Jaguar XJS V12 Coupe
When the Jaguar XJS replaced the iconic E-Type in 1975, many enthusiasts were disappointed. Gone were the flowing curves and open-air motoring; in their place was a sharp-edged coupe with distinctive flying buttresses and a focus on luxury over sportiness. But the XJS had its own compelling qualities. That 5.3-litre V12 engine — the same unit used in the E-Type Series III — produced a cultured, near-silent power delivery that made the XJS one of the finest motorway cruisers ever built. The car evolved significantly over its 21-year lifespan. Early cars suffered from BL-era build quality and high fuel consumption during the oil crisis, nearly killing the model. But Jaguar persevered, adding a 3.6 (later 4.0) AJ6 inline-six option in 1983, a Targa-roofed Cabriolet in 1983, and a full Convertible in 1988. The May 1981 Firestone fuel injection update improved economy. Tom Walkinshaw Racing's XJS won the 1984 European Touring Car Championship, proving the car's sporting credentials. By the time production ended in 1996, the XJS had outsold the E-Type and earned a devoted following. Today, V12 Coupes from the later HE and post-facelift (1991+) eras offer exceptional value for a twelve-cylinder grand tourer.
V12 models need careful inspection of cooling system — overheating destroys heads. Check for cylinder liner corrosion. Later (1991+) cars are more reliable. Electrical gremlins common. Rust in sills, rear subframe mounts, and boot floor. Automatic gearbox is the norm — manuals are rare and valuable.
21-year production run, one of the longest for any sports car. Pre-HE (1975-1981) had high fuel consumption. HE (High Efficiency) from 1981 with Firestone heads. Major facelift 1991 with smoother lines and XJS (no hyphen) badging. Convertible from 1988.