Body style
Convertible
Convertible
1989
54,975
Signal Red
Cream
The 1989 model year marked the arrival of Jaguar’s first factory‑built XJS convertible. After thirteen years of producing only coupés, Jaguar finally offered an open‑top grand tourer, and it became one of the most desirable XJS derivatives. The convertible features a power‑operated soft top and a strengthened structure to maintain rigidity. Only around 7,420 V12 convertibles were produced in this early period, making surviving examples comparatively rare.
Registration & mileage: Registered on 12 September 1989, UK registration G675 UMB, this XJS has covered 54,975 miles (a low average for its age).
Engine: 5.3‑litre HE V12 producing ~299 bhp and 318 lb·ft of torque power is delivered through a 3‑speed automatic transmission.
Performance: Jaguar quoted 0–60 mph in around 8 seconds and a top speed of 146 mph for the 5.3 V12 convertible.
Exterior colour: Signal Red with a black power‑operated hood; the interior is trimmed in cream leather upholstery. (Colour and upholstery details supplied by the owner.).
Interior equipment: Features electrically adjustable heated seats, cruise control, a trip computer and a Jaguar‑branded stereo, complemented by walnut veneers on the dashboard and door tops. The electrically operated roof folds neatly behind the seats and comes with a heated glass rear window.
Wheels & tyres: Original 15‑inch lattice‑style alloy wheels with quality tyres enhance its period‑correct look.
Full service history: The service booklet contains stamps up to 52,449 miles, demonstrating regular attention by Jaguar specialists. Documentation includes the service book, original handbook and a collection of invoices.
This example stands out for its full service history. The service booklet is stamped up to 52,449 miles, demonstrating regular attention by Jaguar specialists. With just 54,975 miles on the odometer, the car has covered barely 2,500 miles since the last stamp, reinforcing the impression of light use for its age. Documentation includes the stamped service book, original handbook and a neatly filed collection of subsequent invoices and receipts. In recent years the following maintenance work has been carried out:
11 October 2017 – John Gordon Motors Ltd: the rear axle was removed and stripped down; new brake discs, pads, handbrake pads and calipers were fitted, followed by reassembly and a fresh MOT test (which it passed). The labour‑intensive overhaul cost around £958 and ensured that the rear braking system was refreshed.
17 August 2021 – Four Trax Automotive Ltd: an MOT inspection at 54,242 miles identified an advisory for play in the near‑side front upper and lower ball joints but otherwise required only the standard MOT fee of £39. The advisory notes highlight suspension tension but no major faults.
24 November 2021 – XJ Services: new front anti‑roll‑bar drop link kits and front shock absorbers were supplied and fitted, and the off‑side exhaust mid‑box was repositioned to prevent it touching the heat shield. The work totalled £300.20 and addressed both suspension and exhaust issues.
23 April 2024 – XJ Services: the car was recovered to the workshop for a replacement off‑side front brake caliper, including new brake pipe, fittings, pad deglazing, bleeding and testing, at a cost of £347.45. The mechanic noted that the steering felt “notchy” because the lower steering shaft’s knuckle joint was partially seized, and he searched for a replacement.
27 May 2025 – XJ Services: a good used lower steering shaft was sourced and installed. This involved dismantling the dashboard, removing the column and rack, and refitting all components, totalling £394.50. The work resolved the earlier steering issue, ensuring smooth operation of the column.
Because the car spent long periods off the road, it has not generated an extensive history file, yet the invoices above show that key braking, suspension and steering components have been renewed when necessary. The car also comes with a recent, clear HPI report and a heritage certificate confirming its production details.
The Signal Red paintwork is described as excellent condition, and the cream leather interior remains supple and well cared for. The electric hood operates smoothly, and all interior electronics seats, cruise control, trip computer and stereo function correctly.
The Signal Red bodywork presents beautifully, benefiting from Jaguar’s strengthened convertible shell and quality steel monocoque construction. The power hood operates smoothly at the touch of a switch and stows beneath a hard cover for a tidy appearance. Subtle chrome detailing on the bumpers, window frames and mirrors complements the bold paintwork. The car rides on factory 15‑inch alloy wheels shod in matching Pirelli tyres.
Inside, the cabin exudes classic Jaguar luxury. Cream leather upholstery contrasts with burr‑walnut veneers and a black upper dash. Equipment includes electrically adjustable heated seats, cruise control, an electric power roof switch, a trip computer and a Jaguar stereo tape deck. The cabin’s two‑seat configuration makes this early convertible a focused grand‑tourer; there are no rear seats, allowing space for the folding roof mechanism.
At the heart of this XJS is Jaguar’s 5.3‑litre HE V12, renowned for its smoothness and effortless torque delivery. In period, the V12 convertible produced around 299 bhp and 318 lb·ft, launching the car from 0–60 mph in about 8 seconds and on to a top speed of 146 mph. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a robust GM TH400 3‑speed automatic gearbox. Independent suspension and anti‑lock disc brakes ensure a refined yet responsive drive, while the limited‑slip differential delivers confident traction.