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2012 Shannons Melbourne Summer Classic Auction
Lot
21

1988 Jaguar XJ-S HE Coupe

$14,000

Sold

Specifications

Engine 5343cc V-12
Gearbox 3-Speed Automatic
Body Work Coupe
Colour Westminster Blue
Interior Buckskin
Trim Leather
Wheels Cast Alloy
Brakes Discs

Description

This lot is no longer available

Introduced at the 1975 Frankfurt Motor Show, the XJ-S ushered in a new generation of GT motoring from Jaguar with elegant styling, superlative performance and exceptional luxury and remained in production for the best part of two decades - testament to the popularity of the original concept and quality of the design. The XJ-S was powered by the superbly refined and smoothly powerful 60-degree all-alloy V12, with a single overhead camshaft per bank, fuel injection and 285bhp produced from 5.3-litres to provide effortless performance. In 1981, the XJ-S was updated to become the HE with a new high compression cylinder head design giving a noticeable improvement in fuel economy without sacrificing performance while the interior also benefited from the addition of wood and chrome missing in the Seventies original. Further developments included the adoption of anti-lock brakes and further enhancements to the interior from 1986. The XJ-S simply got better with age and the public certainly agreed - the year this car was built, 1989, saw the best sales figures recorded with 10,665 made. The XJ-S represents excellent value for money and most pundits agree prices can only increase for good specimens - while ownership brings great rewards.