This is a very early XJS in good running order and excellent appearance.
Description
I've owned this gorgeous car for 38 years. It's always been garaged, and practically every major part and feature has been replaced, repaired, or upgraded. To name a few, the heads were rebuilt 6 years/7670 miles ago. AC converted (correctly) to R134A. Bare-metal repaint 1987, several touch-up since. Interior from mid-80s XJS retrofitted. Windscreen wipers from early 90s XJS retrofitted. All new window gaskets.Front & rear suspension have been rebuilt, as has been the transmission and differential. Fuel tank replaced. Auxiliary fan upgraded. Radiator replaced (several times). No cooling issues. All instruments work. Passed CA Smog test a couple weeks ago.
eBay advises me to mention "other notable features and flaws," so here goes. First, the flaws. Like most cars of this era, it has leaks. This includes the transmission rear seal and the differential output shaft seals, even though both have been rebuilt. There is an engine oil leak that appears to be from a faulty oil pressure switch. It's a cheap part but takes an hour or more to replace. The tires have lots of tread, but are probably aged out. Paint is good in general but there are a few scratches. "Looks good from 20 feet" as they say. As you can see in the photos, the driver's seat is showing wear. The radio works, but the antenna is disconnected and might need to be replaced. Given that the car is 43 years old, there are probably other faults of which I am unaware. Yet, it continues to be a very reliable, fun to drive car.
Now the "other notable feature." This car was purchased new from Bauer Jaguar in Costa Mesa, CA, by Segerstrom Farms. For the first 5 years of it's life, it was Henry Segerstrom's personal car. It was put up for sale when Henry bought a 1981 XJ-S of the same color, Regency Red. The Segerstroms were Orange County farmers, mostly lima beans, but in modern times are known mostly for building South Coast Plaza, the preeminent OC shopping center. Additionally, they are the primary benefactors of the Performing Arts Center in Costa Mesa.
Include are repair and parts manuals, Owner's manual, many spare parts including removed OE parts. Records for maintenance and repairs back to when it was brand new, are also included. BTW, the car's history is an open book online. eBay doesn't allow me to show where, but practically all my repair and upgrade projects are documented on my website, and at a well know online Jaguar forum.
This was my dream car when I bought it in 1980. For many years it was my daily driver, and I still drive it several times every week. Since my retirement, my wife and I have enjoyed participating in LA Jag Club events, including showing it in the Driven category at Concours d' Elegance. Additionally, I've enjoyed working on it. But recently it has become more of a "second car". It's not a practical car for that kind of duty, so I feel it's time for me to move on.
If there's anything in particular you'd like to know before bidding, please post questions.
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