Experience the unique fusion of American muscle and British luxury with a Dodge Viper-powered Jaguar XJ-S Cabriolet. This striking black 1989 Jaguar, enhanced with a powerful V10 crate engine and manual transmission, was customized by Hesco, a performance shop based in Birmingham, Alabama.
Currently, Tom Mack Classics in Charlotte, North Carolina, is showcasing this one-of-a-kind vehicle, and Proxibid is set to host an online auction for it, running through the end of the week.
While the new V10 engine is not as refined as the original 5.3-liter V12, it significantly outperforms it, boasting over 500 horsepower compared to the factory’s 295 horsepower for the European model (a reduction to 273 for the American version due to emissions regulations). The dependable Viper engine is also likely to offer a more reliable driving experience than the notoriously problematic Jaguar engines of the ’70s and ’80s.
The XJ-S, which dropped the hyphen and became XJS in 1991, holds the title of Jaguar’s longest-running model, produced from 1975 to 1996. This luxurious grand tourer measures nearly 16 feet in length and is characterized by a design that prioritized comfort over sportiness compared to its predecessor, the iconic E-Type. However, the XJ-S still offers impressive performance, capable of speeds over 140 miles per hour and a sub-8-second acceleration to 60 mph. Over 115,000 units were manufactured in various forms, including coupe, targa, convertible, and even shooting-brake styles.
Given its relatively high production volume, this particular engine swap is more of an intriguing update than a breach of tradition, as these models are not extremely rare. The impact of the modification on the selling price remains uncertain, although it’s likely to surpass the $13,300 average value for a 1989 XJ-S convertible, according to NADA Guides.
For further discussion on the sale, you can check out commentary on Bring a Trailer..
