1990 Jaguar XJ-S Convertible

Description

Since the launch of the XJ-S in 1975, Jaguar’s flagship GT gradually matured over the following decade and a half, receiving numerous styling updates and higher-efficiency six- and 12-cylinder engines. A genuine convertible was announced for 1988 — removing the controversial flying buttresses at the rear and creating a truly open-air motoring experience — along with wood trim and heated seats. Anti-lock brakes were added in 1989, the same year that Ford took ownership of the British automaker. 

The 1990 Jaguar XJ-S was the last one with a hyphen in the name before the model was officially changed to XJS the following year. The car featured sleek, aerodynamic styling with a suspension system designed to offer a balance between comfortable grand touring car and sports car. It was equipped with a 5.3-liter V12 engine, capable of producing around 262 horsepower, mated to a three-speed automatic transmission. The XJ-S also received a more luxurious and comfortable cabin with high-quality leather upholstery, air conditioning, and a premium sound system. 

The 1990 drop-top models were the first full convertible series produced in house, following earlier conversions by coachbuilder Hess & Eisenhardt, and the XJ-S featured over 100 new body panels and reinforcements to maintain structural integrity without a fixed roof. 

Highlights 

• Finished in Diamond Blue (JFN) paint over Isis Blue leather interior 

• Power-operated blue canvas convertible top 

• Powered by a 5.3-liter V12 rated at 262 hp and 290 lb-ft of torque 

• TTH400 three-speed automatic transmission 

• Recent maintenance: 

  • New switches for window and convertible top 

  • New headlamps 

  • New side marker/turning/parking lamps 

  • New battery 

  • Oil and filter change    

Features 

• Woodgrain steering wheel, dash, and door trim 

• 260 km/h (162 mph) speedometer and 7,000 rpm tachometer 

• AM/FM/Cassette stereo  

• Pop-up vanity mirror in glovebox 

• Yokohama P215/65R15 tires 

Known Imperfections

• CARFAX reports on 24 August 2016, “Accident reported: minor damage with another motor vehicle” and “Damage to front.” Additionally, CARFAX states, “Minor damage is usually cosmetic, including dents or scratches to the vehicle body.”

• Pieces missing from rubber seal along bottom of driver’s side window

• Convertible top has frayed just behind driver’s side window

• Rust spot on driver’s side door sill and inside passenger door near hinge

• Minor wear on driver's seat

• Inside of convertible top is worn and lining is torn in several places

• Carpet under back window is torn

• Trunk carpet needs to be reattached on driver’s side

Included

• Spare tire with cover

Ownership History

The CARFAX Vehicle History Report shows this three-owner 1990 Jaguar XJ-S Convertible in Ontario, Canada, Florida, and since 2023, North Carolina.  The odometer shows 97,920 kilometers, equal to about 60,844 miles.