Highlights
- Comprehensively restored at a cost of almost £40,000
- Dry stored since, fewer than 10 miles covered
- Beautiful condition
The Appeal
Prior to the arrival of the full XJ-S convertible, there was the XJS-C. Sporting a targa roof ahead of a rollover bar and a soft top to the rear,it was available with Jaguar’s 3.6 litre straight six and an optional five speed manual gearbox. The five speed gearbox models are extremely rare and this one, thus equipped, is a true driver’s car and in this condition, even more so.
This example was inherited by the last owner from his father and, when it failed its MOT in 2017, was treated to the kind of restoration that is commissioned for sentimental rather than economic reasons. Costing almost £40,000, the work saw the shell rebuilt and resprayed and newly fabricated parts for the targa roof and soft top.
Since then it’s been in storage and, although the seller recommends that it’s given a thorough recommissioning prior to undertaking any serious mileage, it remains in lovely condition. With the underside attracting compliments from the MOT tester, we doubt that you’ll find another in this condition so get your bid in now.
The History and Paperwork
- Registered 4 June 1984
- Owned by the last owner’s father from nearly new
- Inherited by the last owner in 2005 and used sparingly
- MOT failure in 2017 led to a comprehensive restoration
- Carried out by marque specialist Winspeed Motorsport, the process included a full body restoration, respray and the fabrication of a new targa roof and rear soft top and engine overhaul
- Invoices for almost £40k
- Car put into storage following restoration and fewer than 10 miles covered since
- MOT expires 9 May 2023
- Personal plate included
- V5 present
The Interior
- Grey leather
- Nice wood veneer
- Lovely condition overall
Slide behind the wheel of this XJS and the most immediately noticeable feature is the manual gear lever. A rare and welcome presence, it sets this apart as the kind of Jaguar that welcomes keen drivers. That aside, it’s Jaguar as usual with leather and wood aplenty, though the SC does without the rear seats and replaces them with some useful storage space.
The grey leather is showing a nice patina that is consistent with the car’s age and mileage while the carpets present very well and the dashboard, and in particular the wood veneer, is in very good order.
The radio looks to be original with a Jaguar logo on the cassette player but, although the aerial operates correctly, there’s currently no sound coming from the speakers. Otherwise, the switchgear on the dash all functions as it should save for the mileometer which isn’t currently operational, though the MOT history supports the mileage currently showing and there are a number of specialists who can repair it.
Back in the boot, it’s all neat and tidy and there is a full size spare wheel.
The Exterior
- Slate Grey metallic paintwork
- Refurbished wheels
- Replacement targa panels and soft top
With the bodywork and refurbished wheels largely untroubled by road miles since its restoration, the car looks lovely in understated Slate Grey metallic. Roof up or down, it manages to retain much of the elegance of the fixed head coupe and presents very well indeed.
The roof operates just as intended, as well it should, having been painstakingly fabricated as part of the restoration process at a cost of over £6,000.
The paintwork is described by the vendor as ‘superb’ and the underside provoked amazement from the MOT tester at its recent examination for its clean condition. The tyres all have good tread and the chrome is all good too. Externally, there’s nothing to do.
The Mechanics
- 3.6 litre straight six
- Five speed manual gearbox
- Fresh MOT with no advisories
The engine received an overhaul at the time of the restoration and under the bonnet remains very original with no leaks to report. It starts on the button and idles smoothly.
The car is said to drive exactly as it should, with powerful acceleration and no smoke or rattles. It also reportedly brakes well and the gearbox shifts with no complaints.
The rare manual ‘box makes this a more focused car than your average XJ-S but the familiar cosseting Jaguar ride is present and correct.
Summary
The Jaguar XJS-C is a rare beast and, with the investment that went into restoring this example, it must surely be one of the best available. There’s a couple of small jobs to attend to on the inside and a mechanical check over would be advisable but embarking on any major journeys, but what a way to travel!
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
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