Jaguar XJ-S V12 Convertible

by Gary Anderson

It’s not an XKE, but you can still get a V12 engine.

When does a car cross the line from used car to classic? If you can figure that out, you may be able to buy that older car you’ve always admired at the absolute bottom of the market, after it has ceased depreciating and before it has started to accrue a collector’s premium. We think the Jaguar XJ-S convertible with the V12 engine, especially those built between 1988 and 1991, is at that point now and merits consideration. Surprising for a car that got no respect when it was first introduced, the Jaguar XJ-S was produced longer than any other car Jaguar has built to date. Over twenty years, from 1975 to 1996, Jaguar built over 115,000, first in the “flying buttress” style grand touring coupe and then, after 1988, in both coupe and convertible styles. The car was originally equipped with the V12 engine carried over from the Series III E-types, and then after 1991 became available with Jaguar’s six-cylinder engine as well. When introduced, the XJ-S was...