At $8,500, Is This 1991 Jaguar XJ-S A Classic You Might Collect?

Save for a gas turbine; you won’t find an engine smoother than the V12 in today’s Nice Price or No Dice XJ-S. Let’s find out if this classic convertible is also priced to make a smooth move.

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Last Friday, we looked at a 2002 Ford F-150 4X4 that had been jacked up on 37-inch tires, sprayed all over with a bumpy bed liner, and was claimed by its seller to have “special needs.” Even at a mere $3,500 asking, that was a bit much for the majority of you, with many commenting that you’d have to check your tetanus booster after simply looking at the ad. A 65 percent No Dice loss was the outcome.

Hey, do you have any collections? You know, stamps, coins, a string of molars from the foes you have vanquished? The 1991 Jaguar XJ-S V12 convertible we’re considering today is part of such a collection. In fact, it’s badged in fancy script as a “Classic Collection” right on the back of the boot lid.

That Classic Collection badge denotes a trim package that was offered in the 1991 model year, made up of a number of aesthetic upgrades, including special piping on the leather upholstery, a model-specific shit knob, also in leather, and a gold-colored Growler on the bonnet.

That’s all just icing on the cake, as the car underneath was pretty special to begin with. This is the last year of the XJ-S before Jag updated the model thanks to new-found money from proud Papa Ford, and the last before the de-hyphenating of the name to XJS. It also sports a 263 horsepower 5.3-liter V12 engine.

That V12 is the “H.E.” or High Efficiency edition, first introduced in 1981 and offering improvements in power, fuel economy, and emissions over the earlier editions. This is a fuel-injected engine, with the squirts handled by Lucas and the sparks under management by a dual-coil Magneti Marelli ignition system. Behind the big twelve is a GM-sourced three-speed automatic.

This one has only 44,591 miles showing on the odometer. It’s painted in Oyster with a biscuit leather interior and contrasting brown canvas top. The only aftermarket elements on the Jag appear to be the wire wheels, which are likely period-correct but do age the car. Those do look to be wearing usable tires.

The ad shows pictures of the car with the top both up and down, indicating that it likely works as it should. It’s also shown in two separate places, proving it can move under its own power. We have to discern such information from the photos since the ad copy is pretty light on details, saying only:

1991 Jaguar Convertible XJS classic

44,800 miles

excellent condition

It’s also noted that the Jag comes with a clean title and is considered to be in “Excellent” condition by its seller. The asking price for this excellent Jag is $8,500.

What’s your take on this XJ-S at that $8,500 price? Does that feel like a deal for a convertible cat? Or does that price make you feel like you’d be paying for all nine lives?

You decide!

Fort Myers, Florida, Craigslist, or go here if the ad disappears.

H/T to Don R. for the hookup!

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