1978 Jaguar XJ-S 5.3 V12 Coupe (Pre HE Model)

The XJ-S was introduced in September 1975 as a replacement for the Iconic E-Type. Considered a GT Car rather than sports car its birth came at a time of major change at Jaguar Cars, indeed it was launched as a British Leyland XJ-S rather than a Jaguar as BL were pulling the strings, and alas by 1976 Leyland controlled all Jaguars Sales, Marketing and Advertising. Not a lot of passion was put into promoting the XJ-S 1975-80 by BL as it stumbled year by year into oblivion, which by coincidence was the life span of the first incarnation of the XJ-S, now commonly referred to as the Pre -HE XJ-S.Many Jaguar enthusiast consider the Pre-He XJ-S to be the purist version of the XJ-S which by 1996 had at least 10 significant variants covering body, engine type and capacity size. The pre HE (higher efficiency) models were not chasing economy nor emission reductions and newer models from 1981-96 invariably got heavier, lost power due to increasing emission legislation and reduced aerodynamic purity and to many driving the first version is the best XJ-S driving experience. 14,500 Pre HE cars were made for worldwide consumption between 1975-80, with a good 60% going overseas, and according to figures, only around 60 pre HE V12’s still remain licenced in the UK. Subsequently these cars rarely come to market.

This beautiful example, just arrived in to stock at MAD Automotives has been the subject of a full restoration including a bare metal re spray in Jaguar Signal Red.Prior to the re-paint a huge amount of work was carried out to ensure that the mechanicals were as good as the bodywork. The 5.3 V12 engine had perfect compressions, did not leak fluids and performed faultlessly so no internal work was required, however a new water pump was fitted along with a new alternator and an aluminium radiator. The ignition system was replaced with a modern electronic ignition system (cost £1000) new ignition leads and 12 iridium spark plugs were installed. A service was then carried out and a custom made stainless steel exhaust was fitted. The front subframe was removed from the car and fully refurbished, all suspension and brake components were replaced with new parts, including, Discs, Calipers, Pads, Shock absorbers, Springs, wheel bearings, anti roll bar links and track rod ends.At the rear, the cradle was removed and fully refurbished and powder coated. Again, all components were replaced including, Discs, Calipers, Pads, Shock absorbers, springs, and handbrake cables. The Black leather interior is lovely and original with exception of the carpets and headlining which were both replaced. The body panels were mostly rust free but any corrosion was treated and panels replaced as necessary including the lower rear wing sections, the lower rear valances and the front lower valance sections, both front wings were replaced with totally solid second-hand items. The bodyshell was stripped to bare metal and then repainted in Jaguar Signal Red. The wheels were fully refurbished and fitted with correct Pirelli tyres. All this work was carried out 5 years ago and the car has had very little use since still presenting exceptionally well. The car drives beautifully and the pre HE model is arguably the most desirable and appreciating XJ-S model.