1981 Jaguar XJ-S HE
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****Photos provided by the seller****
Highlights
• One keeper from new
• Exported to the Isle of Man in 1986 and easy to bring back
• Excellent unrestored condition
• Less than 65,000 miles from new
THE BACKGROUND
A 5.3-litre V12 might not sound like the obvious engine to be christened ‘High Efficiency’ but that’s what the initials stood for on the July 1981-on Jaguar XJ-S HE.
The company’s new High-Efficiency V12 engine offered much better fuel economy – albeit relative at around 18mpg. With a Fire Ball combustion chamber designed by Swiss Engineer Michael May, power output was increased 295bhp. At the same time, the XJ-S HE received changes to its exterior and interior, with HE models identifiable by their body-coloured boot trim and five-spoke alloys.
Today, the HE models are among the more collectable XJS derivatives – more efficient than the earliest cars but still retaining their classic looks.
THE HISTORY
This is a December 1981 Jaguar XJS V12 Coupe, first registered in January 1982.
It was registered for the first 16 months of its life to the owner’s company, of which he was Managing Director, but was put into his private ownership in 1983 when he acquired a new company car.
It was then owned by him as a second car until he sadly passed away last year. For probate purposes, the car is now registered in the name of his widow, who is looking for a long-term loving home for her late husband’s pride and joy.
The car was Waxoyled or Dinitrol rust-treated from new and has always been garaged. It has not been used for the last four years as the owner had a medical condition which prevented him from driving, but was returned to the road after the owner’s death in December 2020, passing an Isle of Man inspection equivalent to a UK MOT.
It has been run a few times since to keep it operational.
While the car is in the Isle of Man, it was originally allocated a standard UK registration with DVLA and lived in England until 1986, when its owner moved to the island. As such, it will be easy to reimport with no additional duties – it will simply be a case of acquiring a mainland MOT and applying to DVLA for a logbook. In the meantime, it can be used on Manx plates while the application is being processed.
THE PAPERWORK
With just 64,515 miles on the clock, the Jaguar has had a relatively calm life. It comes with its original service book showing it originally registered as ‘ARD 77X’ and supplied by the Henly’s dealership of West London.
Also included are an entire folder full of bills and receipts documenting the no-expense spared maintenance the car has seen throughout its life.
It has an Isle of Man inspection certificate valid until December 2021, which is equivalent to a VOSA MOT certificate, and it has an IoM registration certificate which the buyer will need to surrender to DVLA if the car is returned to the mainland UK.
THE EXTERIOR
The late owner was meticulous about maintaining his XJ-S and looked after it thoroughly. It was always garaged, cleaned regularly and all repairs and cosmetic work carried out as and when needed.
It’s in superb, unrestored and original order, the only minor defect being a small scrape on the top of the nearside wing, caused on its recent return home.
THE INTERIOR
A similar story unfolds inside – a life of careful ownership and fastidious maintenance has seen the car evolve into one of the best-preserved and most original XJ-Ss on the market right now, and the black leather interior and wooden dashboard veneers are in exceptional order.
It has an original radio cassette player and its factory carpets, mats and headliner, all in very good overall condition.
THE MECHANICS
The car has been cared for meticulously by its lifetime owner, as is reflected in the hugely comprehensive pile of bills and receipts.
As the car had been unused for four years it had to have an Isle of Man Inspection last Christmas before it was again taxed, which it passed first time.
However, on its short journeys to and from the government test centre it exhibited some faults due to its lack of use. Namely, a noisy fuel pump and occasional misfiring when warmed up. The vendor now advises that the car can be driven short distances but with increasing misfire and the occasional cut-out.
The car was taken to a local automobile engineer who is also a classic car enthusiast and the fuel pump was replaced. At the same time he diagnosed a faulty distributor or electronic ignition system. In addition, a small leak from the radiator was discovered.
The car remained at the engineer’s for twelve weeks awaiting parts but souring a new ignition system for delivery to the Isle of Man proved difficult and it was returned to its owner with these repairs still outstanding. It does run and can be driven, but with the aforementioned misfire and occasional cut-out.
THE APPEAL
Jaguar XJSs – especially good HEs with the right kind of pedigree – are in big demand at the moment, and this must be one of the best on the market.
Sort the misfire and the radiator leak (a reputable Jaguar specialist should be able to sort this easily enough) and you’ll have a truly wonderful version of this classic V12 GT that’s essentially a one-owner car from new. And as an added bonus, how about a weekend break on the Isle of Man to go and collect it?
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1981
- Make Jaguar
- Model XJS
- Colour Zircon Blue
- Odometer 64,515 Miles
- Engine size 5329
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Location Isle of Man
- Country United Kingdom
31
bids
- ah•••• £7,000 30/09/21
- SF £6,900 30/09/21
- ah•••• £6,800 30/09/21
- SF £6,700 30/09/21
- ah•••• £6,600 30/09/21
- SF £6,500 30/09/21
- ah•••• £6,400 30/09/21
- SF £6,300 30/09/21
- SF £6,200 30/09/21
- ah•••• £6,100 30/09/21
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