Jaguar XJS: The Unloved GT That Time Finally Vindicated

When Jaguar launched the XJS in 1975, it faced an impossible task: replacing the iconic E-Type while navigating an oil crisis that made V12 engines seem irresponsible.

The automotive press savaged its radical departure from Jaguar tradition, dismissing the flying buttresses as grotesque and the overall design as a betrayal of the company's aesthetic heritage.

Today, those same design elements are celebrated as masterpieces of automotive artistry.

The Long Road to Recognition (1975-1996)

The XJS story began in the late 1960s with influential designer Malcolm Sayer, whose aerodynamic genius shaped the early concepts before his untimely death in 1970.

His vision of structural buttresses that provided both strength and high-speed stability initially horrified traditionalists but would eventually become the car's most iconic feature.

The timing couldn't have been worse. Launching a V12 grand tourer during the 1973 oil crisis seemed commercially suicidal, while British Leyland's build quality reputation did nothing to help the XJS's initial reception.

Early examples suffered from poor assembly standards that reinforced prejudices against British luxury cars.

But Jaguar persevered, and the XJS evolved dramatically over its 21-year production run. By the time Ford's ownership brought improved quality control and engineering refinement, the XJS had transformed into the sophisticated grand tourer it was always meant to be.

Engineering Evolution and Performance Development

The XJS's mechanical development tells the story of continuous improvement:

The original 5.3-liter V12 provided the foundation, delivering effortless performance that defined the grand touring experience. Despite initial criticism about fuel consumption, the V12's smoothness and refinement proved perfect for the car's intended role.

The 1983 introduction of a 3.6-liter inline-six, borrowed from the XJ40, provided a more economical option without sacrificing the essential XJS character. This engine was later enlarged to 4.0 liters in 1991, offering an excellent balance of performance and practicality.

The pinnacle came with the 1993 6.0-liter V12, producing 308 horsepower and achieving 0-60 mph in 6.6 seconds. This final evolution combined decades of refinement with genuine performance capability, creating what many consider the definitive XJS.

The Grand Touring Experience

What made the XJS special was its uncompromising focus on long-distance comfort. While critics complained about steering response and body roll compared to sports cars, they missed the point entirely. The XJS wasn't trying to be a sports car - it was perfecting the art of continental cruising.

The driving position places you low in the cabin, surrounded by leather and wood in the finest British tradition. The initial learning curve includes adapting to limited rear visibility and the car's substantial dimensions, but these become irrelevant once you experience the XJS at its intended pace.

On the open road, the XJS reveals its true character. The supple suspension absorbs road imperfections while the V12's torque provides effortless overtaking capability. Highway cruising at 70 mph feels effortless, with the car settling into a refined stride that modern cars, despite their superior technology, struggle to match.

Market Transformation: From Bargain to Classic

The XJS's value evolution exemplifies how great cars eventually find their audience. Cars that languished in the "bargain bin" for decades have experienced dramatic appreciation as collectors recognized their significance.

Quality examples that traded for £7,000-12,000 in the mid-2010s now command £15,000-25,000, with exceptional late-model V12s reaching £30,000 or more. This appreciation reflects growing recognition of the XJS's unique position in automotive history.

The current market strongly rewards specific characteristics:

Late-model examples benefit from decades of development and improved build quality. Post-1991 cars with galvanized bodies offer significantly better corrosion resistance than earlier examples.

V12 variants command premiums over six-cylinder models, though both offer authentic XJS experiences. The V12's smoothness and character justify the additional running costs for many enthusiasts.

Service history documentation has become crucial, as these complex cars reward proper maintenance while punishing neglect severely.

Investment Considerations in the Modern Market

The XJS market has matured significantly:

Condition over mileage determines value, as these cars benefit from regular use rather than storage. Well-maintained higher-mileage examples often represent better investments than neglected low-mileage cars.

Rust assessment remains critical for pre-1991 ungalvanized examples. Professional inspection can identify potential issues before they become terminal problems that exceed the car's value.

Specification awareness helps identify the most desirable variants. Later cars with improved electronics, better build quality, and refined powertrains offer superior ownership experiences.

Ownership Reality in the Classic Era

The XJS's reputation for reliability has improved dramatically as the market matured:

V12 engine durability has proven excellent when properly maintained. Head gasket issues and timing chain wear require attention, but the fundamentally robust design ensures longevity with proper care.

Parts availability benefits from the car's long production run and dedicated specialist network. Engine components remain surprisingly affordable, though later electronic systems can be more expensive to repair.

Fuel consumption reflects the car's grand touring mission rather than modern efficiency standards. Buyers purchasing 40-year-old V12 cars generally understand this trade-off.

Cultural Legacy and Motorsport Heritage

The XJS's significance extends beyond its commercial success. Its participation in the European Touring Car Championship with Tom Walkinshaw Racing demonstrated genuine performance capability and helped change public perception.

The design influence of Malcolm Sayer's aerodynamic concepts and the distinctive buttress treatment can be traced through subsequent Jaguar models, establishing aesthetic themes that continue today.

Popular culture appearances and its status as the quintessential 1980s luxury car have created cultural significance that enhances its collectible appeal.

The Enthusiast Community

The global XJS community provides exceptional support for owners through dedicated clubs, specialist services, and comprehensive knowledge sharing.

Organizations like the international XJS Club offer resources that make ownership more accessible and enjoyable.

Specialist garage networks worldwide ensure that proper maintenance and restoration services remain available, supporting long-term ownership viability.

Design Vindication

What makes the XJS's story remarkable is how completely opinion has reversed. The flying buttresses once dismissed as grotesque are now celebrated as visionary design elements.

The radical departure from E-Type aesthetics is recognized as necessary evolution rather than stylistic betrayal.

The sleek silhouette has aged magnificently, creating one of the most recognizable profiles in automotive history. On today's roads, a well-maintained XJS commands attention and respect in ways its designers could only have dreamed.

The Verdict: Vindication Complete

The Jaguar XJS has achieved complete rehabilitation, transforming from unloved successor into cherished classic that represents exceptional value in the grand touring segment.

Its 21-year production run allowed continuous refinement that created genuinely excellent cars by the end.

For enthusiasts, the XJS offers authentic British grand touring character at pricing that remains accessible compared to contemporary alternatives.

For collectors, its established appreciation and growing recognition make it one of the most compelling propositions in classic GT cars.

The bottom line: The XJS proved that great design and engineering eventually triumph over initial prejudice. Its transformation from automotive pariah to celebrated classic validates the vision of everyone involved in its creation.

Essential buying guidance: Focus on post-1991 galvanized examples for corrosion resistance, prioritize service history over low mileage, budget for specialist maintenance but expect reasonable reliability, and choose V12 variants for the authentic experience if running costs permit. T

he XJS rewards patient ownership with a grand touring experience that modern cars cannot replicate.