Jaguar - XJS V12 - 1979





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Description from the seller
HIGHLIGHTS:
• Sought-after first “pre-HE” series with original 5.3-litre V12 engine
• Engine and automatic transmission rebuilt, with only 30,000 km since the overhaul
• More than €12,000 recently invested, with invoices and maintenance history dating back to 1990
• Clear history with 4 owners and a complete mechanical restoration file provided
HISTORY/PRESENTATION:
Launched in 1975 to succeed the iconic E-Type, the Jaguar XJ-S made its mark with its avant-garde grand touring design by Malcolm Sayer and its refined V12 powertrain. The early models produced before the introduction of High Efficiency (HE) cylinder heads in 1981 remain particularly sought-after by collectors for their authentic original specification and distinctive bumpers.This 1979 example is a Jaguar XJ-S 5.3 V12 Coupé in its original pre-HE specification. Registered in France with French registration papers, the vehicle has 201,000 km on the odometer and has been in the hands of its fourth owner since 2010.
EXTERIOR:
The body is structurally sound. The underbody and floor pans are reported to be sound, with no known structural corrosion. The paintwork was redone around fifteen years ago. The chrome, glazing and lighting components are well preserved considering the vehicle’s age. The rubber seals have been replaced, with the exception of the seal around the rear window. A set of front and rear bumpers, along with various additional seals and hoses, is included with the vehicle.
INTERIOR:
The original cabin retains all its authenticity, with original black leather upholstery showing light, even patina consistent with the mileage. The seats, door panels and dashboard are well preserved. The headliner was recently redone. All dashboard instruments and controls are working, including the automatic climate control system.
MECHANICAL:
The vehicle is equipped with its 5.3-litre V12 engine coupled to an automatic transmission. The engine and gearbox were completely rebuilt by the previous owner and have covered 30,000 km since the overhaul. The engine starts without difficulty, both hot and cold, and the transmission operates smoothly. More than €12,000 worth of work has been carried out in recent years, including overhauls of the braking system, air conditioning, cooling system and ignition system, replacement of the shock absorbers, and repair of the rear differential seals. A spare ignition system is also included.
DOCUMENTS:
Comes with the following documents and historical records:
• French registration papers
• Complete history of maintenance and repair invoices dating back to 1990
• Complete mechanical restoration file
• Original owner’s handbook
• Technical data sheets for the GM400 gearbox and electronic fuel injection system
• Official British Leyland workshop manual
Available for inspection by appointment in the Eure department (27), approximately 20 km from Évreux.
Collection, transportation, ownership transfer and any export or Certificate of Conformity (COC) fees are the buyer’s responsibility.
Collection near Évreux or in Paris, by arrangement.
HIGHLIGHTS:
• Sought-after first “pre-HE” series with original 5.3-litre V12 engine
• Engine and automatic transmission rebuilt, with only 30,000 km since the overhaul
• More than €12,000 recently invested, with invoices and maintenance history dating back to 1990
• Clear history with 4 owners and a complete mechanical restoration file provided
HISTORY/PRESENTATION:
Launched in 1975 to succeed the iconic E-Type, the Jaguar XJ-S made its mark with its avant-garde grand touring design by Malcolm Sayer and its refined V12 powertrain. The early models produced before the introduction of High Efficiency (HE) cylinder heads in 1981 remain particularly sought-after by collectors for their authentic original specification and distinctive bumpers.This 1979 example is a Jaguar XJ-S 5.3 V12 Coupé in its original pre-HE specification. Registered in France with French registration papers, the vehicle has 201,000 km on the odometer and has been in the hands of its fourth owner since 2010.
EXTERIOR:
The body is structurally sound. The underbody and floor pans are reported to be sound, with no known structural corrosion. The paintwork was redone around fifteen years ago. The chrome, glazing and lighting components are well preserved considering the vehicle’s age. The rubber seals have been replaced, with the exception of the seal around the rear window. A set of front and rear bumpers, along with various additional seals and hoses, is included with the vehicle.
INTERIOR:
The original cabin retains all its authenticity, with original black leather upholstery showing light, even patina consistent with the mileage. The seats, door panels and dashboard are well preserved. The headliner was recently redone. All dashboard instruments and controls are working, including the automatic climate control system.
MECHANICAL:
The vehicle is equipped with its 5.3-litre V12 engine coupled to an automatic transmission. The engine and gearbox were completely rebuilt by the previous owner and have covered 30,000 km since the overhaul. The engine starts without difficulty, both hot and cold, and the transmission operates smoothly. More than €12,000 worth of work has been carried out in recent years, including overhauls of the braking system, air conditioning, cooling system and ignition system, replacement of the shock absorbers, and repair of the rear differential seals. A spare ignition system is also included.
DOCUMENTS:
Comes with the following documents and historical records:
• French registration papers
• Complete history of maintenance and repair invoices dating back to 1990
• Complete mechanical restoration file
• Original owner’s handbook
• Technical data sheets for the GM400 gearbox and electronic fuel injection system
• Official British Leyland workshop manual
Available for inspection by appointment in the Eure department (27), approximately 20 km from Évreux.
Collection, transportation, ownership transfer and any export or Certificate of Conformity (COC) fees are the buyer’s responsibility.
Collection near Évreux or in Paris, by arrangement.
Details
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Catawiki always aims to offer you the best possible buying experience. Our experts virtually review and select every vehicle in line with our submission guidelines and we require our sellers to provide the most accurate description of the vehicle. However, providing a fully detailed analysis of the vehicle is extremely difficult, and close to impossible. To guide you, we ask our sellers to provide information about the vehicle’s condition. Please consider that most vehicles for sale are classic vehicles and they often already have a whole life behind them, meaning that even a condition 1 or 2 vehicle might need maintenance to be ready for the road. It is advised to carefully read our submission guidelines that further describe details about the condition grades and types to manage your expectations. Cars are sold “as is”, meaning as described and in the condition they are in at the time of the sale and without any representation, warranty or assumption of liability of any kind as to the condition by Catawiki or by the seller. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from yours, your local garage, or the dealer’s opinion. This does not automatically mean the car does not conform to its description. Before bidding, please check your local legislation regarding vehicle registration. Neither the seller nor Catawiki is responsible for the registration of the vehicle in your country and will not accept a cancellation for your failure to register the vehicle. We also recommend that, if possible, you arrange a viewing with the seller before placing a bid.
Catawiki always aims to offer you the best possible buying experience. Our experts virtually review and select every vehicle in line with our submission guidelines and we require our sellers to provide the most accurate description of the vehicle. However, providing a fully detailed analysis of the vehicle is extremely difficult, and close to impossible. To guide you, we ask our sellers to provide information about the vehicle’s condition. Please consider that most vehicles for sale are classic vehicles and they often already have a whole life behind them, meaning that even a condition 1 or 2 vehicle might need maintenance to be ready for the road. It is advised to carefully read our submission guidelines that further describe details about the condition grades and types to manage your expectations. Cars are sold “as is”, meaning as described and in the condition they are in at the time of the sale and without any representation, warranty or assumption of liability of any kind as to the condition by Catawiki or by the seller. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from yours, your local garage, or the dealer’s opinion. This does not automatically mean the car does not conform to its description. Before bidding, please check your local legislation regarding vehicle registration. Neither the seller nor Catawiki is responsible for the registration of the vehicle in your country and will not accept a cancellation for your failure to register the vehicle. We also recommend that, if possible, you arrange a viewing with the seller before placing a bid.

