In the late 1960s Jaguar recognized the need for a new sports car to take over for the E-Type which had reached the end of its development. The seductive curves and fine detailing of the early E-Type had long been lost on the Series III thanks to increased regulation from the U.S. market, making it as much about compromise as it was about evolution. The XJS was conceived as less of a sports car and more of a luxurious grand touring car to replace the E-Type. The chassis was based on the XJ6 with four-wheel disc brakes and all-round independent suspension. Malcom Sayer is credited with the basic shape of the XJS, though he died during development and the final detailing was taken over by Doug Thorpe and the in-house Jaguar design department. But the XJS had a difficult gestation. Jaguar unveiled the 5.3-liter V-12 XJS at the height of a fuel crisis and while the styling was thoroughly modern, it was a drastic departure from the curvaceous E-type and it received a cool reception. But the XJS gradually earned an enthusiastic following thanks to the super smooth V-12 or bullet proof inline-six. Continent crushing long-distance performance, a large trunk and an intimate, luxurious cabin made the XJS the ideal grand touring car. In spite of the rocky start, the XJS soldiered on and remained in production for twenty years.

This 1995 XJS 4.0-liter is from the very last year coupes were produced. Late XJS’s are sought after for their refinement and classic style. Later cars received a subtle but very attractive facelift and a significant re-engineering of the chassis and engine options. This example is unusual in that it is a final edition coupe fitted with the bullet-proof 4.0-liter inline six. Late XJS coupes are very rare as they were outsold by convertibles at a rate of 14:1! The inline six is one of the best engines of the era – smooth and reliable, it is capable of delivering performance nearly equal to that of the V-12, thanks to lighter weight and a healthy 237 horsepower and 282-ft/lbs of torque. This XJS is in exceptionally nice condition and looks as though it has only covered a third of the distance displayed on the odometer. XJS’s reward proper maintenance and this car has clearly been pampered since new. Attractive Topaz metallic paintwork is in very nice condition and is complemented by a lovely beige interior and a set of chromed factory alloy wheels. The road manners are excellent and it feels tight and solid. Inside and out you find nothing but a properly maintained, original example in very nice condition. The XJS combines rarity, elegant good looks and everyday usability, making it true modern classic.