Eight years after the initial release of the XJS in 1975, the Jaguar was given an engine to run alongside the V12, which was the 3.6 litre straight-six. This was the start of many variants of the XJ-S, such as a six-cylinder version and a targa-type model which was never very popular. The full convertible was modified by Hess & Eisenhardt, located in Ohio, USA, who were under contract from Jaguar to convert the cars into full convertibles. It was in 1988, when the official full convertible XJ-S was launched, and as expected it was a huge success.
1991 saw another facelift for the Jaguar under the new owners, Ford Motor Company. This time it was marketed under the model XJS, with a new 4.0 litre engine, that in 1994 was replaced for the AJ16 engine. This was then used in the model we have here today, to celebrate the 60th year of Jaguar Cars, which is known as the Celebration model, bringing the 21 year production run of the XJ-S to an end.
The seller of this wonderful 1996 celebration model Jaguar XJS, purchased the one owner car whilst living in the USA. He moved back to the UK in March 2020, just as the Covid took hold, which delayed the car being registered in the UK until 1st July 2020.
Since bringing the car to the cooler climates of the UK, a couple of other projects have been started, and so the use for the Jaguar has become much less, covering just 500 miles since the import, which is why the XJS is now for sale.
The V5 is present and shows 0 previous UK keepers.
A healthy number of invoices are present from the original owner in California. It has to be said, the history folder is impressive, with everything from the original dealer spec sheet that went with the car in the showroom, to the hand books and service invoices, it is all there showing the car has been well cared for.
The car will have a fresh MOT carried out by the time the auction ends.
Inside the Jaguar is a wonderful place to be. The seats are fully electric and working as they should. These are finished in Coffee coloured leather and are in excellent condition, with the Jaguar embossed headrests to the front and rear. There is no real wear to the seats, other than a couple of age related creases. The rear seat is in excellent condition with no signs of really being used, and the same can be said for the door cards, all of which are in excellent order.
The dashboard is in excellent order, finished in the matching Coffee colour with a Burles elm facia, which is also in the same condition. The instrument binnacle is all reported to be working as it should, with the odometer reading 52,342 miles at the time of our visit. The steering wheel is half wood, half leather, and in very nice condition. To the centre, the factory radio cassette is present. The gear surround is in good order and no damage to be seen, and the switchgear is all in excellent condition with no signs of wear to any of the buttons.
The carpets, as you would expect going off the rest of the interior, are in lovely condition with no signs of wear, thanks to the Jaguar mats which are also in excellent condition. The boot is perfect with the original jack and wheel brace, which has never touched the floor! The spare wheel is the same, it has never been fitted and even has the protective film over the face of the wheel.
Straight Black was the order of the day when Jaguar made this celebration model. Black can either look amazing or awful, depending on how the car has been kept. We are pleased to say that this is amazing, the XJS has escaped being washed with a scouring pad and the swirl marks are at a minimum.
Starting at the front of the Jaguar, the lower spoiler and bumper are in excellent order with virtually no stone chips to mention. The indicators and headlights are free from any chips or splits. Lining the top of the bumper is the chrome trim, which has a nice bright finish with no corrosion. The bonnet aligns as it should with the grille and wings. Moving further up the long bonnet, and the windscreen surround is again bright and clean, and there are no chips to the windscreen. The roof sits tightly against the top of the frame.
Around to the smooth flanks of the XJS, and they’re quite literally straight as a die, with no dinks or dents to be seen. The USA side markers have been converted to a side repeater, now operating with the indicators. The chrome door mirrors and door handles are all in excellent fettle, with no signs of any pitting to the chrome. The roof fits just as it should and is nice and tight when closed. It operates at the touch of a button, opening smoothly and closes just the same. When open, there is a tonneau cover matching the seats which can be easily fitted.
The rear of the Jag is like the rest, unmarked! The smoked lights are in good order with no splits or cracks. The bumper has no scuff marks to display and the boot lid aligns as it should. There is a boot spoiler fitted, which is also in good condition. Included with the sale are some NLA lights which fit either side of the number plate to reduce the gap when in the USA, because of their shorter plates.
The original Celebration wheels are in excellent condition with no corrosion or damage to be seen. These are covered with Pirelli Cinturato tyres, which look to have only covered a few hundred miles.
The 24 valve 4.0 litre uses the later type AJ16 engine, with the new engine management system and distributorless ignition. This fires into life at the flick of the key, and as you can imagine, sounds fantastic. There are no signs of any leaks that we could see, and no unwanted noises that shouldn't be there. The engine and bay is extremely clean and well presented with everything looking to be in order.
The seller reports that the car pulls strongly through all the gears, and the automatic gearbox changes smoothly with no hesitations. The car drives and handles well, and again, there are no untoward noises from the suspension or transmission. It stops just as well as it goes, with no juddering, it pulls up to a halt nice and straight.
The underside of the car also needs a mention. Coming from California, it has seen no salt, and this is evident when you take a look under the car. The floor and suspension components are extremely clean and free from any signs of heavy corrosion. Another point to note is that this particular year has a galvanised body, which further ensures the tinworm stays at bay.
The perfect 2 + 2 cruiser, more than capable of munching up the miles, thanks to the 4.0 litre Straight-six. Straight from California, where it was reported to be a one owner car, making it safe to say it's somewhat desirable, especially in this condition, with an excellent underside to match the exterior.
Definitely not one to be missed if you are in the market for an XJS. What better than to have the end of the line Celebration model, with a galvanised body, later engine and low miles. This could be the perfect XJS?
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.
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1996 Jaguar XJS Celebration Convertible (LHD)
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