A highly distinctive and entertaining example of a Jaguar XJ-S, originally supplied as a US-specification Florida car and later imported to the UK. This example has been significantly modified, with its original 5.3-litre V12 replaced in the 1990s by a 454ci, 7.4-litre Chevrolet Big Block V8. Described by The Vendor as an “absolute torque monster”, it retains the original GM TH400 automatic gearbox and is fitted with a 4-barrel carburettor, custom manifolds, a Cherry Bomb muffler and a single side-exit exhaust. A far cry from a standard XJ-S, this is a charismatic and muscular take on Jaguar’s grand tourer formula.
The Vendor reports that the car has recently been recommissioned and brought into useable, showable condition, with work including new wheels and tyres, an oil and air filter service, new radiator cap and coolant replacement, new rocker cover seals and a quick-release battery connector. Further attention has included repainting of the sills and bumpers, paint correction and buff/wax. The car has also benefitted from work by Haynes Heritage Engineering, including a wiper motor, horn and indicator refurbishment, cooling fan wiring work and a power steering fluid change. The Vendor notes that it runs and sounds great, starts steadily and has been used for several shows, including a recent 300-mile trip involving motorway use and heavy traffic.
The car is described as having originally been a dry-state Florida example, before being imported to the UK some years ago and dry stored. The V8 conversion was reportedly carried out in the 1990s and is said to have been completed well, with The Vendor noting that Haynes Heritage Engineering also regarded the car favourably. The history file is said to include receipts and photographs relating to the conversion and subsequent maintenance. The Vendor has owned the car for around a year and a half and has spent considerably on recommissioning. It is MOT’d until May 2027.
The Jaguar XJ-S was Jaguar’s long-legged grand tourer of the period, known for its low-slung profile, refined cabin and effortless high-speed cruising ability. In standard V12 form, the 1987 XJ-S offered smooth, relaxed performance through a GM automatic gearbox, combining luxury with strong touring ability. This example, however, takes the XJ-S in an entirely different direction, replacing the original refinement-led V12 character with big-capacity American V8 power, substantial torque and a much more dramatic soundtrack.
Modified classics are always best judged on their execution and character, and this XJ-S appears to offer plenty of both. With its 7.4-litre Chevrolet Big Block V8, side-exit exhaust, lightweight bumpers, recessed indicators and remote-opening doors, it is a bold and highly individual example. The vendor notes that it has attracted strong attention at shows and that it drives better than the original V12 in Haynes Museum Engineering’s opinion. An unusual, powerful and show-worthy XJ-S for those seeking something far removed from the ordinary.
