A very special XJ-S that slipped through the net

How do you value this? An ’82 Jaguar XJ-S HE sold by H&H in October with just one owner and a warranted 17,000 miles from new. Breathtakingly original, right down to original factory stickers on the chrome seat belt tongues, it ticked all the boxes for collectors of the forensically original with a to-die-for spec. There was a total day-one history including original order form, PDI report and first MOT plus all subsequent servicing bills. With a glorious colour combo of Sapphire Blue Metallic, unmarked biscuit leather interior and original starfish alloys, it looked exquisite. And it had even been Ziebart rustproofed from new.

This unique XJ-S sold for just £21,375 including premium. To professionally restore one to the same superlative condition would cost an easy £100k, and it still wouldn’t be as special with the same low mileage and single ownership as this one.

The engine compartment needed detailing, but a good crevice clean with T-cut and toothbrushes would work wonders and involve effort rather than money. Spend £500 and a few weekends of cleaning and you’d have yourself a genuine concours contender. I’m really surprised this one didn’t make more. Back in June, CCA sold a restored 65,000-mile ’89 V12 coupé for a solid £15,500, while in February Anglia sold a ’95 Celebration 4.0-litre with 77,000 for £15,120. For a few thousand more, this untouched 17,000-miler seemed far better value. Perfect low-mileage originality carries a high premium because its irreplaceable. This timewarp, museum-quality Jaguar slipped through our net.