Jaguar XJ-SC V12
Reasonable mileage and the gloss of good history make this Jag an appealing prospect at the price, says Mike Renaut
From every angle this Jaguar Cabriolet gives the impression of a well cared-for car. The red paint is extremely shiny with no sign of fading. Look closely with a critical eye and you may find the odd tiny stonechip within the lips of the wheelarches, but it takes some hard searching. The chromework is also in excellent condition, as are the black inserts in the bumpers – with no parking scrapes or scratches. All four lattice alloy wheels appear equally flawless and Falken tyres with plenty of tread are fitted all round. The boot is in equally good order with the carpet in decent condition and the original cover in place around the spare wheel.
Climb inside and it’s the same story; this XJ-SC’S interior is in excellent shape and the polished wood inserts appear new. That off-white leather cockpit is virtually unblemished on either front seat. A couple of small creases in the driver’s seat and dirt on the foot mats are the only indication this car has ever been used. This example has rear seats fitted which appear excellent. Both front seats are electric and operate correctly. The black fabric roof has two small scuffs on the driver’s side but the rest is in terrific condition with no rips and the soft rear window free of crazes, stretches or discolouration. No sign of water ingress is evident.
Opening the bonnet reveals an engine that’s clean but not immaculate; no leaks were noted before or after the test drive. All dashboard instruments work perfectly with the needles rising smoothly on the turn of the ignition key. The V12 starts instantly, hot or cold. When stone-cold the motor hunts noticeably up and down the rev range but within 20 seconds settles to a smooth and quiet idle. The exhaust gives no indication of burning oil or other concerns, while on the move indicated oil pressure and water temperatures are just as you’d hope. All four electric windows work quickly and silently, as does the power steering which operates smoothly and has no flat spots when turning from lock to lock. A Sony CDX GT-200 radio/cd player is fitted, the electric aerial in the offside rear wing raises and drops obediently.
Find some clear road and the V12 shoves you back in your seat even under gentle throttle, the kickdown virtually instant with acceleration sufficiently strong that we have trouble believing the only modification is the stainless steel sports exhaust. Nothing in the paperwork reveals any other upgrades, but this XJ-SC feels quicker than others we’ve driven.
Gearchanges through the auto ’box are imperceptible; even when engaging reverse there’s no jolting. In fact, the car displays no untoward noises or rattles at all and feels all but vibration-free.
Paperwork shows a full service history up to February 1993 and 59,871 miles. At the time of testing it displayed a mileage of 90,642. Other bills since include an aircon compressor and suspension work. This certainly feels like a lot of car for the asking price, considering good XJ-SS are increasingly in demand.