1992 Jaguar XJR-S

This later 6.0-litre XJR-S represents the culmination of all that racing and custom development. For many, it’s the ultimate XJ-S, alongside the Lister versions. Supplied new to the Channel Islands, where it currently still resides (Jersey), this XJR-S was apparently once owned by the sales manager of St Helier Garages. Said salesman, who ran the Jaguar franchise on the island, bought this XJR-S as a present to himself and his wife. When they retired, the couple took the car with them to France, which explains the car’s continental plates.

After returning to Jersey, with its current custodian, the car was apparently repainted by Falles Accident Repair in St Brelade. The vendor is keen to point out that this wasn’t carried out due to the usual corrosion issues, merely that the paint had lost its impact and had become ‘flat’. All the car’s original TWR additions such as lower and stiffer suspension, recalibrated power assistance to offer greater ‘feel’ and that 6.0-litre V12 engine, rated at 380bhp, are thought to all still be present. This monster XJS was claimed to top 170mph – thanks to its amended and 12-percent slipperier bodywork – and get to 60mph in 6.5 seconds. Not that there’s much room on Jersey to test those figures!

It’s clear that some work has been done to the exterior of this XJR-S, as its panels present like a mirror. The deep purple finish seems excellent throughout, with only the very mildest of surface swirls visible in a few spots. The near unblemished finish continues with the paint on those distinctive Speedline alloy wheels. A real visual clue that this XJR-S offers far more than a stock Jaguar, these striking rims remain in remarkable shape. The tyres covering them are a mix of premium brands – Goodyear up front and Pirelli out back – though the vendor informs us that they’re over ten years old now and might be worth changing, despite still having good tread depth. 

Notwithstanding its sporting nature, there’s still plenty of chrome on this XJR-S; it would hardly be Jaguar without it. The condition of this reflects (pun intended) that of the panel work. There’s none of the unsightly pitting or corrosion that can let down an otherwise fine example. As a Jaguar Sport product, this XJR-S has the blacked-out grille and light surrounds, which are both still looking good, as is the glass all round.

Things appear just as well cared for on the inside of this super Jaguar. Its seats, door cards and carpets all look in great order, though the latter has a few slight stains on the passenger side of the transmission tunnel in the front and some more on the passenger side rear.

It’s a similar story with the dashboard and the mass majority of this car’s trim and switchgear, which seems to work as intended and be free of any cracks. We did spot a few imperfections to the wood veneer on the ‘ski slope’ part of the centre console. However, the vendor informs us that he has a good replacement part to rectify this. He also mentioned that he has a good belt buckle anchor to replace the damaged one pictured in the rear.

The trim looks just as good in the boot as in the rest of this opulent machine’s cabin. There’s a CD autochanger, first-aid kit and warning triangle in the fully-trimmed rear compartment. We also lifted the cover on the spare wheel, which is still present and appears to be original. 

Though we haven’t seen a lot in the way of paperwork, more on that below, the vendor informs us that during his six-year ownership, he’s had the car serviced regularly. We weren’t afforded a glance underneath, but the views we had of the engine bay showed a clean, dry and tidy compartment. The soundproofing on the underside of the bonnet is even still present and in good shape. Plenty of stickers and wiring diagrams remain attached where they were applied from the factory and Jaguar Sport logos grace both the cylinder heads and the oil filler – the latter carrying a recommendation to use Castrol Syntron-X.

The history we’ve seen charts consistent, stamped servicing from new to 2006. That last stamp might have been applied 17 years ago, but the mileage at the time was recorded as 65,347 and it’s currently only showing 67,454 on the odometer. The vendor does point out that he’s had work carried out since then, so we’ll let him explain... 

“I have been a long-time admirer of Jaguar cars and particularly the XJS, having seen one as a child when I first moved to Jersey. When I bought the car, it was clear it had been loved, but I took the decision to have the car resprayed, in the original colour, as there were too many stone chips and little marks from over the years. I was also lucky enough to take ownership of the Jaguar Sport Zytek diagnostic software and interfaces. These are the hen’s teeth you hear so many people talking about. The suitcase contains the original disks, laptop, ECU interface, fault-resetting interface and it’s all tested and working. These only went to dealers and were not an option that could be ordered. I was offered £4500 for this on its own a few years ago. 

“Works that we have done in our ownership: major service including oil, filters, rocker cover gaskets, plugs, leads, gearbox oil and filter, suspension bushes, throttle position sensor, various engine bay hoses, all drive belts and a replacement roof lining. It has recently had an oil and filter change, a replacement braking system gas accumulator and brakes bled.

“The car is still on French plates so could be taken back with nothing more than a change of owner. I have all documentation required to register in Jersey or the UK.”

You’re not really offered too much in the way of choice when looking for TWR or Jaguar Sport XJSs, which sometimes mean you just have to take what’s out there. In this case, what’s out there appears to be a superb example that’s been cherished and maintained fastidiously by all its limited number of former owners. The diagnostic kit that accompanies the car is apparently highly sought-after and will also surely come in handy in future. 

We estimate that this fine sporting Jaguar will sell for £14,000-£18,000, but is on offer at no reserve, so will sell from the very first bid.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located with the vendor in Jersey. Viewings are strictly by appointment. To make a booking, please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, and read our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.