Monster V12 cruiser and once a Bathurst winner
Okay, we’ll confess to having a bit of a weak spot for these things. In the flesh, they’re a giant two-seater on a scale that any seventies American factory would be proud of.
Jaguar had to follow up on its long and elegant E-type which, to say the least, was a big call.
The XJS series was the result, initially running a 5.3 litre V12 (later versions also offered a 3.6lt six). Launched in 1976, it lacked the sexy curves of the E-type and at times copped a pasting because of that.
However history has proved kind to these things and, because E-type prices are going through the roof, collectors are starting to look at them with renewed interest.
Mechanically complex, they have a tendency to scare off a lot of buyers. And they can be prone to rust. However owners say a sorted one is a thing of joy and the one critical thing they consistently mention is to ensure the fuel lines in the engine bay are in good condition as they can be a fire risk.
At the moment, they offer a hell of a lot of car for the money.
This example is wearing a Walkinshaw body kit, which the owner says has been there from new. That’s likely to be right. Tom Walkinshaw was the most successful race proponent of these cars, dominating the European touring car championship with them for a while, and even (via a three-car team) winning the Hardie Ferodo 1000 at Bathurst in 1985.
The 1988 build date for this example says it should have the HE engine, which was a little lighter on fuel than earlier versions and had a little more power – around 295 horses.
The C in the model designation is for convertible, though in fact it’s a targa rather than a full soft-top. That also means it’s strictly a two-seater rather than a 2+2.
Located in WA, the owner says it comes with a roadworthy certificate an is offering the car at $22,500.