1996 Jaguar XJS 'Celebration' Coupe

We are delighted to offer this Ice Blue XJS Celebration for sale. It is a rare manual gearbox model, said to improve the driving experience no end. More involvement, more control, an enthusiast’s car.

Our seller has owned the car for around fourteen years and during that time has shown it the due care and attention it deserves, entrusting repairs and maintenance to Jaguar specialists.

He purchased the car from Knowles Wilkins Engineering (KWE), a company founded in 2002 with the aim to build a long-term business based on the remanufacturing of luxury cars. They specialise in Jaguar XJ saloons and the XJS.

As can be seen from the paperwork accompanying the XJS, they undertook a full rebuild of the car. The comprehensive work included amongst other things a new engine.

Our seller effectively bought a new car, such was the extent of the work carried out.

At the time of the rebuild, the odometer was reading 78,712 and all these years later it has gradually crept up to just under 95,000.

The car has been used sparingly, as the seller lives in central London and with the capital becoming increasingly car unfriendly, he has decided it is time to let someone else stretch her legs.

As the XJS has been mainly used for high days and holidays, it has resided in an underground London garage during rest days and this has clearly helped preserve the excellent condition of the car’s exterior. No exposure to sunlight, no cold damp driveway.

As such, the Ice Blue paintwork positively sparkles. It is a colour that suits the XJS rather well, accentuating the car’s graceful and elegant lines.

Chrome work, and let’s face it there is plenty of it, is all nice and shiny.

If we are being picky, and I suppose that’s our job, there is a tiny area of corrosion on the black B-pillar surround on the driver’s side- an easy fix.

There are also a few paint small chips on the panel which adjoins the bonnet.

The chrome wheels are in fine fettle and are fitted with the correct Pirelli P6000 tyres. As we never fail to point out, premium rubber equates to careful and sympathetic ownership.

Swathes of grey leather cover the interior. You get that distinctive smell on opening the door and sliding gracefully into the driver’s seat.

The driving position is excellent, and the view out over the long bonnet majestic. The stubby gear lever falls readily to hand, the wood-rimmed steering wheel a delight to hold.

The fly-off handbrake sits to the right of the driver’s seat, an unusual location but one that is easy to get used to.

Cruise control and air conditioning are both fitted, though we gather the latter is probably in need of a little TLC.

The wood veneer on the dash and doors looks to be in good nick as to the door cards.

The leather on the front seats has aged and needs some love and care. You can buy leather cleaners and dyes, and these would make a vast improvement and help preserve the seats for years to come. Alternatively, there are many specialists who will be able to carry out sympathetic restoration.

The back seats are in much better condition, most likely due to lack of use. They are really only suitable for children or extra luggage.

The carpets are fine, if a little grubby. Time to get the steam cleaner out!

Underneath, we can see some surface rust starting to appear. This will need attending to sooner rather than later.

The spacious boot houses the battery and space saver spare wheel.

The engine compartment is a full one. Maintenance is not beyond the capabilities of the home mechanic, but many choose to a specialist to keep things in top order.

A look at the car’s underside shows the early signs of some surface corrosion in places. We would be tempted to get the whole area professionally cleaned and fully undersealed to help preserve the car’s condition. This will be especially important is the car is to be driven all year round.

The front spoiler has been grazed, no doubt on the numerous speed bumps now appearing in our city centres.

A look at our extensive range of photographs is advised.

If you look through the accompanying paperwork, you will see the rebuild documentation from 2007. It is clear from them how much money was spent and the extent of the work carried out. A new XJS? Well quite probably and the car has only covered 15,000 miles since.

The engine was replaced along with the full suspension, brakes and steering. The paintwork was completely refurbished as were the wheels.

The clutch and exhaust were also renewed, we could go on…

Our seller has had the car professionally maintained by The Jaguar Workshop, which is West London’s leading independent service centre and North One Jaguar in Tuffnell Park.

The last documented service was in June 2018, the car having only covered around 500 miles since.

The MoT certificate was renewed on the 4th May, with only one minor advisory.

As a final hurrah, the XJS Celebration ticks all the boxes and is extremely well equipped for its time.

The powerful 4.0-litre engine is an old smoothie and coupled with the ultra-rare manual gearbox, make this an excellent driver’s car.

It’s a car ideal for continental cruising, the refined and luxurious interior perfect for enjoyable hours behind the wheel.

Let us also not forget that comprehensive rebuild, no expenses spared!

We think the car is likely to sell for between £16,000 and £22,000, something worth celebrating!

Viewing is always encouraged, within government guidelines of course. The car is located at our Abingdon headquarters; 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’