1986 Jaguar XJS

Description

Every time we see one of these gorgeous Jaguars, we wonder why they don't cost thousands more than they do. Even a late XJS with a V12 like this 1986 model with just 17,036 actual miles is cheaper than a 3-year-old Honda and with proper maintenance, they're far from the reliability nightmares that their ancestors were. So here's a great opportunity to own a low-mileage A-list grand tourer for pennies on the dollar. Don't worry, we won't tell anyone how affordable it really is!

This early 1986 XJS retains all the styling of the earlier models, as it was built before the July 1990 facelift. I call that a bonus, not a demerit, as the "facelift" only seemed to knock the clean lines off of one of the most striking and attractive designs of the 1970s. As a result, this car has a timeless elegance that will never be dated, especially with the addition of a subtle body kit that emulates the TWR Jags that ran at Le Mans. The Jet Black paint certainly helps with that air of refinement and the big cat never needs to make a scene, so subtlety is key. It's very nicely presented with only light signs of age and use, and a professional detail would make that black paint look like a million bucks. The flying buttresses are as dramatic here as they were when they first showed up in 1976 and Jaguar really knew how to use chrome, as there's just enough to show off the many wonderful details but not so much as to give it a heavy look. If nothing else, this Jag is impeccably dressed.

And if you want impressive tailoring, just wait until you see inside! Beautifully upholstered tan leather buckets are matched by deep wool carpets and real burled walnut trim to make one of the most attractive interiors of the decade. The British have always been superb at combining materials in the most elegant way possible, and this car even smells expensive when you first climb in. Big, easy-to-read gauges are fitted in the dash and the airbag steering wheel eliminates the pesky passive restraints that plagued earlier cars. There's an AM/FM/cassette stereo in the dash that sounds decent in the hushed interior and someone has added an aftermarket glass sunroof that's very neatly installed. Almost everything was standard equipment in the XJS, including A/C, power windows and locks, cruise control, and a tilt wheel, which pre-dates airbags so it's slender and sleek, not clumsy-looking. Aside from some comfort marks on the seats and some light fading, this interior is shockingly well-preserved for being 30 years old. Even the trunk is nicely tailored and surprisingly large and it includes a full-sized spare with its own fitted cover.

The 5.3 liter V12 engine provides the kind of effortless performance that you'd expect from Coventry's biggest cat. It's smooth and torquey, perfect for American roads, but highly refined with the most delicious exhaust note this side of a Ferrari Daytona. And while it's true that a neglected XJS can be insanely expensive to put right, a well-maintained low-mileage car like this is a joy to own and remarkably easy on the wallet. It's incredibly authentic under the hood, showing a level of originality that only low-mile cars can, and yes, it looks intimidating, but it just plan works like it should. The transmission is a GM-sourced TH400 3-speed automatic (yes, really), so no worries about expensive service work there, and the suspension is as smooth and competent as ever. Factory alloys remain in very good condition (the fronts could use a deep cleaning) and carry 15-inch BFGoodrich radials all around.

With title records included, this is a Jaguar you can buy with confidence, and frankly, at this price, you'd be crazy not to. It's definitely an A-list celebrity ride. Call today!