1992 Jaguar XJR-S

Jaguar might have had a limited run of these, but when the time comes to grab a used XJR-S now, it’s natural for the keen enthusiast to jump on the opportunity. Especially when the example in question is a good one, there’s no reason why the Jaguar XJR-S shouldn’t be considered, especially if you’re in for a classic GT. This 1992 example is every bit that; it’s in great shape, it’s been maintained well, and also includes, as a part of the sale, a custom registration: XJR 92 S.

The owner, who has a few XJSs and other prestigious cars in his collection, mentions that the XJR-S has always been the car of his choice. He has owned it for six years, and during the time, it’s had some work done to ‘freshen it up’. The car is accompanied by the original toolbox and paperwork including service records and invoices from the past, and not to forget, a workshop manual, booklets about Jaguar’s Le Mans efforts and a copy of Autosport from 1988. Which clearly shows that one of its seven former keepers (or maybe all) was a keen TWR/Jaguar fan.

While it had a wide follower base, the XJ-S was never considered beautiful, mainly because the E-Type, which came before it, left rather large shoes to fill, especially in the looks department. The XJR-S is no different, as it doesn’t magically transform the XJS into a completely different car, but JaguarSport did include a body kit, new wheels, etc. not only to help differentiate it from the regular version but also to aid the car’s aerodynamic abilities. The latter became useful when the car was supposed to do 150+ mph without any drama.

The bodywork of the 1992 Jaguar XJR-S is astounding for a well-used, three-decade-old car. Some parts like the wings have been repaired, although it’s so clean that none of this is evident from the outside but rather from the attached invoices. Even when taking a closer look, it’s hard to guess the car’s age and mileage. The vendor mentions that he’s taken the car to some Jaguar events and has always received high praise. The JaguarSport alloys complement the car’s looks, and as can be seen in the photos, appear to be in good shape.

Before discussing the interior, it’s important to understand that the XJ-S/XJS wasn’t made to be a barebones sports car with a focus on 10/10th driving and nothing else. It was a GT first and foremost, and with the added goodness by TWR, it would be as comfortable when piloted around Mille Miglia as it would be on a mundane motorway commute. This meant the overall cabin comfort couldn’t be overlooked, and it’s pretty safe to say that despite the advancements made in power and handling, the ride and cabin comfort of the XJR-S didn’t suffer.

This XJR-S’s cabin is nothing but fresh, as the vendor got its front seats redone a few years ago, in the factory Autolux leather. The carpet mats are new, and underneath is an extra layer of damping for improved sound deadening. The headlining is new, too, and the vendor has also got a new TWR steering wheel for the car. Some of these new components were old stock pieces, and getting these fitted have certainly taken a few years off the XJR-S’s age. It also has a new R gear knob and an Alpine music system. In terms of condition, it’s one of the cleanest XJR-S cabins you can find, and the new owner will get a car which doesn’t look 30 at all. Everything looks to be complete and there’s a spare wheel, too. The AC works but will need a gas refill, though, adds the vendor.

It wasn’t just a body kit added to the XJS; the XJR-S was TWR’s efforts of banking on the motorsport success to sell a road-going car which was vastly improved over the standard model. The 6-litre naturally aspirated V12 engine was different from the standard car’s, the suspension was changed, and for anyone who appreciated Jaguar’s success in endurance racing, this car was unmissable. The 3-speed automatic gearbox makes its progress effortless, which adds to the car’s long list of talents.

The vendor says, ‘Steering is direct and positive, the brakes are fabulous and work effortlessly, its engine purrs and the XJR-S holds its own with far newer cars on the autoroutes.’ There’s some surface corrosion underneath, which isn’t unusual even for a well-maintained car that left the dealer forecourt nearly 30 years ago. The latest MoT was a pass but with some corrosion-related advisories for the springs and rear brake pipe. The car is stock, and it has new TWR back boxes and ‘JaguarSport’ engine cover badges.

Registered in August 1992, the Jaguar XJR-S has seven former keepers, and the current owner has had it for the last six years. Along with some service details, especially for work done recently, the paperwork includes a media announcement for Jaguar’s racing efforts (including a release notifying the then-imminent entry in Formula 1), some old tax discs, etc. The previous MoT certificates show that it’s had a fairly clean history, failing just twice in the last decade and a half of tests. What’s worth noting is that the mileage in the same period has just increased by about 12,000 miles, which is less than a thousand miles every year on average.

The XJR-S is a very special car, with its appeal not limited to Jaguar and TWR fans. The market wasn’t quite benevolent to the XJS largely because the E-Type had reached unsurpassable status and anything that came after it was considered a touch lesser. That’s changing now, and what could be a better way to enjoy the XJS than this amalgamation of motorsport-backed, cleverly marketed coupe, the XJR-S.

At an estimated £16,000 -£25,000, this 1992 Jaguar XJR-S offers immense speed, a TWR-honed V12, and great comfort. And even if it wasn’t for any of that, the visual condition alone is bound to win you over. The interior is in top shape too, and there’s a neat custom plate that comes along with the car.

An opportunity like this doesn’t come often, especially to own a car brought to life by the same person who was instrumental in Benetton’s Formula 1 success, including recruiting a certain Michael Schumacher. Tom Walkinshaw was a successful, exceptionally determined, and sometimes controversial personality, and if there’s one person who could transform the XJS from a slightly underwhelming Jaguar coupe to a desirable GT, it couldn’t be anyone but him.

Viewing is always encouraged, within government guidelines of course. The car is located at our headquarters near Abingdon; we are open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm and to arrange an appointment please use the ‘Contact Seller’ button at the top of the listing to make an appointment. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.