1991 Jaguar XJ-S

Description

Every time we see one of these gorgeous Jaguars, we wonder why they don't cost thousands more than they do. Even a late XJS with a V12 like this 1991 model with just 18,410 actual miles is cheaper than a 3-year-old Honda and with proper maintenance, they're far from the reliability nightmares that their ancestors were. So here's a great opportunity to own a low-mileage A-list grand tourer convertible for pennies on the dollar. Don't worry, we won't tell anyone how affordable it really is!

Dark colors always worked best on the XJS, and on this slinky convertible, basic black is an awesome choice. Jaguar paint was always some of the best in the industry, and even after almost 30 years this droptop shows beautifully. It shows a few minor signs of use, but nothing that detracts from the dramatic styling and big eyeball appeal that this car generates. A single gold pinstripe from nose to tail highlights just how cleanly styled the XJS really was, but traditional British styling cues abound, from the chrome-rimmed bumpers to the oversized mirrors to the carefully sculpted hood that was meant to recall the E-Type's hood dome. The dual headlights make this Americanized version look even more elegant in our opinion and the smoked taillights were a late addition that works rather well here. And all of it still looks like money on wheels, giving you A-list hardware at a very attractive price.

And if you want impressive tailoring, just wait until you see inside! Beautifully upholstered tan leather buckets are matched by deep wool carpets and real burled walnut trim to make one of the most attractive interiors of the decade. The British have always been superb at combining materials in the most elegant way possible, and this car even smells expensive when you first climb in. Big, easy-to-read gauges are fitted in the dash and the airbag steering wheel eliminates the pesky passive restraints that plagued earlier cars. There's an AM/FM/cassette stereo in the dash that sounds decent in the hushed interior and almost everything was standard equipment in the XJS, including A/C, power windows and locks, cruise control, and a tilt wheel, and even airbags that are designed slender and sleek, not clumsy-looking. Aside from some comfort marks on the seats and some light fading, this interior is shockingly well-preserved for being 30 years old. Even the trunk is nicely tailored and surprisingly large and it includes a full-sized spare with its own fitted cover.

The 5.3 liter V12 engine provides the kind of effortless performance that you'd expect from Coventry's biggest cat. It's smooth and torquey, perfect for American roads, but highly refined with the most delicious exhaust note this side of a Ferrari Daytona. And while it's true that a neglected XJS can be insanely expensive to put right, a well-maintained low-mileage car like this is a joy to own and remarkably easy on the wallet. It's incredibly authentic under the hood, showing a level of originality that only low-mile cars can, and yes, it looks intimidating, but it just plane works like it should. The transmission is a GM-sourced TH400 3-speed automatic (yes, really), so no worries about expensive service work there, and the suspension is as smooth and competent as ever. Factory spoke wheels remain in very good condition and carry 235/60/15 Pirelli radials all around.

With maintenance records, owner's manuals, and an original window sticker included, this is a Jaguar you can buy with confidence, and frankly, at this price, you'd be crazy not to. It's definitely an A-list celebrity ride. Call today!