Few cars capture the grand touring spirit of the 1980s quite like the 1988 Jaguar XJ-S Sport!

By this stage, Jaguar’s most successful sporting model had evolved into a remarkably refined blend of performance, luxury and effortless long-distance touring – a car that had not only surpassed the legendary XK series and E-Type in production success, but matured into one of the marque’s most accomplished driver’s cars.

For 1988, Jaguar sharpened the XJ-S formula considerably. Referred to in period advertising as the “XJ-S Sport,” this updated model received significant revisions aimed squarely at enthusiastic drivers. Externally, the purposeful stance was enhanced by distinctive sport alloy wheels and low-profile tyres, while beneath the surface came comprehensive suspension and steering upgrades, including revised springs, dampers, anti-roll bars and steering geometry. The result was a far more responsive and confidence-inspiring grand tourer, without sacrificing the effortless refinement the XJ-S had become famous for.

Inside, the sporting character continued with beautifully bolstered seats designed to better support the driver, along with a thicker-rimmed leather steering wheel that perfectly complemented the car’s newfound precision and balance. What emerged was not simply a more capable XJ-S, but arguably the model that finally delivered the ideal balance between sporting intent and grand touring sophistication.

Elegant, unmistakably British and increasingly collectible today, the 1988 Jaguar XJ-S Sport represents one of the finest evolutions of Jaguar’s iconic grand tourer.

The Jaguar XJ-S represents one of the great British grand touring cars of its generation, combining effortless performance, outstanding refinement and unmistakable Jaguar elegance. By 1988, the XJ-S range had evolved considerably, attracting an increasingly discerning audience and marking another milestone in Jaguar’s remarkable resurgence during the late 1980s. The Sport specification added a further dimension to the model’s appeal, offering a more sporting interpretation of Jaguar’s established grand touring formula.

Today, these cars are increasingly appreciated for their distinctive styling, luxurious appointments and wonderfully relaxed driving characteristics. The XJ-S Sport is particularly appealing to enthusiasts seeking something a little more exclusive, combining traditional Jaguar sophistication with a sporting character that sets it apart from the standard models. As interest in well-preserved modern classics continues to develop, exceptional original examples are becoming increasingly difficult to source.

This particular 1988 Jaguar XJ-S Sport is, in our opinion, one of the finest and most original examples currently to be found in New Zealand.

New Zealand new, matching numbers and presented in truly outstanding condition, it has a fascinating history, having originally been owned by Jaguar (NZ) Ltd and used as a press and demonstration vehicle. Beautifully preserved, with remarkably low mileage and an exceptional level of originality, this is a Jaguar that deserves serious consideration from collectors and enthusiasts alike.

Vehicle Highlights

• New Zealand New – Originally supplied new in New Zealand, with an interesting and well-documented history.
• Rare Sport Model – A particularly desirable and seldom-seen specification, adding further exclusivity to this already impressive grand tourer.
• Matching Numbers – Retains its matching-numbers identity, an important consideration for collectors.
• Exceptional Original Condition – A beautifully preserved, factory-original example that has clearly enjoyed careful ownership throughout its life.
• Among the Best We’ve Seen – In our opinion, one of the tidiest and most impressive examples of its kind in New Zealand.
• Low Mileage – A low-mileage example, with its overall condition reflecting the limited use it has enjoyed.
• Drives Beautifully – Exceptionally smooth, refined and responsive, delivering a driving experience remarkably close to that of a new car.
• Outstanding Bodywork and Paint – Beautifully straight, clean bodywork complemented by stunning paintwork and excellent presentation throughout.
• Superb Original Interior – Retains its original red leather upholstery, presenting in exceptionally clean and beautifully preserved condition.
• Air Conditioning – Factory air conditioning fitted and, importantly, working as it should!
• Immaculate Engine Bay and Boot – Both compartments present in remarkable condition, with an appearance approaching that of a new vehicle.
• Excellent Service History – Accompanied by good servicing records, including maintenance undertaken during the past four years by Messrs. Clynch Automotive of Christchurch, New Zealand.
• Approximately Seven Owners From New – An appealing ownership history spanning nearly four decades.
• Original Registration Documentation – The original Certificate of Registration accompanies the vehicle.
• Factory Accessories and Literature – Complete with its factory toolbox, spare wheel and original sales brochures.

A Fascinating Piece of Jaguar History

What makes this particular XJ-S Sport especially interesting is its early association with Jaguar (NZ) Ltd. The car was owned by Jaguar’s New Zealand operation for its first twelve months, serving as a press vehicle when this particular model was being introduced to the New Zealand market. This provides an intriguing connection to an important period in Jaguar’s local history and adds a dimension of provenance rarely encountered in surviving examples.

Following its period of press and road-testing duties, the Jaguar received a cosmetic tidy-up before being sold into private ownership. Remarkably, it is understood to have remained substantially in the condition in which it was purchased back in 1991. Original period road tests and photographic material from its press-car days accompany the vehicle, providing a wonderful historical record and further enhancing its appeal.

A Rare Opportunity

Finding an XJ-S in genuinely exceptional condition is becoming increasingly challenging, particularly one that has escaped extensive restoration, unnecessary modification or the deterioration so often associated with older luxury motor cars. This example stands apart through its originality, outstanding presentation, low mileage and fascinating New Zealand history. Its beautiful red leather interior, superb exterior finish and remarkably clean mechanical compartments all contribute to the impression of a Jaguar that has been cherished and preserved to an extraordinary standard.

