1988 Jaguar XJS TWR

Before the full release of the XJR-S in 1989 around 100 right hand drive TWR branded cars were built and sold through the Jaguar dealer network. This stunning and stealthy looking XJ-S is one of those “pre XJR-S” cars and hence a very rare beast indeed. This TWR XJ-S was supplied new via Jaguar Warrington at the end of April 1988.  Three further keepers followed before the previous, and fifth, keeper acquired the TWR in November 1995. At that stage the XJ-S had covered just 39,900 miles.

The previous keeper was notable in a number of ways. Firstly he very lightly used the Jaguar – around 6,000 miles in 30 years. Secondly he kept it diligently in, first, a dehumidified garage and, latterly in a Carcoon. Lastly, this gentleman kept a detailed and diligent log during his ownership covering maintenance undertaken, significant journeys taken and even musings on fuel consumption. It’s a remarkable love letter to this fine example and some fascinating context to this car’s superb condition.

This XJ-S came to market in May 2025 via one of our own on-line auctions. Current owner, Mike, submitted the best of 20 bids to become this Jaguar’s sixth and current keeper. Sadly, as is sometimes the case, Mike’s loved ones didn’t share his enthusiasm for the XJ-S. As a result, and following a professional machine polish, this rare and desirable XJ-S is once more on offer.  
 

As if being one of only 100 of the first progeny of JaguarSport wasn’t special enough, this XJ-S was specified in a special order Jaguar Jet Black (PDH) livery. It’s a refreshing change to see a black XJ-S of any type as so few were produced let alone one with this rarified combination of TWR body kit and accompanying Speedline wheels. The body kit works to lend the XJ-S a considerably beefier, lower looking persona which is especially striking, and slightly menacing, in Jet Black. On this inky canvas the single red coachline looks especially vibrant and provides some eye-catching contrast. Other highlights include the TWR specification quad tailpipes and bespoke “TWR Jaguar Sport” boot badge. 

In the wake of the recent machine polish the XJ-S presents very well indeed with plenty of deep lustre noted. As should be expected for a 37 year old car, however, there are some minor imperfections to report. These include some paint cracking on the rear bumper cover and other minor scratches that have been photographed for your review.

The aforementioned Speedline alloy wheels are 15-inch items complete with the requisite TWR embossed centre covers. The condition of these is generally good with the rims clearly benefitting from the protection of the 60-profile tyres. There is a little loss of finish in places but nothing that couldn’t be easily addressed. Those tyres are a matching set of Pirelli P600s dating from 2015.
 

The special order exterior livery is matched by a special order, Connolly leather interior, too. This is predominantly finished in a Warm Charcoal (LEG) hue. Flint coloured carpets, amber hued wood veneers and sable headlining all combine to prevent the dreaded “black hole of Calcutta” ambiance prevailing in here. In most other regards, the interior is the usual, pre-facelift XJ-S fare which means very nicely appointed and a comfortable place in which to munch miles. 

The condition seems very good indeed and the originality quotient is admirably high. The instrumentation if bay way of deeply recessed speedometer and tachometer with the quartet of aircraft style barrel gauges sitting between the main gauges. A two spoke Jaguar steering wheel is fitted but a four spoke TWR style wheel is also included. For a 37-year old car this is a well equipped example, too. Refinements include air conditioning, cruise control, CATS alarm system, central locking, electrically actuated and heated seats and trip computer to name a few.

The deep boot is finished in its original fitted carpet set. A number of useful spare parts currently reside here, as does a full-sized spare wheel and tyre and a complete Jaguar, cased tool set. 
 

The erstwhile Jaguar V12, 5343cc fuel injected engine is pressed into service under the long, leaper adorned bonnet of this XJ-S. The TWR “high efficiency” tweaks were thought to add around 30bhp to the standard setup pushing both the original bhp and lb-ft numbers usefully through the 300-barrier. This is mated to a three speed GM400 automatic transmission feeding propulsive power to the rear wheels.

The under-bonnet presentation of this XJS underscores the care and attention it seems to have received with everything here looking clean and fresh with no leaks in evidence. There is no truth in the rumour that the circuitous plumbing associated with the V12 is based on Harry Beck’s London tube map, despite appearances to the contrary. The engine bay’s inner panels appear robust and undamaged. The underside of the car looks to be mostly in keeping with the age and very modest mileage of this car. The rear of the nearside side skirt does appear to have suffered some damage, however, with the gel coat missing in places and the inner fibres of the construction visible.
 

A big box file containing a car’s paperwork, especially a low mileage example, is always a good sign. In this case a trio of box files are required! The current V5 in the name of the owner is present as is the current MoT in hard copy. This is an advisory item and valid until April 2026. The original book pack is also on hand together with the service booklet. Despite the car’s mileage the latter contains a full 19 service stamps with the most recent dating from January 2025 at 45.850 miles.

The previous owner of the XJ-S must be applauded for the unparalleled diligence of his record keeping as relates to his 30 tenure of this car. It is no wonder that the resulting output forms a box-bound trilogy of verbiage. This keeper detailed every facet of 30 years of ownership right down to noteworthy journeys, all maintenance and repair and even some narrative around fuel consumption and oil pressures. His notes make the average Haynes manual look like a few vague notes scratched onto the back of a beer mat by comparison.  Impressive indeed!
 

Ultimately the Jaguar XJ-S wasn’t a low volume, hand fettled artisanal vehicle lime some of its predecessors. Ultimately over 115,000 examples would be built and sold between 1975 and 1996. Of those the Series 2 cars (1981 – 1991) like this one accounted for over 73,000 of the total. It is possibly that ubiquity that has seemed to make the XJ-S a slow burn in terms of collectability and appreciation. There are some notable exceptions, of course. An example of which is this TWR / JaguarSport XJ-S whose production originally numbered around 100 cars before the XJR-S of 1989 carried the torch forward.

So, this is a rare XJS and, clearly, a cherished example. Its TWR origins and associated upgrades only add additional gilding to this automotive lily. The condition is impressive thanks, in part, to a 30 year ownership period where it lived a more cosseted life than many domestic animals. How do we know? This Jaguar is accompanied by one of the most detailed accounts of ownership we have seen…….since we sold it the last time. If you hanker after a pre-facelift XJ-S it will, surely, prove a challenge to find a better, more interesting and better documented example than this.

We are happy to offer this car for auction with an estimate in the range of £12,000 - £16,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at Bonhams|Cars Online HQ. Viewings are STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT and we are open weekdays between 10am - 12pm or 2pm - 4pm. To make a booking, please use the ‘Enquire About This Vehicle’ button on the listing. Feel free to ask any questions, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.