In line with recent news that classic cars are becoming an increasingly good investment opportunity, we’ve compiled a table, using data from Classic Car Buyer, illustrating more clearly the rising values of all XJS models, no matter what the condition.

The Classic Car Buyer price guide is compiled with reference to a variety of sources, including clubs, auction results and advertisements, both printed and online. It is impossible to accurately value a specific vehicle without examining the car first.

The listings below are intended to provide a useful guide only, and were valid on 22nd July 2015. Asking prices can vary widely between different examples of the same model. Our figures relate to private sales online. Dealer prices and values for insurance purposes are generally higher.

Note: Conditions listed refer to the following:

• Condition 1: First class condition and well cared for throughout its life
• Condition 2: Good condition with legitimate MOT and

We’ve had the pleasure of working on this increasingly customised V12 XJS on a number of occasions. On its latest visit to our workshop, we’ve been asked to install our Digital Engine Management (DEM) system. The system will release more power, and will allow us to optimise the fuelling and ignition for other modifications, such as cold air inlets.

Modifying these engines would normally have little or no effect, unless the fuelling and ignition is re-mappable. Without specialist knowledge of the original firmware-based map and ability to re-blow vintage eproms, this is not really possible.

Our modern Omex system, however, allows for full re-mapping. This XJS was dyno-tested at just over 300bhp, prior to any modifications being carried out. Once the installation of the system has been completed, we will be able to check on the gains we’ve made.

Another advantage of the modern engine management is the much-improved reliability. The old Lucas system

On a hot Friday afternoon, Theresa spotted an XJS on our business park with an RAC van in attendance. Rushing to the rescue, she found that the RAC engineer could only tow it away because there was a big misfire and overheating exhaust. To the owner’s relief, Theresa pointed out that KWE was only a few yards away!

We leapt on the damsel in distress (the car, that is) and found the cause was a big ignition problem, with one bank of the V12 not working at all. In the end, we had to replace a faulty coil, leaking ignition leads and the distributor cap, while the owners basked in the sunshine.

All now being well, the owners went on their way, and we received the following email this morning:

“THERE IS A JAGUAR XJS GOD AFTER ALL… I could not believe my bad luck in breaking down on a lovely hot sunny afternoon,

We received this video from YouTube vlogger, Martyn Stanley. Hear what he had to say about the increasingly popular XJS, and why he thinks restoring with KWE is the way forward.

In line with growing investment potential, and as the car comes up to its landmark 40th anniversary, the XJS continues to get drivers’ hearts racing.

If, like Martyn, you’d like to restore a classic car back to its former glory, get in touch. We pride ourselves on our ability to back to ‘better-than-new’ quality, in line with your specifications.Call us on 01635 30030, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.

In many V12 HE cars (all of which up to 1993 are fitted with the GM400 box) a common issue we’ve encountered, and one that can worry its owners, is for large clouds of white smoke to emanate from the back of the vehicle, particularly on a hot run and after a service.

This is usually a result of the gearbox being overfilled, with the excess being blown out of the breather, which is invisibly placed on top of the box. The oil drips down, hits the hot exhausts and produces an impressive cloud of smoke. Equally, it is easy to under-fill, as the procedure is not widely understood, and dipstick readings can be misleading when oil accumulates in the bottom of the [...]

Currently enjoying their new ‘classic car’ status, many iconic models from the 1970s are becoming popular all over again. This is evident from the number of articles appearing in classic car media, highlighting models from the era and looking at ‘ones to watch’ in terms of investment potential. For example, Classic Car Magazine’s lead article this month, entitled ‘70s scorchers’, looks at the Ford Capri, BMW 3 series, Triumph Dolomite Sprint, Ford Escort and the Opel Commodore.

Of course, the Jaguar XJS would be at the top our list of classic cars from the era, but there are a few other cars we think are worth a mention – ones that have in some way influenced car design or the progress of automotive technology. None of these cars, in our opinion, match the XJS in terms of durability or lasting elegance, but are influential none the less.

Saab 99 Turbo (1978 to 1981)

Thinking about restoring a classic Jaguar XJS? Well now’s a very good time, as this model is becoming an increasingly good investment opportunity. But how can you ensure you’re getting a good deal? And what can be done to minimise restoration costs? This post aims to shed some light on what to look out for when buying an XJS; it could save you a great deal of time and money!

First of all, it’s important to consider that sellers – in particular garages and dealers – will have gone to some trouble to make the car look pristine on the outside; but it is very unlikely that a seller will have done a proper restoration-quality repair of rusted areas. Therefore, a perfect-looking car is often in much worse condition than one with visible rust, which has not yet been ‘tarted-up’.

As with all

The Knight Frank Luxury Investment Index notes that classic cars have beaten everything from art, watches and coins over the past 1 year, 5 years and 10 years. This is telling people that classic and vintage cars are a viable investment asset class.

The focus on classic and vintage cars is not about collecting now but about investing. The strong returns have attracted many in the classic and vintage car world seeking financial gain as the primary goal.

Along with buying art or wine, a classic car is one of those investments that can potentially bring you joy while you own it, as well as providing a smart place to hold your money. And let’s face it, when you can take the top down off your very own E-type Jag and cruise

We’ve recently completed the restoration of this now-stunning classic car. We were asked by the client to source a low-mileage donor car – it had to be blue, V12 and a convertible.

The car we found was actually Solent blue (a mid metallic blue). It was stripped back and repainted in Jaguar Westminster blue (a gorgeous dark navy).

Is your Jaguar XJS ready to shine this summer? If not, then why not call on our professional valet and paint protection services and treat your classic car to a thorough spring clean.

Select from three levels of valeting and a leather refurbishment service, prices start from £90.

For a long-lasting shine, we also offer Advanced Nano Coating paint protection. This is a highly developed nano-scale protective film that lasts – with yearly polishing – for up to 15 years. To find out more, visit our website or call 01635 30030 for an appointment.

Here’s one we did earlier – a KWE-restored Jaguar XJS in solid black with [...]