1990 Jaguar XJS 3.6 -rare Manual with just 58,000 miles

Introduced in 1975, just as the E-Type was phased out, Jaguar decided the market was changing and there was a greater call for a long- legged GT, or Gentleman’s Express if you will. Never actually intended to replace the E-Type, it was developed in response to what Jaguar saw as the next step in motoring trends and the car to help them compete against their German and Italian counterparts.
Twenty one years and 115,000 XJS’s later they never reached the dizzy heights of the E-Type in terms of popularity or ‘legend’ status, they have however achieved a slightly under the radar cult status; something of a ‘if you know, you know’ car with a loyal following of enthusiasts that recognise what wonderful cars these are to own and drive (can you tell I’m a huge fan?). The last of the Sir William Lyon’s and Malcolm Sayer influenced Jaguars, they were designed with aerodynamics in mind and the buttress’s can be traced back to an earlier project for a mid-engined project car.

The range offered a number of body styles, engines and gearboxes, but the more driver focussed is the XJ-S Saloon, with a 5-speed manual gearbox and the lightest engine; 3.6L AJ6 straight-six. Although the 4.0L gave you an extra 13 bhp, the extra weight put it at a disadvantage and the 3.6L manual was the fastest off the line with a top speed of around 140 mph and 225 bhp – not too shabby for a 4-seater saloon in 1990.

Never ordered in big numbers the 3.6 manuals are now the rare and arguably more interesting version of Jaguars luxury grand tourer, and whilst overshadowed for years by the more popular 5.3L V12 Auto’s, has become a highly sought after variation.

To make a manual XJ-S really stand out it needs to have auditable low mileage, low owners, be in excellent condition, retain the original bookpack and records from day one, be driving beautifully have a current MOT & preferably have a Jaguar Heritage Certificate…which brings us neatly to this wonderful example, which ticks all of those boxes.

Finished in Regency Red over Doeskin Leather with Blonde woods it presents very well all round; paint is bright, wheels unmarked (including colour matching centre caps), there are no rips or tears to the seats, headlining is in good shape, carpets are wearing well, no cracks to dash and all the switchgear is in good order; even the clock works. There is some minor splitting/delamination to the woods and a small area of bubbling to the inside of the drivers buttress, both of which could be easily attended to.
However, the best part of this car is the driving experience; steering is direct with no play, a surprisingly sporty suspension gives a great ride, clutch is light, gearbox is smooth & the brakes pull up straight and sharp.
Originally bought by a lease-hire firm it was immediately delivered to the Chairman of an engineering company who then took personal ownership when he retired and it was later inherited by his daughter. It has had 7 former keepers; with the lease company, the engineering firm, the retired chairman and his daughter accounting for 4.
The odometer is showing just 58,372 miles (an average of 1,667 per year) and Service & MOT Records support this as being correct.
Firing up immediately on the key, it runs beautifully, is MOT’d until March 2026 and is ready to go.

With only 13 XJ-S 3.6L’s registered on the road (across manuals and automatics) cars like this are becoming harder to find and it’s no wonder prices continue to steadily rise.
For more information, to request a walkaroud video or arrange a viewing please call 07851-694637.
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