13 Apr 04
3.6 - 3590cc, 228bhp, six cylinders; 4.0 - 3980cc, 223bhp (uprated to 241bhp in June '94), six cylinders; 5.3 - 5345cc, 299bhp, V12; 6.0 - 5994cc, 306bhp, V12; XJR-S 5.3 - 5345cc, 290bhp, V12; XJR-S 6.0 - 5994cc, 318bhp, V12
£2000-£15,000
Service history, electrical faults, rust, faulty panel fit, oil leaks, overheating
Like the XJSC Cabriolet, the XJS Coupe will always suffer from comparisons with the E-Type it half-replaced. Although the E-Type wasn't quite as fantastic as rosy-tinted nostalgia would have it, the XJS will never occupy the same esteemed position in British motoring lore and affection. It will struggle even to make classic status - at the moment, older XJS coupes are in bargain banger territory, as exemplified by the growing number that are getting bodykitted, lowered, fat-tyred and spoilered by boy racers looking for a hell of a lot of power for very little money, and all in very dubious taste.
From launch, the 3.6 XJS, with Jaguar's new XJ6 engine, was kitted out with power steering, disc brakes, a limited-slip differential and electronic ignition, as well as alloy wheels, electric mirrors, central locking and air-conditioning. The V12-engined 5.3 also had cruise control, headlamp wash/wipe and a trip computer. Three-speed automatic transmission was offered as an option from early 1987, and a minor upgrade brought all models heated mirrors and a restyled interior; the V12 got heated seats with electric lumbar adjustment and front foglamps. More major revisions in May 1991 brought the 4.0-litre engine (280bhp) to replace the 3.6, more power for the V12, and subtle exterior styling tweaks to the grille, headlamps and cabin. Bumpers, alloys and a few minor details were attended to again in May '93 (when softer Touring suspension became an option) and a final tart-up came in June 1994, before the range (which, after all, had its roots in the '70s) was thankfully replaced by the long-awaited XK-series.
A few special-edition models were released, some with extra equipment and some with more power. TWR produced a few authorised sports models in '84, with modified engine, suspension and brakes, and Jaguar released the supercharged 5.3 XJR-S (290bhp) in '88. A 6.0-litre XJR-S (318bhp) followed in '89. Insignia models have special coachwork (read: Racing Green with gold stripes down the side) and bespoke interior trim (well, chosen from an extensive, extended options list). These models, in particular, exemplify the XJS: nostalgic without retro irony, an obvious manifestation of snobbishness without being either exclusive or fashionable, and also deeply conservative. Still, they probably cut a dash at the country club.
