When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Here's a 1990 XJS V12 convertible that's worthy of further investigation. It's classic BRG/Tan with ? miles (44K last reported by CarFax) asking $9,998.
The V12 badges are correct and original to this facelift XJS model.
Try googling for images of a 1992 XJS and see how many of those have the V12 badges on the wings...
The leaper is correct, the V12 badge isn't.
I have owned 4 V12 Jags over the years, 3 XJ-S's and one XJ12. I actually blew one of the engines up but I was on a race circuit at the time so it was probably my fault!
I owned a 78 XJ-S that I put around 100k miles on in the Chicago area over a four year period. The only mechanical issue that I remember is blowing out the lower radiator hose under full acceleration. I think the car had about 60k miles on it at the time and was maybe 2.5 to 3 years old. Luckily got to my service station and we jury rigged a hose from something else,refilled the cooling system and I was good to go. Moral of the story check all the hoses. The car felt like a turbine. It just kept going very strongly until reached my preferred cruising speed of 80-95mph conditions permitting. Made several road trips in the car with no difficulties. Good luck and let us know what you decide to do. By the way good XJ-S's can be had for between 8.5 and 13k.
The V12 badges are correct and original to this facelift XJS model.
I'm referring to the V12 badge on the wing under the leaper square as u102768 stated. Reminds me of the V12 wing badge off a Mercedes V12 Biturbo badge from the 2000s.
That pretty much seals it. This car, in a convertible, in BRG. That's the shot.
But can someone explain to me how a friggin V12 has only 256 horsepower? That seems nuts.
Cuz regardless of how many cylinders, it still has only 318 cubic inches.
Compared to the Dodge 318 cid, 256 HP in 1989 was pretty good;
In 1985, Chrysler switched from its original hydraulic lifters to a roller hydraulic lifter and a new matching camshaft; that both increased longevity (especially from cold starts) and allowed the company to use a steeper cam profile, and thus a more precise valve-train actuation. The company also raised its compression from 8.7:1 to 9.0:1, bringing power up to 140 hp and 265 lb-ft, where it would stay until the end of 318s for passenger-car production in 1989.
Put a Getrag manual in it, replace the manifold and exhausts with some that can breathe, add adjustable shocks on and enjoy it as the GT they should have built in the first place!
(I did this to a cabriolet and a couple, both were very reliable, including track day use!)
I had a 76 and replaced the engine at 100K miles. Used a tuned port GM Corvette engine with a R4 OD transmission. Car was great and a fun DD that I took to work. Sold it to someone down south who had it picked up.
I love the XJS. Gorgeous car and fun to drive. A great cruiser but not really a sports car. They aren’t quick off the line but on the highway, the V12 is so silky smooth and effortless. I’ve had five of them over the years. Three were V12’s and two were sixes. The V12’s are more fun to own but they’re harder to work on and some mechanics will shy away from them. The sixes have a better turning radius but aren’t near as fun. I think the most common question from people as they admire the car is, “Is that a V12?”
None of my cars were reliable. My last one was a ‘95 six cylinder convertible. It was a beautiful car but I got tired of having to constantly repair things and spend money on it. I sold it three years ago when I bought my XKR. I don’t miss it like I’ve missed other cars.
This is one you’re looking at looks nice. The convertibles, by the way, are much more fun to own and the quality of the convertible tops are excellent. They aren’t as good as an XK convertible as they aren’t fully automatic (you have to unlock/lock each side) and they leak when you wash them but they don’t leak in the rain. At least mine didn’t. The ‘95 and ‘96 are the best years to own because they are the face lift models and the last two years of production. The ‘94 is also a face lift model but it has the older style ABS system that could default and cause a serious accident as the brake can apply on one side but not the other causing you to lose control.
The leaper on the hood is not stock. One of mine had one and I liked it but many people don’t. The chrome wheel arches could be hiding rust and are definitely ugly and not stock. I never had a rust issue with any of my cars but they were all from California. An east coast car may not be so lucky.
None of my cars were reliable. My last one was a ‘95 six cylinder convertible. It was a beautiful car but I got tired of having to constantly repair things and spend money on it.
A buddy had the six cylinder with a manual. No sunroof. Great car. He put a supercharged inline 6 in it. Huge and expensive project; especially with the AC.
