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The XJ-S was released for the 1976 model year and remained in production for 21 model years.  As the luxury coupe entry for Jaguar, it followed the glorious E-Type and preceded the XK8, which retained its suspension for the most part – a feather in the cap of the XJ-S.  It stayed quite true to the original throughout its run – both cosmetically and mechanically.  A few period cues we notice on this ’85 are the V12 engine – all XJ-Ss were so equipped at the start of production while a straight six became available to the North American market in 1991 (earlier overseas); the H.E. engine – with improvements in fuel economy for the ’81 model year, Jaguar called this V12 “High Efficiency”; chrome on the upper side of bumpers, elm capping on the dashboard and doors; the ’85 was the last year without a CHMSL (centre high-mount stop light/third brake light); and the name itself – when Ford took over the Jaguar marque in 1991, it dropped the hyphen in the model name, and XJ-S became XJS.

Owner reports that the car has not seen snow and it possesses the finish to reflect this.  In winters, it was stored in the owner’s garage and then used occasionally in the fair-weather months.  This use has added up to a reading of 135,000 km on the clock.  Garage storage has preserved a nice shine on original Regent grey metallic paint, acknowledging some minor blemishes as photographed.  Knock-off tribute wire wheels are fitted in the original sizes, with original five-bolt hubs and Jaguar-branded centre caps.  Tires were installed a few hundred km’s ago, in 2019.  The original full-sized spare is housed in its original casing in the trunk, mounted on an original five-spoke “starfish” wheel.  Other exterior features include the factory decklid spoiler, with opening for the rear right side antenna; factory chrome trim, including chrome caps on the side mirrors; driving lights; white pinstriping; dual exit exhaust pipes, also chrome-finished; Jaguar-branded mud flaps; Jaguar and separate V12 badging on the hood and grille, respectively; front spoiler; Euro flush-mounted headlights; as well as high-mount fuel door.

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The interior is as one would expect from a Jaguar, with grey Connolly leather and burled wood both in long supply – the two appearing quite presentable in the photos.  The two-spoke steering wheel and wood-knobbed automatic shifter continue the theme of elegance while the grey carpet matching the seats is of a thick, luxurious pile.  Instrumentation includes a 260 km/h speedometer with six-digit odometer and tachometer bookending vertical temperature, oil pressure, fuel and volt-meter gauges.  A trip computer is featured in the console above the stereo head unit.  The car is equipped with an air conditioner, a locking glove box and ashtray.  The air conditioner is current inoperable and has not been converted from R12 refrigerant to R134a.  The original AM/FM/cassette head unit as well as original speakers remain in place and functional.

Under the bonnet is found the original 5.3 litre twelve-cylinder powerplant in a clean engine bay.  Originally rated at 291 horsepower, there is a three-speed automatic transmission which sends power to the rear wheels.  When new, torque was rated at a prodigious 317 lb.-ft.  Owner reports that this V12 coupe is ready to cruise – the engine, transmission and suspension to be in great condition – and he has a mechanic’s inspection on hand to support this, included in the photo gallery below the bidding section of this page.  During his ownership tenure, seller has carried out the required work on the car – most notably electrical and to suspension – and has maintenance records on file, also included in the gallery.  Needs are set out further on in this listing.

While the owner states this car is ready for cruising, there are some details which the new owner may decide to tend to, namely:  air conditioning and passenger side power window power switch.  The owner mentions bushings may need attention (one mechanic recommended replacement, another said they were ok).  He also suggests that the car would benefit from some minor cosmetic and trim work – the headlight bezels are currently loose, as is the headliner – whose material is intact and undamaged.

This 32 Years Owned 1985 Jaguar XJ-S HE V12 Coupe is registered in the name of the seller’s spouse, comes with two sets of keys and the original Owner’s Manual.  It is available at No Reserve in Caledon East, northwest of Toronto.

Photo gallery and a further video appear below the bidding section.

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VIDEO – Engine Running (click here)