1984 Jaguar XJS

Description

I'm afraid this 1984 Jaguar XJS-12 is a love-it-or-hate-it proposition. For the guys that hate it, well, you can stop here. But for those of us who love the long, low Jag with its flying buttress C-pillars and purring V12 engine, well, it's time to celebrate because 12-cylinder performance has never been this affordable.

Personally, I think the design has aged quite well, looking both sleek and dignified even nearly forty years after its debut. The test of time has been passed, and today these cars look and act far more expensive than they truly are. This black one looks predatory and wears a newer coat of paint that shines up nicely and could easily go to the next level with some of your spare time. The proportions are such that you don't immediately notice what a big car this is, but that's part of the Jag's magic. There's just enough chrome to remind you that this car was an upscale piece and actually outrageously expensive when it was new, and it's all in excellent shape. Even the heavy rubber federalized bumpers look right on this design, because by 1984, they'd managed to pull it all together just right. Accessory chrome fender flares are a popular addition for cars like this, and they come off easily if you like the 100% stock look.

Nobody, but nobody, does interiors like Jaguar. They combine rich materials and traditional craftsmanship with what was, at the time, state-of-the-art luxury. Tan leather buckets, deep wool carpets, and acres of real wood make this interior a great place to spend your time. No, it's not totally ergonomically correct, but that's not the point of a Jaguar. Beauty came first. Sure, that original wood in the dash is starting to distress over time as you'd expect, but everything else inside this car is fairly well preserved, from the front seats that show modest wear to the leather-wrapped wheel and its thin rim that suggests effortlessness in the steering (which is true). Classic round instruments with a bunch of warning lights in the center, an array of rocker switches that were clearly descended from the first E-Types, and that delicate little chrome shifter in the center all make this XJS uniquely British. The back seat is in outstanding condition, although it was probably never used as a seat, and the boot has reasonable storage space despite the matching alloy wheel and rear-mounted CD changer.

The "HE" designation on this cat is for "High Efficiency" which is kind of funny on anything with twelve cylinders. At any rate, the refinements make it supremely smooth and effortless in everything it does and it gathers momentum at a startling rate without anyone noticing. The engine is unmodified and idles with a sound that's unique to the Jaguar V12. At full tilt, it makes a wonderful howl and pulls like a freight train, the GM-supplied TH400 3-speed automatic transmission clicking off the shifts. The full-independent suspension floats over bumps yet dances around corners with ease, and the 4-wheel disc brakes are plenty powerful for this heavyweight cruiser. Factory alloys with 215/70/15 Avons still look right even after all these years.

With some TLC, this could be a fantastic car, but even as it is, this is more performance and luxury for your dollar than anything else on four wheels. Call today!