1975 saw the launch of the Jaguar XJS. In a year that Margaret Thatcher was made the leader of the Conservative Party and petrol was 70 pence per gallon, the new grand tourer from Jaguar was introduced as the replacement for the iconic E-Type. During an astonishing build run of 21 years, 115,413 units were produced by the Coventry manufacturer at their world-famous Browns Lane factory. The final, more aerodynamic version of the XJS was introduced in 1991. At the same time, the car benefitted from a revision to the rear brakes; they were now fitted with outboard rear disc brakes, instead of the more complicated inboard items on previous models. With a more efficient engine and subtle design changes, this version was available until production ceased. In 1995, the last full year of production, the ‘Celebration’ edition was produced to commemorate Jaguar’s 60th year.

This example comes to auction in the very attractive colour combination of Sapphire blue with Oatmeal leather interior and is in excellent order throughout. The car has had just three owners from new and is supplied with a comprehensive history file with stacks of invoices and many stamps in the service book. The history file also contains the original owner’s manuals and booklets and the approved used purchase invoice from Guy Salmon in 1996. The car is supplied with a V5C registration document and MoT test certificate valid until January 2025. Consigned by Fraser Smith