1982 Jaguar XJ-S HE

Conceived as a stylish, comfortable and long-legged Grand Routier, rather than an out-and-out sports car like the preceding E-Type, the XJ-S made use of the Jaguar XJ6/XJ12 saloon platform and running gear. Shorter in the wheelbase than its saloon siblings, it debuted as a V12-powered coupé, with six-cylinder and soft top versions following in the 1980s. It had a lot to live up to and comparisons to its iconic predecessor are dismissed, with hindsight, as unfair whilst Jaguar were sensibly long-sighted with their launch and ambitions for the model. Nippy, impractical British sports cars were difficult to sell during the 1980s as the market segmented. Aston Martin’s V8 Coupé catered for the very wealthy and Lotus’ futuristic Esprit was the car of choice for those who were image conscious. The XJ-S, however, was the perfect car for the successful gentleman of a certain age wanting a stylish, comfortable sports coupé that cut a dash, moreover it was particularly popular with women. By the time production had ceased in 1996, 115,413 coupés, cabriolets and convertibles had found homes.

This XJ-S is a truly exceptional original example and a possible best-of-breed contender. Supplied new by Wadham Stringer of Guildford to Mrs Irene Richards, WPE 60Y is a UK-supplied, right-hand drive example that shows just 17,482 miles on the odometer. In single family ownership from new until 2021 when it then joined our vendor's significant private Collection, this example pleasingly retains its original order form, sales invoice, Super Cover document, Ziebart treatment certificate and Pre-Delivery Inspection report.

Finished in the lovely combination of Sapphire Blue Metallic with Biscuit leather upholstery, this example boasts original features so hard-to-find on other low-mileage, original examples. For example, it still has the original factory stickers present on the seatbelt tongues! Sparingly used but well looked after, there are main dealer service sheets on file along with invoices for a new water pump, hose kit and air-conditioning conversion etc (to more modern R134a refrigerant) not to mention a factory recall for the fuel and ignition systems.

WPE 60Y is a time-warp car that really needs to be seen to be appreciated given its hard to replicate originality. Sitting on its original starfish alloys, this very special XJ-S would be a fine addition to any collection, and we therefore welcome and encourage your inspection at the NEC.