1976 Jaguar XJS

SD Coupe

8 - Cyl.

Automatic

UG2W50968BW

Salvage

Gasoline

1976 was the first year the XJS was produced by Jaguar and it replaced the very popular XKE model. It was according to many one of the most stylish automobile designs ever produced. However, they were plagued by numerous mechanical problems, most notably engine fires. This particular vehicle had an engine fire two years after its production in 1978 that destroyed the original 12 cylinder motor. The car was totaled by the insurance co. at the time, and was eventually purchased by an airline pilot who converted the original motor to a Chevy V8 350 and the transmission to an automatic 3 speed 350. It was enjoyed for several years and then sold to a California car collector and restorer who completely restored the car beginning in 1989 who detailed it to show car quality. This gentelman kept the car for 11 years, showing it often and winning numerous awards including several first place awards. He then sold it to another car collector in California who kept it in his private collection for the last 10 years. I bought it from him late this year. The car received new paint in September of 2011 to repair some small blemishes and has had a minor mechanical tune up. The car comes with every receipt for parts or service received since 1989, including nuts and washers! It has 63,600 original miles on the chassis, and has been driven only 10,000 since the original restoration. It shows and drives beautifully. The only known flaws are a small burn hole in the top of the passenger door, a break in the rain guard at the driver's side window and a missing control knob on the driver's side mirror (which is being replaced). This car is in Salinas, CA and is ready for immediate delivery. You must see and drive this car to appreciate the engineering that went into these luxury sports cars. On Oct-02-11 at 13:07:22 PDT, seller added the following information: Additional vehicle details: This vehicle has never been in an accident and the body is in pristine condition. The factory cruise control system was never hooked up when the V8 conversion was done. The radio/stereo is an inexpensive after market model and was not upgraded. This vehicle has 2 catalytic converters and easily passes the California DMV smog test. It has been continuously registered in CA since 1989. However, since the original motor had only one converter and it now has two, it does not comply with the specs that the DMV has on file for this vehicle and the technician who re-certifies it needs to be aware of this. The buyer will be asked to sign a disclosure to this effect. All guages and interior lights are functional. The seat covers are 100% sheepskin and were installed in 1990 or so and the leather seats beneath them are in perfect condition. The wire wheels are Dayton wheels and are true knock-off type, the tires are nearly new. The transmission was rebuilt at 52,819 miles, the front end linkage and bearings was overhauled at 54, 232, the air conditioner was overhauled at 58, 641 and recharged on 9/30/11, the radiator was recored in May of 2002 at about 58,000 miles. The hood, top and trunk lid were repainted in September of 2011 and should not be waxed until Jan. of 2012. The entire car was buffed and polished after the new paint. The buyer will also receive a never used all season car cover by Cover Mates. Check out my Youtube video of this car: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MKbVE3q6JWY