JAGUAR XJR-S 6.0 Litre Convertible H 397 KFC
This is a unique Jaguar!
Built in 1991 at Browns lane as a standard XJS V12 convertible, H397KFC was transferred to the Jaguar Sport workshops in Bloxham. On 19 April 1991 Jaguar Sport notified the DVLC that the vehicle was to be re designated an XJR-S 6.0 litre convertible and given new identification numbers.
The car was updated to full XJR-S 6.0 litre specification and 2+2 seating. The car was the original convertible development car and although subsequently 50 left hand drive cars were produced for the US market this is believed to be the only original right hand drive XJR-S in existence, a Jaguar employee believed a second development car may have been built but is unaware if it still exists. H 397 KFC remained in Jaguar's ownership for 24,982 miles when it was sold by the dealer network in 1992.
Launched in 1975 the Jaguar XJ-S had quite a mountain to climb, for it was seen by some as the successor to the glamorous and hugely popular E-Type. However, in reality, the car was never envisaged as a direct replacement for the E-Type - being more of a grand tourer than an out and out sports car.
Largely designed by Jaguar's legendary Malcolm Sayer the XJ-S had a top speed of 150mph and 0-60 time of under 8 seconds it slipped through the air far more efficiently than the E-Type and its excellent ride, comfort and handling were justly praised by the mid Seventies motoring press.
In 1981 the XJ-S received the new HE (High Efficiency) V12 engine providing improved fuel economy and taking the top speed to 155mph, making it the fastest automatic car in the world.
As popularity for the XJ-S grew through the 1980's the only thing missing, after a 9 year absence, was a convertible.
In March 1988 at the Geneva motor Show, Jaguar presented its first true convertible since the end of the E-type in 1974. Production of the XJ-S convertible began in summer 1988 with the launch, as the 1989 model, in September.
The new convertible featured an electrically operated padded roof with headliner which folded neatly away in the space behind the seats. Other modifications for 1989 included a new steering wheel, lattice sports alloy wheels, redesigned seats and new burl walnut trim.
To many this is the most eye-catching XJ-S ever.
The XJ-S convertible is set to follow in the path of the E-type Roadster in terms of a sound investment for the future.
Bodywork
Really, in our hearts, we all know there is only one colour for an XJ-S convertible - Signal Red - just Stunning!
Interior
Again the best colour and a perfect contrast with a red exterior is a black leather interior
In line with the rest of the car you could be forgiven for thinking that this is a vehicle that is only a few months old when you see the interior.
The black leather seats are unmarked are heated and have electric memory adjustment and lumber adjustment.
The charcoal carpets, which have been covered with Jaguar over mats from new, are completely as new.
The headlining is excellent with just the slightest trace of crease marks on the folds in a couple of places.
There is the standard top of the range Jaguar radio cassette player.
Cruise control is also fitted
Under The Bonnet
Under the bonnet the engine bay is spotless and only through such limited use could it present so well and correct.
No sign of rust to the body or inner wings whatsoever.
Original stickers remain
Most of the pipe work gleams and there is little sign or deterioration to the visual appearance of components.
Once again you would never know the age of the vehicle from an inspection in here.
The bonnet struts were replaced with correct manufacturer's parts during re commissioning
In The Boot
In keeping with the rest of the car the carpet and trim in exceptional unmarked condition.
The spare wheel is new with an unused factory fitted P600.
On The Road
The car starts on the button with automatic choke.
The automatic gearbox changes up and down just as it should.
On the road the car drives like an absolute dream, the engine sounds and behaves like a 40,000 mile Jaguar 6.0 V12 engine should.
H397KFC is an absolute delight to drive.
Jaguar XJ-RS Work Record
|
Date |
Detail |
Mileage |
Cost |
|
|
Owned and maintained by Jaguar Sport until February 1992. |
24982 |
|
|
15/05/95 |
TWR Service |
34721 |
|
|
14/10/98 |
Richard Sterry Service |
38688 |
|
|
14/08/99 |
TWR service, brake pads. |
38958 |
452.69 |
|
04/10/02 |
TC service. |
40705 |
188.00 |
|
08/09/03 |
Hyper Engineering. Replace radiator and thermostats, fit EBC rear pads, new front tyres, new throttle pot, new oil and filter. |
41335 |
751.44 |
|
03/04/03. |
TC new distributor cap. |
40775 |
75.79 |
|
09/06/05. |
Cropredy Bridge clean rear brakes. |
41609 |
38.19 |
|
07/10/05 |
Cropredy Bridge. Main service. |
41765 |
260.81 |
|
25/09/06 |
Cropredy Bridge. Brake work. |
41926 |
186.21 |
|
18/06/07 |
Seat mechanism |
41957 |
105.75 |
|
21/06/07. |
Handbrake. |
|
26.44 |
|
26/10/07 |
Oil and filter plus. Mot. |
41984 |
162.06 |
|
29/03/08. |
Replace oil pressure gauge sender, replace anti roll bar bushes, replace oil and filter with Castrol Edge 10/60. Treat front sub frame with waxoyl. |
42217 |
139.00 |
|
12/04/08 |
Thorough clean engine bay |
|
|
|
23/10/08 |
Change oil and filter check over brakes and suspension and Mot Test |
42316 |
297.03 |
|
17/06/09 |
Replace front suspension bushes and two rear exhaust mountings |
42340 |
217.56 |
|
29/06/09 |
Replace Gearbox Spring and mounting |
42365 |
116.44 |
|
13/10/09 |
Mot |
42478 |
54.00 |
|
24/10/10 |
Mot service re secure Oil cooler pipe and refit Bumper trim |
42709 |
243.63 |