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 car's 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 gentleman's 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 end-a 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 that's fine, because you'll 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
car-not 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
[email protected] 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
