2025-07-12 20:23:16 | pauls writes:

Car at auction 7/25

www.tradeclassics.com/auctions/jaguar/1995-jaguar-xjs-celebration-convertible-3/

Auction description:

1995 Jaguar XJS Celebration Convertible

Excellent Condition | Owned ~4 Years | ~£4k Suspension and Brake Works | History File

Mileage ~81,951 on clock

Transmission Automatic

Engine 4.0-litre

Location Dover

This example comes to market presenting very well, having been dry stored and covered by its current keeper. During its current ownership, the XJS has had extensive suspension works completed covering off new steering rack gaiters, gearbox oil change, new front shock absorbers, new front and rear discs and pads and rear suspension arm replacement in 2021 costing over £4,000.

Coming to fresh-to-market this car is suited for both enthusiasts and collectors alike, a fine example ready for its next owner.

The current owner, Barry, has had the Jaguar in his possession for the last ~4 years, Barry tells us, "I've loved every minute of ownership with the XJS. It does everything I need and more. Power, style and the right level of comfort, especially out on the country roads".

Barry was in the market for something a little different when the Jaguar came along, he went on to say, "I wanted a car which I could be really proud of. This one does exactly that and it's been something which I've spent a good deal of time and money on getting it to where I wanted it to be".

With less time on his hands and a newer car purchased, the current owner has decided to part ways with the Jag saying, "Its a difficult decision, but I have a much newer car now and just don't have the space to keep both. I'm not using as much as I once was and feel someone else needs to enjoy it as I have".

The XJS is fitted with a set of 5-spoke 16” alloy wheels which were only available to the Celebration model. They are in great condition on all four corners, purchased separately in 2012 at a cost of £800.00.

The Jaguar is fitted with Pirelli Cinturato P7's tyres to the front and rear. Tread spec shows as 225/60 appear to be in good visual condition, with a decent amount of tread remaining. Both sets of tyres were dated from 2019.

While looking over the Jaguar during our visit, we found that the car stood level, shut lines look good and we could see no visible distortion to the panels, and both doors, boot, and bonnet open and close well.

We noted major areas of concern when looking under the car - the underside of the XJS has been sealed with Waxoyl, costing over £400 to complete in 2002.

There were very small parking ding to the rear quarter panels and passenger door, although we had to look fairly closely to spot these and would be an easy fix for a dent specialist.

The "Sapphire Blue" paint shows a good lustre and even colour match throughout. The current owner keeps the Jaguar dry stored with a cover, and mainly driven out in fair weather, just some of the reasons why this presents in such smart condition. The white side detail stripe also displayed well.

If we were being overly picky, there was a slight stone chip on the front quarter panel edge and a small area of marking around the exhaust tip. The paint around the front bumper, showed a slight note of splitting and lacquer peel to the edges.

Overall the glass and trim on the XJS showed with no major cause for concern. The seals look good around the outside and in line with the rest of the condition of the car.

The chrome trim and body fittings are in very good shape, with no issues noted on the lights or lenses. The front "Leaping Jaguar" bonnet ornament and Jaguar and XJS badges to the rear, all presented well. The chrome finish would benefit a little polishing to bring out the original shine.

Looking over the mechanical hood, this showed in good condition and was working well.

The front and rear seats all show in lovely condition finished in oatmeal leather. The front seating sections show with no major damage or concern, just a few signs of creasing to the leather and minor wear with age to the drivers bolster section. The embossed Jaguar logos were a nice highlight here. The rear seats had a couple of notes of slight markings to the finish, although nothing really worrying.

Carpets in the front and rear of the cabin show in great condition, with the boot reflecting the same.

Checking underneath the cabin mats, showed no issues here.

The black dash inserts and wood veneer across the centre console all appears in stunning condition with no issues to report. Black dials with white needles looked excellent and were all functioning as expected. The odometer showed with ~81,951 miles at the time of our visit.

The dials, switches, and controls all showed well, and nothing out of keeping. We noted no issues with any warning lights and the gauges were all functioning without concern when starting up the car.

A wooden rim with black inset puts the driver in control of the Jaguar, and shows in excellent condition. The gear knob is in great condition with no issues noted.

The engine appears to be in great visual condition and presented very well, operating with no issues, or unusual noises. Starting up from cold, we noted no concerns and the Jaguar performed without issue when running and out on the road. The car idled smoothly and its engine was easily capable of taking the driver up to speed in no time at all.

The automatic gearbox and sport mode function showed no concerns with shifting the XJS through the motions. Take a look at our "mechanical review" video, where we cover the engine start-up and take the Jaguar around some local roads to learn more about the car.

We noted no knocks, bangs or issue from the suspension when we were on the road in the car, and it gave us no concerns in its performance or handling. The suspension was given an overhaul in 2021 with new steering rack gaiters, updated front shock absorbers and rear suspension arm replacement.

The brakes bring the car to a halt in a straight line with no juddering reported through the pedal, the stopping power and control felt great after the restorative works inline with the suspension. The previous works in 2021 covered off installation of new front and rear discs and pad replacements for these.