1985 Lister-Jaguar XJ-S HE 7.0-Litre MkIII Cabriolet

A wolf in wolfs clothing, this sensational 7.0 litre Lister Jaguar XJS cabriolet, packing almost 500bhp, is presented in superb condition, having received an extensive and comprehensive restoration, by leading Jaguar restoration specialists.

Born as a standard XJS V12 Cabriolet in December 1985 and notably first registered to Jaguar Cars in Browns Lane, Coventry. This striking car was subsequently delivered by its 2nd owner, to W P Automotive Lister cars in 1987, for its fully documented Lister transition. Carried out in stages, the Lister bodywork, suspension kit, steering wheel, big bore exhaust system, 3-piece modular wheels and Lister coachlines with logos were fitted in its first stage upgrade.

The Lister conversion, taken to the next stage later in the same year, included fitment of the current Getrag 5-speed manual gearbox before, in 1989, a new Lister 7-litre engine (LP118/70L), bench tested and producing a whopping 496bhp with 510 ft.lbs of torque, was installed, into what is believed to have been the first Lister MkIII Cabriolet constructed.

Purchased in 2012 by the last owner, a long-standing client of Nicholas Mee & Co, an extensive chassis restoration and mechanical overhaul was commissioned and undertaken by XJ-S specialists, KWE Ltd. Works carried out included removing the body; replacing all steel works to the sills, front and rear inner wheel arches, frontal chassis members and boot floor; before up to date anti-corrosion protection was applied, after which, the body was refitted and the car re-painted in high gloss Black. A new ECU and KWE's bespoke engine management system were also installed along with a custom fabricated exhaust system, the combination unleashing a further 60 horsepower. Simultaneously the gearbox was rebuilt and fitted with an upgraded clutch, whilst the suspension, brakes, steering and cooling system were also overhauled.

The restoration records folder, included in the cars history file, demonstrates all of the above works having been completed in 2014, with a total of, in excess of £103,000 of expenditure.

Originally in cream, the original interior has been re-trimmed in two-tone grey hides. While new matching carpets and occasional rear seats were also fitted. Interior walnut veneer finishers were also restored and the car, ‘topped off’ with new coverings to the roof and cabriolet detachable roof panels.

With less than 2,000 miles covered since the comprehensive restoration and upgrade, the car just received a major service and detailed preparation.
Presented in superb condition throughout, this astonishing Lister is ready to be enjoyed and by its next owner, with the assurance of a major restoration having been completed and just 2,000 miles recorded, since.

An attractive and model relevant cherished registration number is also available, by separate negotiation.

Caged in our Hertfordshire showroom, this Big Cat is available now for viewing and demonstration.