That Jaguar's XJ-S (later the XJS) is becoming an increasingly sought after classic is beyond doubt. Based on the XJ saloon, it was launched in September 1975 as a replacement for the legendary E-Type, though it was of a very different character - the E-type being a race-bred sports car while the XJS was more of a high speed GT machine. The excellence of its basic design was ably demonstrated by its 21-year production life. Based around a two-door monocoque bodyshell equipped with all-round independent suspension (double wishbone front, lower wishbone/radius arm rear), four-wheel disc brakes and power-assisted rack and pinion steering, some of its underpinnings even found their way into the later Aston Martin DB7 and Jaguar XK8. However, the XJ-S could only cheat time for so long and in 1991 parent company Ford thoroughly reworked the luxury Grand Tourer at a cost of £50 million. With its sheet metal incorporating some 40 percent new panels, the rejuvenated model range sported a revised grille, headlamps, taillights, bumpers and rear wings. Its cabin, meanwhile, gained a new walnut trim facia and improved sports seats. The new version was powered by either a punchy straight-six (3980cc) or a soporific V12 (5343cc) engine; the former DOHC unit developed some 223bhp and 283lbft of torque. Featuring a five-speed manual transmission as standard, the 4.0-litre XJS could also be had with a four-speed automatic gearbox. Capable of over 140mph, the model proved to be a refined and relaxing drive.

The right-hand drive 4.0-litre XJS Coupe on offer is a 1992 example finished in Diamond Blue matched to a Beige leather interior. Dry stored and currently on SORN, it has recently been treated to a new battery and new rear exhaust box - the latter was to achieve a fresh MOT, which remains valid into November. The vendor considers the bodywork and paintwork to be "fair to good", and the interior trim, engine and automatic transmission to be "very good". He tells us that there are "a few small blemishes on the body" and that "the central locking needs attention", but reckons that "a small amount of money will put the Jaguar in A1 condition".