1978 Jaguar XJS – Today’s Tempter

By: Alex Affat, Unique Cars magazine

Date: 18.12.2018

Originally a UK-delivered car, this V12 big cat has great documentation and some serious upgrades

1978 Jaguar XJS – Today’s Tempter

The Jaguar XJS remains Jaguar’s longest produced model, manufactured for over 20 years from 1975 to 1996, with a final production pool of 115,413 units.

With elongated aerodynamic styling, it was a low and sleek grand tourer that was powered by either a 3.6lt inline-six or the big 5.3lt V12 for models produced from 1981-1991.

Gearbox options for these years consisted of a 5-speed manual or a three or four-speed automatic.

This 1978 Jaguar XJS features the big 5.3lt V12 with a 5-speed Getrag transmission swap.

It was originally a UK-delivered car, but emigrated to Perth after just one year. It was sold to a woman from Port Lincoln South Australia who owned the car until 1988.

The third owner, had the car for 30 years before stripping the car down for a respray from its original red duco to Porsche black.

The car bears invoice details totalling approximately $40,000 over many years in regards to both maintenance and upgrades. Work has been carried out by well-known specialists such as Mike Roddy and Waverley Jaguar Service.

Upgrades include cylinder head porting and polishing, performance camshafts, extractor and exhaust, electronic ignition, intake and improved brakes and suspension.

Overall, it looks like a comprehensive package, with extensive work undertaken by a clearly passionate owner.

It should perform extremely well as both a leisurely grand tourer and, with the upgrades, provide a far more sporting experience than a normal V12 XJS.

The car is on offer via The Healey Factory in Melbourne, and is listed for $28,000.

You can check out the full listing here!

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