1991 Jaguar XJS

The Jaguar XJS leaned more towards a comfortable Grand Touring car rather than a race-bred sports car, and it was infused with successful design elements of the XJ6/XJ12 saloon platform and running gear. Introduced in 1976 at the Frankfurt Motor Show, the V12-powered coupe rested on a shorter wheelbase platform than its four-door sibling, with six-cylinder and soft-top versions following in the 1980s. Among the developmental evolutions of the V12-powered XJ-S was the introduction of the HE (High-Efficiency) engine in 1981. With the help of a new cylinder head design, this more fuel-efficient unit allowed the XJS to comply with stricter worldwide emissions legislation.

The 1991 Jaguar XJS was available as either a coupe or a convertible with the base coupe selling for $53,000 while the convertible sold for $63,600. Power was from an overhead-cam 24-valve aluminum V12 offering 265 horsepower. It had a multi-point fuel injection system along with twin spray injectors. The engine was mated to a four-speed automatic gearbox, four-wheel disc brakes, and a rack-and-pinion steering system. For 1991, two new interior colors were added, including Magnolia and Doeskin. Charcoal-toned leather trim was added to the shift knob and to the steering wheel, and contrasting piping was on the upholstery.

The Classic Collection XJS was only available to the United States market. It is appointed similarly to the Collection Rouge with lattice alloy wheels, four-headlight arrangement, new Classic badging on the boot lid, and a gold-plated growler badge on the hood.

By Daniel Vaughan | Feb 2015