1984 Jaguar XJS

HIGHLIGHTS: This 1984 Jaguar XJS-HE represents the ultimate marriage of British elegance and American brute force. Originally one of only 8,876 V-12 models produced in Coventry, this Jag has traded its temperamental twelve-cylinder powerplant for a high-performance 6.0L LS2 V8 and a 4L60E automatic transmission. This build solves the classic Jaguar dilemma by pairing an elegant, world-class grand touring body with a powertrain that is as reliable as it is terrifyingly fast. It is a sophisticated sleeper that offers effortless highway cruising and a soundtrack that would make a Spitfire pilot jealous. A set of black 18-inch American Racing 5-spoke wheels are the finishing touch, hinting to passersby that this Jag may not be what it seems! BODY OVERVIEW: The timeless, low-slung silhouette of the XJS has been remarkably preserved, benefiting from a lifetime of garage storage. This is a rare, truly straight example with no known history of accident damage. This XJS is sturdy and sound throughout, and the functional components like doors, windows, and lights operate with a precision often missing from this era. The car sits with a modern, aggressive stance on 18-inch American Standard wheels wrapped in 225/40R18 tires. PAINT CONDITION OVERVIEW: The exterior finish is in great condition, reflecting the car's sheltered life away from the elements. This appears to be the original paint. The paint retains a deep luster and serves as a testament to the quality of the original Coventry craftsmanship when properly maintained. Discerning buyers will notice that there are some minor defects, such as age-related cracking and minor rock chips in some areas, but overall it presents as a quality survivor. None of this distracts from the long, elegant lines of this British classic! INTERIOR CONDITION OVERVIEW: Inside, you will find a cabin that is largely intact and original but shows its age, offering a perfect canvas for a finishing touch. The seats are structurally sound and intact, though they are prime candidates for new covers to match the cars mechanical prowess. The seams are split in some areas, and there are various creases and small tears consistent with 40+ year-old leather. The headliner cloth has followed the traditional Jaguar path of disappearing over time and requires replacement. However, the dashboard and essential switchgear remain in good original shape, maintaining the wood-trimmed atmosphere of a high-end gentlemans express while the modern MS3 Gold box controller and Ballenger Wideband gauge hint at the power lurking beneath. MECHANICAL OVERVIEW: This is where things start to get really, really interesting! The heart of this beast is an aluminum 6.0L LS2 sourced from a 2005 GTO with around 32,000 miles, featuring 243 cathedral port heads and a Texas Speed 228/228 cam upgrade with titanium retainers. Controlled by a MegaSquirt MS3 Gold box, the power is sent through a 4L60E transmission to the stock 2.88 posi-traction rear enda combination that provides blistering off-the-line acceleration thanks to the 3.06 first gear. The suspension has been specifically tuned with upgraded springs for the new weight distribution, and the braking system has been completely overhauled with a restored master cylinder, new wheel cylinders, pads, and rotors. The custom Ray Barton exhaust with coated headers and Supertrapp mufflers provides what is, quite simply, the best exhaust note you will ever hear on a Jaguar. This XJS is a complete and total riot to drive, with all the thrills and noise of a muscle car coupled with the delightful comfort and elegance we know to expect from British classics. WHAT YOU'LL LOVE ABOUT THIS CAR: You will love the sheer cognitive dissonance of driving a refined Jaguar that barks like a Camaro. The LS2 conversion sheds significant weight off the front end, making this one of the best-handling XJS examples on the road. The inclusion of modern engine management means it starts every time, idles comfortably, and can be serviced with easily-sourced GM parts. Furthermore, the custom exhaust work by Ray Barton is a masterpiece of fabrication that ensures you will be the center of attention at every stoplight or parking lot. WHAT YOU MIGHT HATE ABOUT THIS CAR: Purists at the local Jaguar Owners Club might look at you with mild disdain, but thats fine, because youll leave them behind in a cloud of tire smoke. On a more practical note, the cabin currently lacks a headliner, which feels a bit unfinished compared to the rest of the interior. Additionally, while the air conditioning hardware is all present, including the LS compressor and factory Jaguar interior components, the lines are not yet connected, meaning your first summer might be a warm one unless you prioritize the plumbing. DOES IT NEED ANYTHING? The heavy lifting of the swap is complete and the car is a turn-key runner, but this is a fun carnot a show car. The horn, heater/air conditioning, and temperature gauge are not operational at this time. WHAT BUYER IS LOOKING FOR THIS CAR? This Jaguar is for the driver who loves the Old World style of a vintage XJS but has zero interest in the Old World maintenance of a Lucas-electric V-12. It is perfect for the hot-rodder who wants a comfortable long-distance tourer or the enthusiast who wants a unique, high-performance daily driver that stands out from the sea of modern sports cars. Contact Rare Rides Company at 980-306-8100 or info@rarerides.com for more information Rare Rides Company does not collect tax, tag or title fees. Title Status: CLEAN, branded Not Actual Mileage DOES IT WORK? Air Conditioning NO Heater NO Speedometer YES Odometer YES Oil PSI Gauge/Light YES Temperature Gauge/Light NO Fuel Gauge YES Tachometer YES Wipers YES Windows YES Horn NO Radio YES Headlights YES Tail Lights YES Brake Lights YES Reverse Lights YES Turn Signals YES Emergency Brake YES 4x4/AWD N/A Tire Condition: Good tread, 2017 date Keys Ignition YES, Door YES, Trunk YES Seatbelts Front: YES Rear: YES Runs & Drives YES