owner directly by phone or email if you have any further questions or would like to arrange a viewing. Open to sensible offers or possible p/ x.