1988 Jaguar XJ

VDP Sedan

12 - Cyl.

Automatic

SAJBN1841JC479182

Clear

Gasoline

This is a 1988 Jaguar Vanden Plas Series III in rare original, untouched condition. It has 65,000km (just over 40,000 miles) and has spent a sheltered life in a garage under cover at a Vancouver mansion. It is the classic Series III body style favored by any Jaguar collector. It is in what I would consider the best colour for these Series III models - Alpine Green with a Doeskin Interior. I purchased this car over 2 years ago with the intention of taking it to concours condition, however the reality is that with no time available, it is just sitting in my garage. The car deserves someone willing to do what I haven't been able to and bring it back to showroom condition - and better yet, drive it. The Canadian market received all the V12 Vanden Plas Series III for North America, however the production numbers were very low. I have service records from the prior owner showing recorded mileage at a July 2002 service of 59,289km, and again on July 6, 2004 showing 63,688km, so you can see the limited use . It appears after that point until my purchase in 2010, that the car sat unused in their garage. The car was sold in 2010 as the original owner passed away. The overall condition of the car is very good, but it is not without some items needing attention. The power antenna was broken at some point, the headliner should be redone (starting to sag, and the body has some fine scratches that I have been unable to buff out. There is also, as shown in the photos, a dent in the driver's door where it was backed into in a parking lot. It looks like a "Dent Doctor" or the like would be able to remedy. The windscreens, front and back are remarkably free of any rust, ( a known problem area for the Series III), and in fact the only slight surface rust showing is above the wheel arches where the prior owner had installed chrome surrounds. These have been removed and the car, back to original as left the factory, looks infinitely better. This is a very solid car. There is no evidence of overheating. On my only drive from the Toronto, Canada rail yard (I had the car shipped by rail from Vancouver to Toronto), the car performed wonderfully. It drives very tight and smooth, a feature of low mileage cars, that I've found very tough to replicate. There is a slight dent on the driver's side wing top, likely from a mechanic's elbow while working with the bonnet open. The interior has a very dark burl walnut original finish - one of the best I've seen. The skislope wood does have some fine hairline cracks in the finish. Gauges show right where you would want them at normal operating temperature. Tires on the rear are the original ones from the factory, so while lots of tread remains, they should be replaced with new. AC was converted to R134, but likely would need to be recharged, and I never tried cruise to see if it worked. The radio is not original, but original ones are on ebay all the time should that be the buyer's preference. The car is equipped with the original equipment 7" outer headlamps complete with wiper/washer units. Wheels are the elegant "Pepperpot" alloys. As I have not driven the car other than to bring it home from the rail yard, it no doubt would need proper recommissioning for the road. It has remained in my garage since purchase. It starts right up each and every time with no hesitation. As I have not licensed the car for the road, the successful bidder would need to arrange for transport by carrier or trailer it home. There are no warranties express or implied. Please ask any questions you may have prior to bidding, I would be more than happy to answer them. This is a great opportunity for someone wanting an original Series III Vanden Plas - without question, Jaguar's flagship model. Title is clear and in my name, ready for transfer. Shipping is at buyer's expense and they would need to make all arrangements. I can assist at this end to help load. A non-refundable deposit of $500 is required within 48 hours of auction close, with the balance due in 7 days. Pickup to be done within 3 weeks of auction close. It will be safely stored inside until then. Again, please ask all questions before. The car is available for your viewing any time, and I would welcome personal inspection.