Probably a record high for an XJS in current times?

A special car and BIG money!

Lot 101 1986 Lister Coupé (Jaguar XJ-S) ‘Chassis 001’ Press Car DG (historics.co.uk)

Paul

 

Ive been here for a long time and XJS’ have been steadily climbing. For those of us that know Jags well and end up selling, the call of the wild is guaranteed to makes us pay an even higher premium for a model we used to have. Times are changing. Inflation is a key factor. Its harder to replace cars nowadays with something that checks all of the boxes because of IG, facebook, and the amount of hoarding that has become the norm for those who have the coin. Collecting is one thing, but buying just to take it off the market has become common practice. A lot of things are recession proof but not bubble proof. If things fall out from under things, the XJS will most likely end up in the pits again, but not like it did back in 00’ and 08’. Its no Supra, and that’s a good thing.

 

Now I'm confused am I a hoarder or a collector?
Nevermind... no coin in my pockets so must still be a collector.
Whew!

 

If you buy to preserve you’re collecting. (Like me, I own 4 Jags) But if you’re like a couple of people I know, out here in the desert, who buy and leave cars to rot or bake for years in the sun, you’re hoarding. That outta make you feel better about yourself.

 

Thats a lot of brass but it is a pretty rare and special XJS - not sure it is something I'd consider as a daily - I already have one car that I won't leave alone in a public place (no not the XJS) - and that would attract all the wrong attention (got rid of an Evo because of that nonsense),

I don't think values are yet at the investment point unless you get something like a Lister - or one of the actual TWR machines or even a Lynx eventer. I recall reading an article that summed it up pretty well for me - "If you can't afford the absolute best XJS out there you certainly can't afford the worst".

I've put a lot of time into mine, and an amount of cash that exceeds what I paid for the car, I had no concept of the costs to get this car back to a satisfactory condition, currently I'm in a break even situation, and that's because I DIY'd things, once I do the paint and interior that changes - significantly. Whilst I bought the car as an investment it isn't what I'd describe as a 'fast profit' item, plus I bought it because I like the XJS - wanted one since I can remember. I looked at a few before settling on the one in my posession - there is a lot out there that looks pretty on top .... buyer beware if you think an XJS is a way to make some money - perhaps one day it will be.

I'll sell it one day if I live long enough, I hope the value I take from it is measured in more than money - other than the alcohol addiction and a whole new language that the car has inspired ....

 

The only reason to have and look after an XJS is that you love driving it. On a cashflow basis, let alone an opportunity cost basis, owning an XJS and getting it to to decent reliable condition, will never, repeat never, be a pay-back proposition on sale. The sublime feeling of driving a dynamically top-notch XJS on a decently long journey is payback beyond price.

Additionally, tastes are changing. The vast majority of under 30s, if not under 40s, are not car-mad as any proper chap was 50 years ago. Indeed, many are not even fussed about a driving license and regard cars as a blight upon nature. Thus they will be as uninterested in cars as i was in horse-drawn carriages. For my part, I am unable, not unwilling, unable, to see the fascination in the 2 x 6 inch screen and the rubbish it transmits that is an obligatory accessory for the spoilt Western young. However I realise that is precisely how they view the masterpiece of design and transport that is the XJS V12.

Maybe skip a generation, and the story will be different, maybe not. The XJS for me is like my wife - as far as return on capital goes - what i spend on her is because I love her, no other reason. I spend money and effort on perfecting my car because it is just so bloody marvellous when it is dead right.

 

i dont think i'll ever get what i have into it .in 26yrs,, OVER $50K. only thing i can say is it gets a lot of attention anyplace i park it , including car shows!
just added last week a GOOD wide-band Air fuel ratio gage system! best thing ever for the Modded V12 , i can adjust Lean/Rich while cruisin i can get around 18/20 MPG with lean, remember its a Pre HE V12!
when i need some serious power just push a button , and power rich instantly! will rev past 6500 rpm no problem, HE's run out revin past 5000!
i will get couple pix(imagine that), soon!

 

GREG you are right about wifey, me and her have had some serious words about how much money it takes to satisfiy me!
but a ride calm it down! with passer by lookin and pointing!

 

couple pix of the AFR gage , making start up sweeps, engine off 14.6/14.7, takes about 2 minutes to warm up sensor!
and pic of my custom control panels!

keeps me busy, becomes automatic once someone gets used to it!
DARN photo system wont ta

ke a video, AFR gage, action making sweeps!
pic of top of radiator mount!

 

It's great news if you own a different Lister. Seriously, a rising tide lifts all boats but I dont expect clapped out 85's to bring much more than that did before.