Members Cars
Peter & Babs
Jaguar first introduced the XJ-S as a 2 seater coupe, at the Frankfurt motor show, in September 1975. It then had the 5.3 Litre V 12 engine, with a maximum speed of 153mph, (the same as an E type). If you were a careful driver you could expect to get 9-13mpg. The price new was 8,900 pounds sterling. Over its 21 year production history the XJS has had many changes in specification, as a Coupe, Cabriolet and Convertible. With 6 Cylinder engines of 3.6 and 4.0 Litres, also 5.3 and 6.0 Litre V12s.
The final model type the "XJS CELEBRATION" was made from July 1995 to the final cars produced in April 1996. Total production of all types 115,413 with over half going to the USA (59,224).
The Ford motor company had purchased Jaguar in 1990. They made many changes for the better, including re-engineering the body of the XJS, which then had 26 fewer body panels, and they fitted properly - also a galvanized protection.
My car was built on 27 March 1995; it has the 4.0 litre AJ16 engine (237 BHP), and a 4 speed Electronic Automatic gearbox. The wheels fitted are BBS split rim with Bridgestone tyres, these are not original, but the car also came with the original Starfish Alloys. The mileage when purchased was 20,350, by its previous two owners in Texas.
I had long held an ambition to own one of these, after selling my MGB roadster, the search began! After many months spent on the internet I found this car in Germany, it had been imported by a dealer from Texas (no rust). So a flight to Dusseldorf to have a look? They say you should never buy the first classic car you see, look and drive many so you know what youīre looking for.... This was the first and only one I looked at, itīs all original as built new, except wheels and tyres.
Now after a year and a half of ownership I am very happy with it. The XJS is no sports car, but a great GRAND TOURER and a JOY to drive. Also it covers about 26mpg in all round driving. Thatīs better than my MGB. If you are a Jaguar enthusiast and would like to talk JAGUAR, please contact me through the Club.
Posted by Webmaster2 on 2007-10-29
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