LOT 185

1994 Jaguar XJS 4.0-Litre Convertible Registration no. not registered Chassis no. SAJJNAFD7EJ197478 Engine no. to be advised

Estimate: £100,000 - £120,000

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Lot 185

1994 Jaguar XJS 4.0-Litre Convertible

Goodwood Members' Meeting|14 April 2024, 13:00 BST|Chichester, Goodwood

1994 Jaguar XJS 4.0-Litre Convertible
Registration no. not registered
Chassis no. SAJJNAFD7EJ197478
Engine no. to be advised

• Retained by Jaguar Cars
• Never registered
• 310 miles from new
• Offered from a private collection within Jaguar
• New clutch

Jaguar's first response to demands for an open-top XJ-S was somewhat conservative in engineering terms. The XJ-S had not been designed with an open version in mind, so a Targa-style arrangement was adopted, which retained a substantial roll hoop in the interests of maintaining rigidity in the absence of a fixed roof. Having demonstrated that there was indeed sufficient demand to justify production of an open XJ-S, Jaguar grasped the nettle and proceeded to develop a conventional full convertible. For the latter they turned for assistance to coachbuilders Karmann in Osnabruck, a firm with considerable expertise in the manufacture of open cars. As well as developing the host of new panels and associated tooling required, Karmann also designed the hood, which was electro-hydraulically operated and featured a full lining and glass rear window complete with heating element. At first the Convertible was only available with the 5.3-litre V12 engine, but following the introduction of a 4.0-litre version of the AJ6 24-valve six in the XJ6/XJ40 saloon, this new unit became available from 1991, the model designation changing to XJS at around this time. The XJ-S/XJS would go on to become Jaguar's best-selling sports car ever, with well in excess of 115,000 sold by the time production ceased in April 1996.

This manual transmission XJS 4.0-Litre Convertible has remained with Jaguar since it was completed on 21st September 1994, covering a mere 310 miles from new, and retains that 'new car' smell. The car has formed part of a private collection within Jaguar and has never been registered. It is finished in Black with Nimbus Grey leather interior and black soft-top and is described by our vendor as in very good 'as new' condition throughout: the engine in running condition and benefiting from a new clutch and slave cylinder, fitted by JLR Classic Works. The original books, manuals and service book are all present, and the car also comes with a current MoT. A unique opportunity for the serious Jaguar collector.

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