1987 Jaguar XJS review from North America

The steering and suspension bushings were reduced to rubbish by the time I acquired the vehicle, and were immediately replaced with polyurethane.

The cruise control bellows, also fabricated of rubber, were fractured. The unit was simply removed, since the use of cruise control is seldom necessary at a buck-thirty-five on the open road.

Although the shock absorbers weren't necessarily broken, I found that replacing them with higher performance units, along with installing more rigid sway bars and a more assertive w-rated wheel and tire package - have awakened the true racing suspension beneath the Cat while still providing a softly-sprung feel in town.

I believe my grenadier-red 1987 XJS Coupe to be the finest looking automobile ever made.

With such tall gears, a solid 4,000 pounds, and beautiful styling, the XJS is most civilized in town and welcomed with delight everywhere from the corner store to the country club. When arriving in the Jaguar, I find that most folks seem to stare, how shall I put it... in awe.

However, it’s broad stance, remarkably low center of gravity, and the incredibly flat torque-curve of the legendary V-12 engine join to create a formidable beast on the open road. If expedience requires passing a fellow, forth-with, whom is already traveling far in excess of one hundred miles per hour, perhaps on a corner, the agility and power of the Cat are simply dominating.

Personally installing the symphony-grade stereo system, the disc unit, the amplifiers and the speakers, the removal of the Cat's lavishly-appointed interior, gave me a clear understanding of the high level of craftsmanship that comprises the XJS.

If one has the financial backbone, and/or the patience, time and mechanical skill that is mandatory for refining this uniquely-constructed entity, then perseverance in conquering the automobile’s bureaucratically-inspired shortcomings, most of which are commonly known in the Jaguar XJS circles, can produce a motor car of exquisite satisfaction.

This is the only car I have ever owned that I believe to be worthy of parking both inside the garage and under a car cover.

Many times I have gazed upon the XJS, with it's polished chrome and highly waxed paint, and have honestly begun to laugh out loud.