1986 Jaguar XJS 5.3 V12

First sold by Julian’s of Reading on the 1st August 1986, ‘D683 RDA’ is a genuine TWR-fettled Jaguar XJ-S with just 61,000 miles on the odometer.

Finished in White with an upgraded leather interior, the V12 is mated to an automatic gearbox, giving the Big Cat the legs with which to stride entire continents in one bound.

Being sold as part of an eight-car consignment, it, like the rest, is being offered with no reserve.

The TWR body kit, which comprises new front and rear bumpers, side skirts, and a rear wing, is in fine fettle. It also brings a fresh, modern look to the Jaguar’s traditional design, something the four round headlamps underpin.

White paintwork is always timeless, and the colour suits the XJ-S’s improved aesthetics, giving it a sleek, racy look the original possibly lacked.

The lamp lenses are good too, as are the badges and bonnet-mounted Leaper. 

The four corners look to be still unsullied by city parking, as do the chrome door mirrors.

The alloy wheels, which are 15-inch in diameter, are fitted with 225/60R15 RoadCruza tyres (I know, the spelling makes your teeth hurt, doesn’t it?) on the front and the same size Gallopro on the rear.

As for flaws, while the rain that fell during the photoshoot makes it hard to assess the bodywork with any accuracy, we did notice that the rubber trim on the front bumper under both headlamps is askew but that that is all we can spot speaks volumes as to the Jaguar’s likely condition.

After restyling the coachwork, TWR then turned its attention to the interior adding a Jaguar-branded, grey leather steering wheel to match the seats, door cards, and centre console. The grey/blue leather again adds a fresh twist on the XJ-S’s somewhat dated cabin, bringing it bang up to date. 

It’s all in great shape too, and while we don’t know when the work was carried out, it wouldn’t surprise us if it was fairly recent given how well it is preserved.

And the changes work well. 

The dashboard might still feature four very of-the-period vertical gauges for water temperature, oil pressure, fuel level, and alternator charge but these are sandwiches between conventional round instruments for engine revolutions and speed.

The centre console features a similarly retro digital trip computer (one of whose numbers isn’t displaying correctly) and yet sitting underneath this is a very 21st century headunit with a tablet-sized display that gives what we assume is Apple CarPlay/Android Auto-like connectivity. 

It’s an interesting solution to an increasingly irritating classic car problem and one we think the XJ-S carries off well. The door cards are fitted with Pioneer speakers.

The boot is less impressive. It’s not that it isn’t clean and well-trimmed, because it is. It’s just the fuel filter looks to be a more modern addition, and while you can’t fault its accessibility, it does look a bit vulnerable.

There’s a full-size spare wheel in there though, so #swingsandroundabouts

As for flaws, the trim plate in which the cruise control switch is mounted is cracked, which is truly a #firstworldproblem, eh?

TWR seemed to have turned its considerable expertise to the engine too, adding its own air filter casings and, we are told, a more sporting exhaust system.

Not that the V12 engine really needs more power but we imagine the changes the firm wrought adding different air intakes help make a lovely induction rasp, while the new exhaust will have made it sound like a NASCAR racer at full chat, presumably.

As for maintenance over the years, the Jaguar’s service history is recorded in the service history booklet as follows:

• 04.08.1986 and 1,154 miles – service by Julian’s of Reading
• 05.07.1987 and 7,614 miles – service by Astwood Bank Garage of Redditch
• 20.04.1988 and 15,100 miles – service by Astwood Bank Garage of Redditch
• 27.07.1990 and 33,074 miles – service by F Newman Motor Engineers
• 06.05.1992 and 51,777 miles – service by Reeve& Stedeford of Solihull
• 16.12.2013 and 59,447 miles – service by PCH Auto Repairs, Performance Car Specialist
• 12.12.2019 and 59,932 miles – service by T.C. Motors of Benfleet

The Jaguar has a fresh MoT. Both it and the previous one were issued with no advisories, if that’s any help. 

The online record also shows the Jaguar has covered fewer than 2,000 miles in the past decade.

The recent Vehicle History Check is clear and it comes with the Jaguar book pack and wallet, 

Being offered with no reserve, this TWR-fettled V12 XJ-S seamlessly blends Old School engineering with cutting-edge technology in a hugely compelling way. 

We’re huge fans of cars from the eighties and nineties anyway because we think they give all the classic looks we love with a relatively modern driving experience, and no-one does V12-powered sporting luxury better than the firm from Coventry. 

Throw in a Simon Templar colour scheme and we’re hooked.

You could be too, and as it’s going to sell from the very first bid, why not throw in a cheeky bid and see what happens?

We are happy to offer this vehicle for auction with an estimate in the range of £8,000 - £12,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located with the vendor in Bradford, West Yorkshire. Viewings are strictly by appointment.  To make a booking, please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, and read our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.