From a collectibility perspective, the combination of rare specification, matching numbers, documented provenance and exceptional originality makes this a particularly compelling proposition. While future values can never be guaranteed, the finest surviving examples of desirable classic models are generally those that attract the greatest long-term enthusiast interest.

Quite simply, this is an exceptionally fine Jaguar XJ-S Sport, offering a rare combination of originality, exclusivity, historical interest and outstanding driving enjoyment. A wonderful opportunity for the discerning collector or enthusiast seeking something genuinely special.

Examples of this calibre are exceptionally difficult to find, and even harder to replace. Not to be missed.

From a market perspective, the XJ-S remains one of the more accessible avenues into prestigious classic Jaguar ownership, although the gap between ordinary examples and the very best cars is becoming increasingly significant. The market has matured, with discerning buyers placing greater emphasis on quality rather than simply acquiring the cheapest available example. While values have fluctuated in recent years, the growing recognition of the XJ-S as a legitimate collector’s car is encouraging. We believe the Sport models have particular appeal as enthusiasts become more selective about specification and rarity. For those looking beyond the more established Jaguar classics, the XJ-S represents an interesting opportunity to acquire a distinctive and increasingly appreciated model while it remains relatively affordable.

New Zealand Sales
Unless otherwise stated, vehicles sold for use in New Zealand will be supplied with a new Warrant of Fitness (WoF) and 12 months New Zealand registration at the time of sale.

Transport & Shipping
New Zealand transport and worldwide shipping can be arranged on the Buyer’s behalf and at the Buyer’s cost and risk. Any freight, shipping, insurance, customs charges, duties, taxes, import costs, certification or compliance costs are the responsibility of the Buyer unless otherwise agreed in writing.

Export Sales
For vehicles purchased for export, the Buyer is responsible for determining and satisfying all import, registration, certification, compliance, tax and regulatory requirements applicable in the destination country.

Viewing
All vehicle inspections and viewings are strictly by appointment only.

Applicable Law
All sales are subject to applicable New Zealand law. Nothing in these Conditions of Sale excludes or limits any statutory rights or obligations that cannot lawfully be excluded or limited.

For more information about this vehicle, please contact us Monday to Friday between 9:00am and 6:00pm (New Zealand Standard Time) on +64 (0) 3 310-6485. Alternatively, you may email us at [email protected] anytime, or contact us through the form below.

The Purchaser is encouraged to personally fully inspect the vehicle and also to have the vehicle inspected, and fully assessed by an experienced, independent, specialist garage - before committing to purchase. While the Purchaser is entitled to rely on statements given by Waimak Group Ltd as being correct, where goods such as vehicles are concerned, with so many moving parts and rust being an issue with older vehicles; a Purchaser who chooses not to seek independent professional assistance when assessing the quality of what they propose to buy is considered as buying at their own risk, and if the vehicle then turns out to be of less than the represented quality, or not up to the Purchaser's expectation, or in the Purchaser opinion not fit for purpose; then the Purchaser is considered to have contributed to their own loss and should not expect any refunds or betterment from Waimak.

NOTIFICATION AS TO NATURE OF GOODS IN TERMS OF THE CONSUMER GUARANTEES ACT 1993

Waimak Group Ltd is a New Zealand registered company and accepts that the vehicle being sold must be of “acceptable quality” in terms of section 7 of the New Zealand Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 (the Act) having regard to “the nature of the goods”. Waimak Group Ltd is not aware of any specific defects with the vehicle, however (a) such a vehicle being a classic vehicle may have mechanical breakdowns, electrical failures at inconvenient times and maintenance costs being part of and parcel of ownership of a classic vehicle; (b) reliability is a combination of the particular nature of the classic vehicle, how it is being driven, how it has been maintained, and to a certain extent luck; (c) because of the age of the vehicle, and its propensity to rust, it is likely that the vehicle would have been fully or partially restored, or at least repainted at some point in its life, maybe even more than once. Waimak Group Ltd does not know, and cannot give advice on how good any restoration work on the vehicle had been.

The Purchaser acknowledges that the vehicle is being sold as a classic car; that in terms of the Act and the nature of the goods, the vehicle is an old car, bike or boat, that may have visual and hidden faults, unlike a new motor vehicle.

The Purchaser is encouraged to personally fully inspect the vehicle and also to have the vehicle inspected, and fully assessed by an experienced, independent, specialist garage - before committing to purchase. While the Purchaser is entitled to rely on statements given by Waimak Group Ltd as being correct, where goods such as vehicles are concerned, with so many moving parts and rust being an issue with older vehicles; a Purchaser who chooses not to seek independent professional assistance when assessing the quality of what they propose to buy is considered as buying at their own risk, and if the vehicle then turns out to be of less than the represented quality, or not up to the Purchaser's expectation, or in the Purchaser opinion not fit for purpose; then the Purchaser is considered to have contributed to their own loss and should not expect any refunds or betterment from Waimak Group Ltd.

The Purchaser acknowledges that they have read and fully understand this notification and the nature of a car which is many years old.