Jaguar XJS

ENGINE 5344cc/V12/OHC per bank POWER 280bhp@5500rpm TORQUE 306lb ft@2800rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 143mph 0-60MPH 8.5sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 14-23mpg TRANSMISSION RWD, three-speed auto MoT February 2019 ODOMETER 37,000 miles

The engine fires up to a smooth but inviting idle, straight off the first turn of the key. Pulling through the rev range, the glorious 5.3-litre V12 shows absolutely no hesitation, displaying enough heave to keep up with modern traffic. There are no peculiar noises either, and performance is strong. Ride comfort is excellent, with even the most vertiginous bumps and lumps transmitting no discomfort to the driver’s seat. There are no strange noises and rattles while traversing these corrugations either. The threespeed automatic gearbox shifts between the gear ratios with absolutely no complaint or shunt; the steering (fingertiplight, as it should be) has no dead zones, the brakes are responsive and predictable, with good pedal feel.

BODYWORK CHECK

There are no signs of stonechips or imperfections in the lustrous Kingfisher blue paint, which probably has a lot to do with where this car was sourced from. The paint is well-matched across the car, and the shut- lines are just as they should be. The roof is in excellent condition and the chrome free from any misting or pitting. All the rubbers are in good order and there are no cracks in the glass. The alloy wheels are in excellent condition and shod with Michelin tyres that have plenty of tread remaining.

HOW’S THE INTERIOR?

The Doeskin leather looks barely touched; there’s the odd crease here and there, but it’s clear that this car has been been doted upon – there are no rips and hardly any bolster wear. The tactile surfaces are clean and the roof works perfectly. The only blemish is a crack in the centre console, near the ashtray, which is only really noticeable if you look for it. The radio/cassette system still works as it should, as do the original heated electric seats and air conditioning.

UNDER THE BONNET

That long bonnet reveals a symphony in engine design. We could find no corrosion and all the fluids are up to the maximum mark. A quick look at the vast paperwork file reveals that this car was originally sold to Japan and only imported into the UK at the beginning of the year. As such, the service history is largely in Japanese, but there’s a lot of it, and if nothing else, it backs up the mileage. The car is MoT’d until February 2019.

THE CCW VIEW

If you’re looking for an XJS for a summer’s worth of European touring, or simply want a car to live with in sunnier overseas climes, then this example is absolutely perfect. Japanese owners are known to be fastidious about their cars’ upkeep, and this is no exception – it’s absolutely exquisite. Definitely worth further investigation.