1988 | Jaguar XJS 5.3 V12

Lot details

Year: 1988
Make: Jaguar
Model: XJS
Registration: E815 LAC
Chassis No: SAJJNADW3DA147571
Engine No: 8556608HA
Mileage: 82,509
(a): Original Jaguar press car
(b): Road tested in an episode of Top Gear in 1988

In 1975, the Jaguar E-Type finally gave way to an all new and more efficient Jaguar, the Jaguar XJ-S. Although never quite having the same sporting image as the E-Type, the final example of this new luxury grand tourer left the production line on 4th April 1996 at which stage 115,413 units had been manufactured during a 21-year production life. V12 engine cars were unusual at the time with notable exceptions coming from Italian luxury sports car makers Lamborghini and Ferrari. The specifications of the XJS compared well with both Italian cars; it was able to accelerate to 60mph in 7.6 seconds and had a top speed of 143mph.

This car is one of two very early pre-production cars built by Jaguar and Karmann in late 1987, both cars E814 LAC and E815 LAC (E815 being the earlier car) were used for development of the new XJ-S Convertible and press duties. This car was originally registered on 4th April to Jaguar Cars Ltd and immediately dispatched to the French Riviera for the XJS Convertible press launch in Cannes. Used extensively as the launch press car, appearances included a full feature in the Sunday Times magazine, television documentary Wheels: The Joy of Motoring and it was also used in the South of France for a road test for BBC's Top Gear - the particular episode can be found on our website. Presented in Signal Red with Magnolia leather trim, this example was purchased from Jaguar Cars Ltd on 24th December 1988 by a Mr. Littlejohn, who transferred ownership from his company to himself in 2010 before he passed away and the car then passed to his son in 2014. Offered with the accompanying Heritage Certificate confirming that the car is as it left the factory, we are told the car was given a full body restoration in circa 2010/2011 and presents very well indeed covering just over 3,500 miles since. Offered with fabulous provenance, a copy of the Sunday Times magazine, original book pack with stamped service booklet, almost every MoT from new including the most recent one valid until February 2025 and service invoices. This is a significant part of Jaguar history and in very useable condition for enthusiasts or collectors. Consigned by James Good