A Decade-Long Struggle for Beauty and Performance
Jaguar, the renowned British automaker, faced a daunting challenge in the early 1970s: to create a successor to their beloved E-Type, a car widely regarded as one of the most beautiful ever made. After years of tireless effort, the company introduced the Jaguar XJ-S in 1976, a coupe that inherited the powerful V12 engine from its predecessor. While the XJ-S was much more affordable than its Italian rivals, Ferrari and Lamborghini, it still carried a hefty price tag. Fast forward to the present day, and we find one of these classic luxury coupes resting in a Denver car graveyard.
Mean-Looking Powerhouses with a Price
The XJ-S was certainly an impressive sight on the road. Its sleek and menacing appearance, combined with its opulent wood-and-leather interior, exuded an air of exclusivity. Under the hood, it boasted a 5.3-liter HE engine, capable of producing 262 horsepower and 290 pound-feet of torque. In comparison, the Mercedes-Benz 500 SEC coupe of the same year offered a mere 184 horsepower. Equipped with a three-speed ZF automatic transmission, the XJ-S delivered a thrilling driving experience.
Worth the Investment or Money Pit?
As appealing as the XJ-S was, it had its fair share of drawbacks. The most glaring issue was its reputation for being temperamental and expensive to repair. Electrical and mechanical problems plagued this British beauty, making it a challenge for third or fourth owners to keep it in optimal condition. In fact, many enthusiasts resorted to swapping out the V12 engine for a more reliable small-block Chevrolet V8. Despite these challenges, there were those who persevered, valuing the unique blend of power and luxury that the XJ-S offered.
Affordable Luxury with Prestigious Competition
When the XJ-S hit the market in 1985, it came with an MSRP of $36,000. Adjusting for inflation, this would be roughly equivalent to $107,170 in today’s dollars. While the price tag was high, it remained competitive compared to other European luxury coupes. For example, the BMW 635CSi was priced at $41,315 ($122,993 after inflation), and the Mercedes-Benz 500 SEC commanded a hefty sum of $57,100 ($169,985 today). Even the iconic Porsche 928S had a price tag of $50,000 ($189,848 when adjusted for inflation). For those seeking American luxury alternatives, Cadillac offered the Eldorado Biarritz coupe at $24,850 ($73,977) and Lincoln had the Mark VII Bill Blass Edition for $26,659 ($79,363).
A Treasured Relic, Though Some Parts Are Missing
As our journey through the Denver car graveyard comes to an end, we note that this particular XJ-S has seen better days. The gauge cluster has been purchased by a previous visitor, making it impossible to obtain a final odometer reading. However, it is clear that this car has a long history of miles traveled and has likely experienced its fair share of adventures.
A Fusion of Art and Engineering
Although time has taken its toll on this once-majestic vehicle, it is impossible to ignore the artistic and mechanical brilliance that still shines through. The Jaguar XJ-S represents the pinnacle of British automotive design in the 1980s—a harmonious fusion of power and elegance. It is a reminder of an era when craftsmanship and style were held in high regard.
Indeed, British Leyland was so proud of this masterpiece that they created an iconic TV commercial featuring a mid-1970s Playboy Bunny stepping into the car, symbolizing the irresistible allure of the Jaguar XJ-S.
