1989 | Jaguar XJS 5.3 V12

This is a fantastic Jaguar XJS V12 Convertible in a truly beautiful colour combination. Whilst presented in excellent condition, it has proven a brilliant overseas touring classic, and whilst we normally collect our vehicles in enclosed transporters, proving the point of reliability and usability further, we drove this car faultlessly 300 miles from Peacehaven, Sussex to Yorkshire. This XJS has had a staggering £110,000 spent on restoration work since 2014, over £90,000 of this in 2014 when internationally renowned engineering firm KWE Cars, specialists in restoration and upgrades of classic Jaguar and Aston Martins carried out a major rebuild with the brief create a brand new, better XJS able to undertake long continental journeys with total reliability and comfort for many years in the future. Then in 2021 when purchased by Actor and Comedian Steve Coogan, over £20,000 was spent with KWE Cars and XJS specialists Clarke’s Restoration before selling the car to one of his close friends, a friend and regular customers of ours based in the South East.

The restoration in 2014 is well documented in the history and includes a photo record. The rebuild project began in early 2014, and in the October the XJS left the KWE workshops and was immediately put to the test. The Jaguar was driven over to the island of Malta in the Mediterranean faultlessly and the car then used for long distance European tours before returning to the UK and being sold to Steve Coogan in 2021. During the restoration process the XJS was upgraded with Harvey Bailey front and rear chassis stiffeners to reduce scuttle shake, improved engine cooling and component heat management, a stainless steel exhaust system further wrapped in woven Kevlar to prevent heat ingress into the cabin, various sections of wiring wrapped in heat resistant silicone tubing, LED headlights, new reliable electrical systems, improved sound deadening and a full KWE engine rebuild. The XJS was also stripped down and re-painted, a new mohair hood fitted and a bespoke hand stitched leather interior made for the car. The results met expectations, and was quoted to drive as a factory fresh XJS built to a standard superior Jaguar originally achieved. The XJS covered 5000 miles on the Continent before returning to the UK and has now still covered less than 8000 miles completion.




During 2021 when owned by Steve Coogan, the XJS had a further £13700 spent with KWE and this included re-commissioning the air-conditioning and heating system, new ARB bushes, re-conditioning the steering rack, further upgrading lighting to Halogens, re-conditioning of the differential and replacing all the springs and dampers with KWE spec upgraded parts. The Jaguar was also cavity waxoyl injected. In 2022 almost £10,000 was spent with specialists Clarke's Restorations, the gearbox began slipping (not renewed at restoration point in 2014) so a re-conditioned gearbox and torque converter were fitted at a cost of over £4000 alone. The hood was again replaced, a rebuilt alternator fitted and various other work carried out. Since being with its last owner the XJS has been used on fine weather days down the South Coast and has not required any work over and above maintenance.




The XJS was manufactured on the 20th June 1989 finished in Jet Black and supplied new by Guy Salmon Jaguar, Thames Ditton. The car comes with its original manual and service book that contains an impressive main Jaguar dealer and Jaguar specialists service history. By 2014 when ready for its restoration, the XJS had covered 133,000 miles and has now covered 141,000. Of course with over £110,000 of expenditure, this is a rebuilt, restored car with mileage since rebuild in 2014 more relevant. However, although the car has an unbelievably impressive rebuild file, the detailed file of early invoices and stamped service history show this was a very well maintained car throughout the majority of its life. Ten years on since restoration the XJS is exceptional to drive, with its rebuilt engine, gearbox and upgrades it is very special on the road. The car still presents well, the Jet Black paintwork ten years on since re-paint has a nice finish, the bodywork is lovely and straight and the interior is truly outstanding. We have never seen an XJS that has had this level of expenditure, and without doubt this offers its next owner a fantastic opportunity.