Conceived as a comfortable and long-legged Grand Tourer, rather than an out-and-out sports car like Jaguar's preceding E-Type, the XJ-S made use of the company's XJ6/XJ12 saloon platform and running gear.Shorter in the wheelbase than its saloon siblings, the XJ-S debuted at the 1976 Frankfurt Motor Show as a V12-powered coupé, with six-cylinder and soft-top versions following in the 1980s, the expected ban on open cars having failed to materialize.One of the most important developments in the evolution of the... V12-powered XJ-S was the introduction of the HE (High Efficiency) engine in 1981. Incorporating a new design of cylinder head, this more fuel-efficient unit enabled the top-of-the-range XJ-S to meet tighter worldwide emissions legislation.The XJ-S would go on to become Jaguar's best-selling sports car ever, well in excess of 115,000 being made up to the time production ceased in April 1996. The XJ-S had competitive success too in touring car racing, notably with Tom Walkinshaw and his TWR (Tom Walkinshaw Racing) company in the early 1980s.This XJ-S with V12 engine was manufactured April, 1986 and has been lovingly maintained as original from new. Subsequently in long term ownership, the speedometer currently reads 27,500 miles with good service history.This XJ-S has its original books, tools and jack setup. It is virtually showroom condition with the exception of the Upgraded BBS rims shod in performance Michelin tires.The original alloy wheels are with the car and are included in the sale.Now in excellent condition overall, including interior, boot and engine bay, this original XJ-S with good service history has excellent potential to be a competitive preservation JCNA show car or appear elsewhere on the concours circuit for the keen Jaguar enthusiast.
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