Amazing time-warp Jaguar for sale

Once in a lifetime?

It isn’t very often that we think it might be your only chance to buy a car quite like this, but in this case, that might well be true.

This 1985 Jaguar XJ-S V12 is just as it rolled off the production line more than three decades ago – and we can’t believe there are many delivery-mileage examples left.

What’s more, it’s for sale right now with online auction firm Collecting Cars. We can’t resist taking a closer look…

How few miles?!

This coupé is exactly how it was when it left the factory 35 years ago, maybe with a little added dust.

That is because it has since covered a mere 120km (that’s 75 miles). Indeed, it has never been registered for road use.

Present and correct

As you can see, all this car’s original badging is intact.

Collecting Cars explains that there are a few minor marks that are simply because the car has sat so long, but this original, unmodified car, once cleaned, will basically be factory fresh.

Leather-lined luxury

Slip inside this left-hand-drive grand tourer and you’re greeted by a dark-blue leather-trimmed interior and glossy wood veneers, just as its first owner would have been in 1985.

And that leather upholstery is described as being ‘in superb order’.

Comfortable cruiser

It certainly looks it! And having rarely had to hold driver or passengers, this Jag’s seats are still as supportive as they were the day they were made.

They look very inviting and perfect for the long road trips this car was designed for.

It’s in the figures

Looking at the dashboard, you’re reminded of this car’s astonishingly low mileage, shown in the centre of the speedometer.

Like the rest of the interior, it is unmarked and, while it might benefit from a good clean, it is ready to be enjoyed once more.

Luxury spec

With cruise control and air-conditioning, this XJ-S is well-specced for long-distance road trips – assuming you have the means to refuel its 5.3-litre V12 engine.

Factory fresh

It truly does seem that if you didn’t have the cash in the ’80s to make your V12-powered Jaguar dreams come true, then you’ve got a rare second chance.

And with Collecting Cars’ online bidding, it’s a COVID-safe process, too.

Where next?

This left-hand-drive grand tourer was originally delivered to Germany, but has been in storage all its life.

In fact, it has been in Sweden for the last quarter of a century.

Bringing it home

And if this lot’s winning bidder is here in the UK, it can be brought here free of charge, courtesy of Phil Stott Motorsport.

Which is a bonus.

The power of 12

And here it is, the Jaguar’s 5.3-litre V12 engine – what a fantastic sight.

Surely it deserve a chance to roar once again?

True blue

That lovely blue paint is said to retain the same deep lustre it had when first applied, while the slender grey pinstripe is an elegant touch and helps elongate the coupé’s appearance.

The paintwork is described as ‘virtually unmarked’.

Pristine and potent

Of course, a lack of exposure to the elements means that this XJ-S carries no sun-damage either, its black plastics as rich in colour as they’ve ever been.

Both inside and out.

Easy does it

With its three-speed automatic gearbox and that big V12, this Coventry Cat is sure to deliver epic, laidback, mile-munching performance.

It even has a decent boot to accommodate all your last-minute getaway needs.

Wheely good

The car’s 15-inch five-spoke alloy wheels look to be in pristine condition – and suit it very well.

However, it would be wise to replace what are thought to be the original Pirelli P5 tyres before embarking on any adventure, due to their age.

A little TLC?

In fact, it would be wise for the whole car to receive a recommissioning service prior to being driven.

The Jaguar has no known faults, but you must remember that it has barely moved in 35 years.

Still got it!

We reckon Jaguar’s XJ-S is still as stylish and desirable as it was the day it was revealed, the flagship supercoupé with a new flavour for a post-E-type world.

It was a big deal at its launch in Frankfurt back in 1975.

Like nothing else

Based on a stiffer, shortened XJ floorpan, and with the same superbly resolved suspension, its enormously strong long-nose/short-deck body visually owed nothing to any existing Browns Lane product.

Lozenge-shaped Cibié headlamps and sturdy black impact bumpers gave the XJ-S a unique presence, yet one that was still identifiably ‘Jaguar’ in its stance and proportions.

Reading list

This special, time-warp example will be sold with its original, German-language service books, its toolkit, an unused spare wheel and some period brochures.

Polish or power on?

So, what will this car’s winning bidder do next? Bring it back to best, fill it with fuel, pack this good-sized boot and hit the open road with a glorious V12 soundtrack?

Or will it simply move from one storage facility to another?

The clock is ticking

This 1985 Jaguar XJ-S V12’s online auction is live now with Collecting Cars and runs until 8pm on Tuesday 20 October 2020.

Whether you’re interested in buying or just intrigued at what it might achieve, find out more here.