1989 Jaguar
XJS
V12 convertible
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Body
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Convertible
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Transmission
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Automatic
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Exterior Color
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Bronze
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Upholstery
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Leather
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This 1989 Jaguar XJS V12 Convertible offers something that is becoming increasingly difficult to find in an unrestored XJS: an exceptionally solid and rust-free body and underside combined with a running 5.3 litre V12. It is not a finished or cosmetically restored example, but a running and driving project with a very good structural basis, suitable for an enthusiast who prefers improving an honest car rather than starting with extensive rust repair.
Finished in gold metallic (factory name: Satin Beige Metallic) with a black convertible top, the Jaguar has covered approximately 88.000 miles. According to the VIN report, the car had two previous owners. It was registered in Colorado in 1995 and moved to Texas in 2012. Its last recorded emission inspection dates from 2013 and the registration was last renewed in 2015. The report contains no recorded accident damage, and we have found no signs of significant previous accident repair.
Its dry-climate history is reflected in the condition of the body shell. The body, floors, sills and underside are exceptionally solid and rust-free. This is one of the strongest points of the car and provides a much better starting point than many XJS restoration projects.
The exterior is presentable from a distance but clearly requires cosmetic attention. The gold metallic paint still gives the car an attractive period appearance, particularly around the front and sides, but the clear coat has deteriorated substantially across parts of the rear deck and rear wings. There is also some paint deterioration on the bonnet. The brightwork and exterior trim are largely complete.
After a period of storage and a fuel delivery problem, the Jaguar has recently been brought back to running and driving condition. The 5.3 litre V12 now runs on all twelve cylinders, responds well to the throttle and shows good oil pressure. The cooling system is functioning correctly and the known V12 coolant crossover pipe has recently been replaced. During operation the temperature remains stable.
The mechanical recommissioning is not yet complete. Some vacuum leaks are still present and the idle requires further attention. Considering the period of limited use, we would also recommend a general service and mechanical check-over before regular road use. For this reason we offer the Jaguar as a running and driving project rather than as a fully sorted car.
The interior is in poor condition and requires substantial restoration. Both front seats are heavily deteriorated, with torn upholstery and exposed foam. The carpets and several trim panels require replacement or refurbishment, while the wood veneer is heavily cracked and aged. The inside of the convertible top is also deteriorated. The dashboard, instruments and most of the original interior components are still present, so the interior is largely complete, but cosmetically it should be regarded as a restoration project.
The electrically operated convertible top mechanism functions, but the hydraulic system is leaking fluid and will require overhaul. The canvas top itself has also deteriorated with age and should eventually be replaced. The electric windows operate slowly and would benefit from cleaning, lubrication and a general check.
The appeal of this XJS therefore lies not in cosmetic perfection, but in what is underneath it: a very solid and largely original V12 Convertible with a running engine, good oil pressure, a functioning cooling system and an unusually sound structural basis. The remaining work consists primarily of mechanical recommissioning and cosmetic restoration rather than major body reconstruction.
For someone looking for a cheap finished XJS, this is probably not the right car. For an enthusiast who values a solid body, a complete car and the opportunity to improve a genuine V12 Convertible step by step, it represents an interesting basis at a realistic price.
Price: € Contact us
The Jaguar has a US title (Texas) and EU import document (duties paid). Door-to-door delivery possible throughout Europe, contact us for a shipping quote. Visits and inspections by appointment at Dandy Classics in the Netherlands.
