1996 Jaguar XJS Celebration

The Celebration edition was introduced to commemorate the end of the XJS production run. This metallic Sapphire Blue car is fitted with a stainless steel exhaust system, open face headlights, and the suspension dampers have been replaced with adjustable items. It is accompanied by its original handbooks, tools, tonneau cover, car cover, and the Jaguar Enthusiast’s box file with history and buyer’s guide. It also comes with a USB stick with photographs of bodywork performed on the car, as well as the original lights and exhaust. It is in very good condition and has had a significant amount of recent engine work by the Jaguar Workshop.

The Sapphire Blue paintwork of this 1996 Jaguar XJS Celebration features several distinctive design elements that set it apart from the standard XJS models. The Celebration edition has more prominent chrome accents compared to the regular XJS models. This includes chrome trim around the windows, on the door handles, and along the grille. The convertible features a power-operated soft top. It has a long hood, a low-slung profile, and a sloping rear end, which gives it a sporty and timeless appearance. There are a couple of scuffs to the bodywork, namely on the nearside corner of the front bumper, on the offside corner of the rear bumper, on the front driver’s wheel arch and there’s a chip on the driver’s door edge. That being said, the panel gaps look tight and the chrome work is in fine fettle throughout. At the rear, you’ll notice the dual exhaust system, which enhances the car's sporty image, providing a distinctive exhaust note. The car sits on alloy wheels and fresh Pirelli tyres. The body combines classic Jaguar design elements and unique touches that mark it as a special edition.

The Limestone leather interior is piped in a darker brown, a colour scheme that’s reversed for the carpets. It’s a great look and the cabin is in really great order throughout. The slim, tall front seats are elegant, electrically-operated and supportive. The door cards are in great condition, too. The walnut veneer is very tidy, and the two-tone, wood-rimmed steering wheel adds a lovely rakishness. As with the exterior, the details impress, like the walnut gear knob, the chrome-finished seatbelt holders, door handles and lock. It’s all small stuff but it’s the small stuff that often reveals the most about the quality of a car’s curation. The boot stores a space saver spare wheel and the car comes with its original tools, too.

The engine and engine bay is clean enough to satisfy all but the most fastidious of owners, and the underside is strong. Everything appears to be clean and dry under the hood and looks to be in its right and proper place, although the heat shielding on the inside of the bonnet is sagging slightly. No MoT tester has mentioned structural corrosion to the floor or sills. As you can see, the 4.0-litre engine starts well and idles perfectly, making all the right noises. The car produces 237 bhp, providing the XJS Celebration with respectable acceleration and a top speed of 145mph.

This XJS was first registered in December 1996; it has had six prior keepers; with the current vendor purchasing the motor in March this year. Prior to that, the previous owner had the car for four years, since March 2019. The car does not come with an active MoT, as it expired in April 2023. The car had a gap in MoT history from 2008-2015, where the mileage count dropped from 104,807 miles in 2008 to 87,466 in 2015. This might be something worth exploring further.

The Jaguar XJS’s time might have been a long time coming but there’s no doubt now it’s a bona fide classic and prices across the range have started to rise. But, this is not a model to jump into on a whim because a poorly maintained and rotten example is capable of breaking the bank balance faster than anything else in its price range. This one, however, shows all the signs of being a good one, with an unimpeachable service history that includes plenty of money spent on the bodywork, lights and exhaust. It’s a great colour scheme too.

We estimate this car will reach anywhere between £17,000 - £22,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located in Wantage, Oxfordshire. 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’.