1990 Jaguar XJR-S review from UK and Ireland

Slight exhaust blow cured by tightening nuts.

The Jaguarsport XJR-S V12 6.0 litre is a blend of luxury and sport. However you would never make the mistake of racing against a Porsche around country roads as the Jag is best as a long distance cruiser.

This model benefited from lowered and revised suspension, wider wheels and tyres (Speedlines) a body kit which is very 80s, a special engine management system, specific gearbox mods and a reworked V12 which was stroked to 6.0 litres. There are numerous other differences which mark out the first of the jaguarsport models such as no chrome.

The same engine block configuration appeared in later 6.0 litre Jags, but the engine management system by Tyvek was particular to this model and the Group C racers of the late eighties. power output is around 320 b.h.p. which is adequate in a 1.9 te car.

Driving the car you feel lower than a standard XJS and there is a slightly uneven tickover, enough to be felt by the driver.

The starter spins for a few seconds on startup and the lump catches quite smoothly, idling when cold at just over 1,000 rpm. There is then a wait as the warning lights go off one by one including the ABS light which takes some time whilst the system spins up.

Once the handbrake is released the last light goes off and the car can be put into drive. This model only has three forward gears, but any more would be a waste as there is so much power. Kickdown at speeds around 60 mph is nom-existant. If you want serious warp speed you can manually shift into 2nd.

Cornering is very flat and even in the dry oversteer is possible if pushing too hard with the right foot.

The car is in really great nick and looks like it is only 2 years old. the signal red paint with black external trim and cream leather interior is very 80s.

It is utterly reliable and parked outside in the street.

Servicing is around £150 to £250 a time.

Fully comprehensive insurance for a mid 30s male student with no garage and without no claims bonus was £500.

The only downside is full consumption si 13 mpg around town and 25 to 27mpg on long trips.

These jags are set to be classics within the next few years. They are so much better than E-types to drive and more modern / usable that well maintained examples of rarer versions will appreciate in value. Get one while you can, they really are not expensive to run.