XJ-S a "classic"?

[xjs3.6]

Just wondering what other members think of the XJ-S status of classic or non-classic. There always seems to be differing opinions of what constitutes a classic and in my opinion the XJ-S is already a newly-arrived "classic". I imagine in the 70s or 80s, the e-type wasnt yet a true classic.

I have a 1990 coupe and to me it is a classic and I have no plans to part with it but just wondering what everyone else thinks.

The other reason I posted this is; there is amazingly no XJ-S posts yet! Hopefully this will get it started.

[Steve]

Hi Angus

Welcome to the Jaguar Owners club.

Feel free to post up a picture of your XJS :)

[pronea]

HI,

I do own and drive a XJ- HE 5.3, and for me it is a classic car. I do agree that it does not have the same status as a "E" type, but it is still a classic.

Regards,

Job.

[Big D]

Angus,

I have an 85' XJ-S and I think it's time as a classic is here. I know it is frowned on, especially by the Jaguar aficionados, but it sold without much change for 21 years. Nothing else comes close to that. :-)

Dan in Florida

[Andyevsco]

Hi there,

I think the XJS was born classic! Nothing else before or since looks anything like it, and it was the iconic Jaguar shape throughout my formative years.

Have just bought a 4.0 facelift model and it's still like no other car from the inside. Somehow old and contemporary at the same time, like being in a Spitfire cockpit (the plane, not the car!)

[Old Peter]

Future classics can be a topic on its own.  I went to the Classic car show at the NEC last years and was surprised at the number of cars that I didn't consider as classics, even though they had been beautifully restored, and had a nostalgic effect.

 

At the same time, I consider that some of the top cars made to day do not have that je ne sais que that some older cars have.

 

I was going to get an XJS when I retired but fuel consumption and rear space did not fit, as it were.

 

There were several beautiful examples on display last October at the NEC.

 

I have an S type manufactured at the end of its production run, and I also believe that it is s true classic in the mould of the Mk 1 and the Mk 2.  I just hope I am young enough to see it!

 

Regards,

 

Peter.

[leonewbiggin]

a classic is in the eye of the beholder. If you think it is one, then it is.Ive seen some strange cars at shows being exhibited, the owners clearly love them.

[Hippy]

I have a 1996 celebration, i consider it a classic. Yes its one of the last ones, but its still in essence a 70's design. And at last they are on the up and no longer a bargain basement Jag. i picked my first one up years ago, a 1991 xjs up for 1000 quid tax and tested. wasnt mint but certainly no banger. good luck doing that these days !

[workworkwork]

In the united states it qualifies as historic. At least I was able to register mine and get historic tags. You can insure it with collector car insurance. When you take it somewhere people ask about it. It is a classic. It is not as collectible as some other cars but I think that is due to the challenge of maintenance and the number of them out there. I still think it is a classic.

[Old Peter]

It is a classic, Ralph.

 

There is lady member in Lincoln who has a white one, and recently saw a similar car in black in the city.

 

It is unfairly compared with the e type.

 

It takes a long time in the UK for people to regards cars as classics!

 

Peter.

[davearkley]

I think it very much depends on the car/model/make/quality. Its like trying to define what is art.

A good guideline is that if its been out of production for 20 years - its safe to call it classic however some early aston martin DB7s are now considered classic

and certainly the range rover P38 is regarded as classic and whats the mini all about?

The XJ-S is most certainly a classic and epitomises the style of the period. Certainly undervalued but that will change over the next 5 years.

best of luck and it will be nice to see restoration pics and have some stories about rebuilding a V12 what a beast.

I think you need an award for putting enough fuel in to get it out of the garage. The last one I had would only do 12mpg but I loved it. Quality - it always made me feel special when I took it out.

[Jhdee]

I believe the XJS is a classic albeit an unloved classic - as yet. It now appears the market is changing and values are on the up.

I have owned my 1980 XJS since 1982 being its second owner. Its spent many years  unused  but it now being re-commissioned. It has done 43,000 miles and is one of the last pre-HE cars. Many times I've thought about selling it but I just keep on remembering what a fantastic car it was to drive when it was last on the road. 

So to me it is most certainly a classic and even if no other person loves it - I do - and that's all that really matters.

I also own a 2010 XKR which I enjoy immensely but I can't wait to get the XJS back on the road - hopefully in the next couple of months.

[Old Peter]

Hi John,

The XJS is now officially a classic, and I have seen some great examples.  I nearly bought one when I retired in 1999, but the mpg and the lack of boot space put me off.

I would like to see some pictures when it is back on the road.

Regards,

Peter.