1990 JaguarSport XJR-S

Offered here is the final evolution of the Jaguar XJ-S, hand-built at JaguarSport in Kidlington by the TWR engineers who had worked on the XJ220. Launched in 1988, JaguarSport  was a 50/50 joint venture between Jaguar and Tom Walkinshaw’s TWR (not to be confused with Jaguar-Sport), a relationship that had begun with the famous TWR-prepared XJS that dominated Touring Cars in the 1980s. The JaguarSport  XJR-S may have looked similar to their production counterparts but differed immensely with many parts unique to the model and, of course, its 6.0-litre V12 engine. The engine was rated at 318bhp and was 700cc larger than the previous 5.3-litre V12. A modified intake system, Zytek engine management and a low-loss true dual exhaust system were part of the car’s advanced specification. The Hydramatic GM400 was modified with different 'changing points' to better suit the 6-litre car and a Salisbury limited-slip differential was standard. The suspension was further developed by TWR with increased coil spring rates and the Bilstein shocks, front and rear, were specially tuned for the XJR-S.

Externally, the cars were modified with a subtly aggressive body kit, 16" 'Speedline' aerodynamic wheels and host of modifications inside included a bespoke Connolly Autolux leather interior and the steering wheel was made for JaguarSport by Momo of Milan. They were normally built to order with cars being transported from Browns Lane to Kidlington to be hand-finished. At £45,500, it was £11,000 more than the 5.3 which explains why a little over 500 were made (115 in RHD) before production stopped in 1993 making them highly sought-after today.

Originally supplied by Appleyards in Ripon, this exceptional 1990 XJR-S was sourced by the present ‘titled’ owner after purchasing Tom Walkinshaw's (TWR) very first 6.0-litre many years ago. He sold it to an employee on the proviso that he could have first refusal to repurchase should it ever become available, however that agreement was never honoured, and the Jaguar was sold elsewhere resulting in a long drawn out search to find the perfect replacement, with the car on offer here today being the reward. Presented in Solent Blue over Saville Grey leather piped in Isis Blue and in superb and original condition throughout, the Jaguar has covered less than 40,000 miles from new and is accompanied by all the original documents including the service pack.

These are rare cars and not to be confused with the cars from Jaguar-Sport or individual TWR cars. With only 115 right-hand drive JaguarSport  XJR-S ever built and probably less than half that number remaining, this delightful, low mileage example deserves your consideration.