1990 JaguarSport XJR.s

One of the rarest of all XJ-S, the XJR.s was a special development by JaguarSport, a conjunction between Jaguar and Tom Walkinshaw’s TWR. Owned 50/50 by both parties, JaguarSport was launched in 1988 and planned to produce the epitome of all things Jaguar. With the XJR.s, they certainly achieved that. Hand-built at JaguarSport in Kidlington by the TWR engineers who had worked on the XJ220. With the focus of the car not just being upon the unique engine fitted to those cars made post 1989, the chassis was developed to ensure this was the most competent it could be to handle the 160mph top speed from its V12 engine. Compared favourably to Italian and German competitors of the time, the work between Jaguar and TWR certainly ensured these of all XJ-S, are the most sought after.

The JaguarSport  XJR.s may have looked similar to their production XJR-S counterparts, but differed immensely with many parts unique to the model and of course, its 6-litre V12 engine. The engine was rated at 318bhp and was 700cc larger than the previous 5.3-litre V12. A modified intake system, Zytek engine management and a low-loss true dual exhaust system were part of the car’s advanced specification. The Hydramatic GM400 was modified with different 'changing points' to better suit the 6-litre car and a Salisbury limited-slip differential was standard. The suspension was further-developed by TWR with increased coil spring rates and the Bilstein shocks, front and rear, were specially tuned for the XJR.s.

Externally, the cars were modified with a subtly aggressive body kit, 16" Speedline aerodynamic wheels and a host of modifications inside included a bespoke Connolly Autolux leather interior and the steering wheel was made for JaguarSport by Momo of Milan. They were normally built to order, with cars being transported from Browns Lane to Kidlington to be hand-finished. At £45,500, it was £11,000 more than the 5.3 which explains why a little over 500 were made (115 in right-hand drive) before production stopped in 1993, making them highly sought after today.

This particular XJR.s is finished in Jaguar Black with Magnolia hide and has formed part of a private Collection in recent years. It is presented in exceptional condition throughout, having covered just 35,978 miles at the time of cataloguing in the careful hands of our vendor and five previous keepers. The car has clearly been maintained as required and is offered with a current MOT valid until August 2026.

The original factory book pack accompanies the car, along with all tools, jack and, pleasingly, the very rare Jaguar umbrella still resides in the boot. Adding a final flourish, the highly appropriate registration number TWR 516 remains assigned to the vehicle and forms part of the sale – a fitting tribute to one of JaguarSport’s finest creations.