The E-Type's controversial successor — outlived its critics across twenty years and seven months.
Launched in 1975, the Jaguar XJS is the E-Type's controversial successor that outlived its critics across twenty years and seven months in production. Early styling was by aerodynamicist Malcolm Sayer, finished after his death; the car sits on an XJ-saloon-derived platform.
The longest-lived Jaguar grand tourer and the direct successor to the E-Type. Variant identification, engine identity and documented originality are the defining factors.
| Variant | Years | Production | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| XJ-S pre-HE | 1975–1981 | — | 5.3 V12; 14,800 built. Total XJS production 115,413. Per Wikipedia. |
| XJ-S HE | 1981–1991 | — | High-Efficiency V12; the world's fastest automatic car at 155 mph. XJ-SC fixed-profile from 1983 with the new AJ6 3.6. Total XJS production 115,413. Per Wikipedia. |
| XJS facelift | 1991–1996 | — | Ford era, hyphen dropped; AJ16 4.0 and 6.0 V12; full convertible. Total XJS production 115,413. Per Wikipedia. |
Inspect body, chassis and structural condition carefully. Confirm the extent of any body restoration and originality of panels and trim against a Jaguar marque specialist. For the XJS specifically, verify the exact variant (pre-HE / HE / facelift), engine (5.3 V12 / AJ6 3.6 / AJ16 4.0 / 6.0 V12) and body style against build records.
Confirm engine, gearbox and driveline identity against build records where available; verify service and rebuild history against a marque specialist.
Restoration standard, originality of body and driveline, and any documented ownership record are the main value drivers.
Verify the exact variant against build records and period documentation.
Regional ranges authored independently — each reflects its local market, not an FX conversion
Each region quoted in its local currency — independent market readings, not FX conversions
| Date | Auction | Car | Mileage | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-11-27 | H&H Classics Buxton | 1988 XJS V12 Convertible | — | £15,188 Sold |
| 2024-12-07 | Classic Car Auctions Leamington Spa | 1996 XJS 4.0 Celebration | — | £12,375 Sold |
| February 2025 | Brightwells Online | 1990 XJS HE 5.3 V12 | — | £9,955 Sold |
| 2025-03-08 | Barons Southampton | 1988 XJS V12 Convertible (project condition) the floor is real — condition is everything | — | £500 Sold |
The longest-lived Jaguar GT and the E-Type's successor. Variant identification, engine identity and documented originality separate the strongest examples.
Our view, not advice. This section is Car Collector International's editorial judgement on where this model sits in the collector market, based on the production, specification and market data set out in this guide. It is not a recommendation to buy or sell and it is not investment advice. Values can fall as well as rise.
Get new buyer's guides and collector market intelligence delivered to your inbox. No spam. We respect your inbox.
The valuation figures in this guide are for research purposes only and do not constitute financial or investment advice. See our full disclaimer.
