Picture Perfect: 1990 Jaguar XJS HE V12 Convertible – SOLD!

September 29, 2021 Update – We confirmed the seller of this Jaguar “Classifind” deleted their listing, so we’re now able to call this one “SOLD!” While this one got away, please reach out either by email or call us directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.

If you ever wanted an example of how to sell a car online with twenty pictures or less, the Craigslist ad for this 1990 Jaguar XJS V12 convertible originally listed in September 2021 on Craigslist in Pulaski, New York (Syracuse) is a textbook example. Full-length pictures in a neutral backyard not filled with other vehicles on a cloudy day is a great way to highlight the lines of this sorted 45,500-mile survivor XJS.

Offered at $14,500 currently, comparing that price against the Hagerty Insurance Online Valuation Tool confirms the private seller has their XJS priced three hundred dollars above this guide’s #3 “Good” estimate of $14,200.

Jaguar’s XJS Coupe had very big shoes to fill when it replaced the brand’s stunning XKE for 1975. However, while perhaps not as beautiful as the XKE, the XJS still enjoyed a timeless design that changed very little during its twenty years of production. Attempting to keep the thirsty and exclusive V12 engine relevant in an era of rising oil prices, in the summer of 1981 Jaguar gave the XJS  the new High-Efficiency engine for much better fuel economy. With the Fire Ball combustion chamber designed by Swiss Engineer Michael May, power output was increased as a by-product to 263 horsepower in North America trim.  At the same time, the XJ-S HE received changes to its exterior and interior: body-colored boot trim in place of the standard previous black, new five-spoke alloy wheels fitted with 215/70R15 Pirelli Cinturato P5 tires, chrome inserts on the upper part of the bumpers, burled elm inserts on the dashboard and door cappings. By the mid-’80s, Jaguar contracted with convertible coachbuilder Hess & Eisenhardt to build droptop versions of the XJS. In 1988, Jaguar brought convertible production back into its Coventry factory.

The Classic Cars Driven YouTube Channel provides a nice overview of this vintage of Jag XJs with what it’s like to drive one:

The seller’s description points to a low-mileage survivor car that has been sorted. We still recommend anyone considering any Jaguar to complete a third-party pre-purchase inspection (“PPI”) before making your final decision.

Here’s the seller’s description:

“Totally original and in excellent condition. Top and boot perfect. The convertible top has a real glass rear window with a defroster, no plastic. Paint finish original and flawless. 45,500 miles. New ignition including plugs, wires, coils, speed, and crank sensors. New rear coils, shocks, and suspension bushings (notice this car does not squat in the rear like every other one you look at does!) Cooling system flushed and new coolant rail seals installed. Dealer optioned Dayton wire wheels. Tires excellent. The air is cold. New brakes. New steering rack. Zero rust including underside. Call and leave a message and I’ll call back. No texts please. Price was lowered for the end of the season. Car is heading to storage soon.”

Show or go: what would you do with this Jaguar XJS V12 Survivor?  Comment below and let us know!