1978 Jaguar XJS 5.3 manual

Jaguar decided not to replace the legendary E type with another true sports car, instead the XJS was always designed as a "grand tourer', so it was built to a very different set of parameters. Jaguar simply followed the trends of the time in considering that the age of the sports car was over. Changing ideas, with a significant emphasis on safety, particularly in the very important US market, meant that Jaguar, like many other manufacturers gave up on the two seat open top sports car concept. The XJS certainly wasn't universally liked when it was launched in 1975, and it took some years to establish itself as a fine motor car in its own right. Poor sales and a thirst for fuel nearly caused its downfall during its first five years in production.

However Jaguar's perseverance and dedication resulted in a re-launch and eventually a boom in XJS sales. This led in turn to an expansion in the range of available models, this included a cabriolet, smaller engine versions and eventually a fully-fledged convertible. Jaguar sales increased throughout the 1980's with the XJS still playing a very important part. This was backed up by its racing successes in the European Touring Car Championships against arch rivals BMW. By the end of the decade sales had reached their highest level ever.

Jaguar re launched the XJS yet again in 1991 with a complete facelift and later, revised engines, which continued to keep the model afloat into the period of Ford's ownership. By the time production finally ended in 1996 the XJS had survived an incredible 21 years, with production totalling more than 115,000 cars. A classic even in its own lifetime, and now considered an evergreen, it is fair to say the XJS has earned itself a lasting place in the history of Jaguar.

The "pre HE' coupes are instantly recognisable by their bulbous, all rubber, bumpers, GKN Kent alloy wheels, also by the absence of interior woodwork. It is interesting to note that they are now considered, certainly by purists, to be the most collectable versions, even more so than the rare and desirable manual transmission cars of which only 385 were ever built. These are a real driver's car in every sense.

Finished in Cotswold period yellow with a black vinyl roof, this pre 'HE' manual car is identified as build number 359. Amazingly this car also benefits from an ultra-rare factory fitted electric sunroof which is virtually unheard of in this particular model. Unused since 1992, but recently bought back to life, this XJS now benefits from a new M.O.T. and various new parts including new headlining, bonnet struts, front discs, new radius arms, new wheel nuts, new fuel sender unit, and comes complete with original handbook and blue Leyland service folder.

An extremely rare XJS in its purest form.