1995 JAGUAR XJS 4.0 CELEBRATION COUPÉ
ENGINE 3980cc/6-cyl/DOHC POWER 238bhp@4800rpm TORQUE 289lb ft@4000rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 147mph 0-60MPH 7.4sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 24-28mpg TRANSMISSION RWD, four-speed auto MoT 12 months from sale ODOMETER 54,900 miles WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
The AJ-16 engine fires instantly and runs perfectly quietly, delivering ample thrust with only small blips of the throttle. The four-speed automatic transmission feels just as healthy, with smooth shifts, a sport mode that holds on to lower gears and no intrusive noises from the rear differential. The steering is light and free of vibrations, and there’s plenty of bite under the brake pedal. We didn’t have an opportunity to try it, but we’re told the cruise control still works.
BODYWORK CHECK
The car, which has reportedly never been welded, has excellent dent-free Kingfisher paint that retains its original hand-painted pinstripe. There are no traces of corrosion, even in troublesome areas, such as the windscreen surround and door bottoms. Tyres are ampletreaded matching Accelera 225/55s. The vendor recently had the original alloy wheels diamond-cut; the next job is to eliminate the only paint blemish – a scuff on the bumper. All the brightwork sparkles and the lamp units (one of which is a recent replacement) are all undamaged. The vendor realigned one door last year and panel gap regularity is spot on.
HOW’S THE INTERIOR?
The cream leather and carpets look almost showroom-fresh, likewise the walnut dashboard. A new Sony DAB stereo is fitted – though the original is included – along with twin airbags and optional electric heated seats, cruise control and trip computer. There are no signs of leaks or staining in the headlining or carpets and the door seals are intact. Everything is undamaged and fully functioning. The boot (whose carpet is also in excellent condition) contains a space saver spare wheel and tool kit.
UNDER THE BONNET
The engine bay is immaculate, with no perished hoses, frayed belts or leaking fluids. The vendor has replaced the engine and transmission oil, coolant, brake fluid, battery and spark plugs. The central locking actuator and passenger blower motor are also new, the aircon has been re-gassed and the wheels are newly aligned. The car was bought new with an extended warranty and the service book shows 12 stamps, all at main dealers and independent specialists. Four previous owners are on the V5.
THE CCW VIEW
This is an exceptional Celebration Edition. These cars can be bought for half this one’s money, but its beautiful presentation, low mileage and smooth drive make the price tag easy to justify. If you’re anxious about welding bills, the galvanised shells fitted to these later cars are worth seeking out. Buyers looking for a Jag to drive regularly would be well served by this car’s high-spec and AJ-16 engine, too, which make this one of the easiest XJS models to live with.