Jaguar XJS vs E-Type: Which Classic Jaguar Should You Buy?
For anyone drawn to Jaguar’s grand touring legacy, two cars dominate the conversation: the E-Type and the XJS. Both are icons, both wear the leaping cat with pride, and both reward their owners with an experience no modern car quite replicates. Yet they suit very different buyers. This guide breaks down how the two compare so you can decide which belongs in your garage.
At The CCI Company, we source and present collector-grade classic cars in Sydney for buyers who care about provenance as much as presence. Here is how the two Jaguars stack up.
A tale of two eras
The E-Type arrived in 1961 and ran until 1975, and it defined an entire decade of sports car design. Its long bonnet, curvaceous flanks, and racing-derived engineering made it an instant legend. The XJS took over from 1975 to 1996 and carried the near-impossible job of following it. Rather than copy the E-Type, Jaguar went in a more modern, aerodynamic direction, creating a refined grand tourer instead of an outright sports car.
Understanding that difference is the key to choosing between them. The E-Type is about drama and heritage. The XJS is about effortless, long-distance touring.
Styling and character
The E-Type is one of the most beautiful cars ever built, and its status is unlikely ever to fade. Values reflect that, and clean examples sit firmly at the premium end of the classic market.
The XJS offers a different kind of appeal. Its sharper, more restrained shape has aged extremely well, and the V12 convertible in particular has become highly collectible in its own right. For many buyers it delivers a large slice of the Jaguar experience at a more accessible entry point.
Under the bonnet
The E-Type moved from a straight six to a 5.3 litre V12 in its Series 3 form. The XJS carried that same V12 bloodline forward and refined it over two decades. If a silken twelve-cylinder engine is what you are chasing, both offer it, but the XJS makes it the centrepiece of a comfortable, usable classic.
The drop-top V12 XJS is where a lot of collector attention now sits. Our detailed buyer’s guide to the 1991 Jaguar XJS 5.3 Convertible walks through exactly what to look for on that model, from cooling system health to originality.
Running costs and usability
An E-Type is a special-occasion car for most owners, and specialist maintenance costs reflect its status. The XJS, while still a V12 that demands proper care, is generally more practical to own and drive regularly. Sydney’s mild climate suits an open-top grand tourer beautifully, whether you are heading up the Pacific Highway or through the Blue Mountains.
Which one is right for you?
Choose the E-Type if you want the most collectible, most historically significant Jaguar and you are comfortable with premium ownership costs. Choose the XJS, particularly a V12 convertible, if you want genuine Jaguar V12 character, striking looks, and a more usable ownership experience.
Whichever way you lean, buying on condition and documented history matters more than headline price. Explore the current Vehicle Fleet or contact The CCI Company to discuss sourcing the right example. Private inspections are available by appointment in Sydney.