1989 Jaguar XJS V12 "KWE" Convertible

This simply superb example has had a no expense spared restoration in 2014. It was commissioned by the current owner and cost him the tidy sum of nearly £90k – yes, that’s ninety thousand Pounds Sterling. It was certainly a project of passion, as he was not looking to create a concours entry, but a car that he would be proud to take on a grand tour – of which he did around the Mediterranean the year of completion.

His dream was to create the car that Jaguar ought to have created when they made it originally. It appears that dreams really do come true in this case.

The detail he went to is impressive: upgrading the sound proofing, stainless steel exhaust and even introducing new silicone brake fluid rather than the hydroscopic that it began life with.

The list goes on and one, in fact seems endless, do take a good look in the photo gallery for the detail he’s paid to the receipt documentation.

The vendor wanted to create a car that he could really rely on, and he says now “… it never skipped a beat over the 5000 miles we drove”.

Knowles-Wilkins Engineering (aka KWE), the renowned Jaguar Specialists who restored this vehicle, pulled out all the stops with this one, and created a proper modern classic.

The car is pretty spotless as you’d expect, with a new Tonneau roof cover and superb new canvas for the convertible roof. The paintwork is highly polished and excellent, save some minor blemishes by the passenger door handle, few tiny marks and a chrome door mirror slightly crazed.

The rubber is in good condition for the vehicle of this age and the Chrome bumpers and accessories are also in very good condition.

The chrome ‘XJS’ and ‘V12’ emblems still looking as they ought.

The distinctive rear brake and indicator light covers are in excellent condition.

The flat line of the boot has good paintwork really emphasising those lines.

The square door mirrors, placed beside the widows, show a great door fit.

The leather is excellent, and in superb condition, the driver seat seems to have had little use and the mahogany dashboard and side panels are glistening. The carpet is in great condition too.

The electrically operated convertible roof works as it should, with the hand brake on and after you unclasp the roof catches. The Tonneau cover fits snuggly on top.

All the electrics worked for us, including the seat panel switches.

There’s a jumble of accessories and spares in the boots, such as brake drums; fan belts and a small Jaguar tool kit complete with latex gloves and lights. As well as the usual wheel brace and jack in its own carpeted pouch - a gorgeous touch.

The chrome on the wing mirror switches, ashtray and handbrake – all places where the hand would normally interrupt the plating, - looks to be meticulously looked after. And it really shows.

The owner tells us he never took this car out in the rain, and we believe him. It is evidential that this car has not seen the UK weather and has as such kept it all in very, very good condition indeed.

With a cavity wax, many new engine and undercarriage parts, this V12 is sound. And sounds glorious!

The engine bay is spotless. When you look at it there really is no room for it to become dirty it seems, as it is jammed packed with what drives this grand tourer for a perfectly smooth ride. And we felt it along the country roads in Oxfordshire: a terrifically smooth ride.

There’s a full set (including spare) of matching Falken tyres, all in very good condition. The rims are excellent too, we couldn’t see a scrape on them.

This car comes with a tome of paperwork: front stiffening Cross frame kit, air-conditioning unit tested and working, rear suspension disassembly and reconditioned, welding to under carriage, stainless steel exhaust, full 75,000-mile service, full 15,000-mile service, full 60,000-mile service and then, engine recon – so engine running period required, the list continues….rear shock absorbers, new left-hand bumper, cavity wax injection, xenon headlamp conversion… new hood and headlining….

The list is endless, do please read the details on the paperwork shown in the photo gallery, if you have a cup of tea and some time on your hands that is.

The XJS is now a highly respected grand-touring classic, with the best examples seeing an upsurge in values over the last few years thanks to increased demand. Offering effortless performance, impressive refinement, and a great all-round driving experience.

With the care and attention given to this car, the exuberance and grace provides such a feeling of glamour – so apt for a drive around the Mediterranean indeed, - or simply around the United Kingdom. It really is fit for a grand tour.

We estimate this absolutely superb example will fetch between £22,000 - £32,000.

Viewing is always encouraged and as stated this car is located at our HQ 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’.