1987 Jaguar XJS Restomod

Description

This 1986 Jaguar XJS restomod is one of those cars that you've always thought about owning but never quite got around to buying one. Well, now is unquestionably the time, as they're finally seeing some gains in the market, proving once again that quality and style will always be able to find enthusiasts willing to appreciate them. Better yet, this one has a Chevy 5.7L V8 in it, eliminating just about all the reasons you have to not own a vintage Jag. Looks and performance? Come and get it!

These cars aren't your run-of-the-mill imports, but for those of us who love them, they're just flat-out gorgeous. The XJS was ground-breaking when it hit the market, and following up the E-Type is no easy task, but this car has withstood the test of time. Still elegant and upscale, it doesn't look dated or clumsy after all these years, and by 1986, it had been trimmed out to look very sleek indeed. Wearing bright red paint, this one has a traditional look that belies the modifications underneath, and it shows off the lean bodywork to great effect. The flying buttress C-pillars are as dramatic today as ever and it's much longer than you'd expect. The rub strips on the flanks help protect the vulnerable sheetmetal, which is perhaps why this one has stayed so straight. Big chrome-and-rubber bumpers and heavy metal door handles glitter in the sun and give you an impression of permanence and wealth, which is entirely the point.

Interiors are what the British have always done best, and the lovely black hides in this Jag don't disappoint. Aside from a small crack in the dash, an area exposed to sun where small signs of use shouldn't be a surprise, it's just beautifully presented with an air of elegance and comfort throughout. Anything that looks like wood actually is real wood, including the steering wheel (an aftermarket piece but very appropriate) and burled walnut on the dash. The seats are all-day comfortable, and the upholstery is so nice it's obviously been redone in the not-too-distant past, and the plush carpets and beautiful matching door panels are equally as nice. Big, round gauges have a clean, crisp look and that slender shifter inside the center console looks almost too delicate to manage the 700R4 4-speed automatic transmission that lives underneath (the swap was easy because Jags used GM transmissions when they were new). There's an AM/FM/CD stereo in the dash, which seems to be the only notable alteration inside, with cold A/C, power windows and locks, a tilt wheel, and cruise control rounding out the options list. The rear seat accommodates two, and the trunk is a great size with a matching spare tire stowed in its own fitted bag.

The 5.3 liter V12 is gone, replaced by an even more powerful and efficient 5.7L TPI Chevrolet V8. There's now plenty of room for service in there and the reliability of the Chevy can't be beat. They used block-hugging headers and a true dual exhaust for an awesome soundtrack, so it sounds more like a Camaro, and with a fuel-injected V8 under the hood it can hang with one out on the street as well. A polished intake manifold, Edelbrock valve covers, HEI ignition, and an aluminum radiator with dual electric fans all help with reliability. The swap looks quite professional and the car runs and drives like it should. The suspension is still supple, the power 4-wheel disc brakes are still powerful, and it's a superlative highway cruiser with a wonderful blend of sport and comfort with a tight power steering system. Handsome late-model wheels are swapped in from a modern Jag and carry 245/40/18 performance radials for an aggressive look.

Is it a sleeper? Hard to say. It remains a joy to drive, affordable to maintain, and with the values going up, you'll finally be in the right place at the right time. Call today!