Highlights

One of only two made
Comprehensively restored
Unique history
Genuine low mileage

The Appeal

With fewer than 1,400 built for the UK market, the XJS-C was already a very rare cabriolet on these shores. A different machine to the later XJS convertible, this benefits from a retractable fabric roof but maintains a full ‘targa style’ framework when the roof is stowed.

This example is a vanishingly rare machine. One of only 15 to be finished in Silver Sand Metallic, what was already a unique car has been made even more special by its association with Burberry and involvement in their advertising campaigns of the period. Thought to be one of just two bespoke XJS-Cs built for the company, this exceptionally collectible car comes with a delightful story, genuine low mileage and having undergone a comprehensive restoration.

The History and Paperwork

First registered in September 1984
One of two cars purchased and modified by Burberry for use in the marketing campaigns of the period (some sources suggest there may have been three cars)
According to the International Jaguar XJS-C Register, chassis 116005 is one of just fifteen examples finished in Silver Sand Metallic from the factor
Several period advertisements promoting the ‘Burberry Look’, all featuring the car
Still registered to Burberry Ltd in March 1987, the car had covered just 3,986 miles from new
Purchased from HR Owen in May 1997 by the vehicle’s last registered owner
Re-registered with the private ‘JAG542Y’ plate
Put into storage in 2005
Donated to charity in 2012/13 – then turned over to Basingstoke College of Technology’s Automotive Department, supported by Jaguar Harwoods, to restore it prior to sale
Restoration completed in 2015
Complete photographic record of the restoration
Newspaper clippings detailing the project
Assorted MOT certificates dating back to 1993
Passed every MOT taken since 2006 (when it had done 65,392 miles)
Service book - 10 stamps to May 1998 (38,946 miles)
Last full service at 56,777 miles
Original owner’s manuals
Numerous bills and invoices for maintenance
Car has been in storage and hardly used for the last 5 years

The Interior

Two-tone beige leather upholstery
Unique Burberry fabric panels and upholstered rear luggage area
Electric windows
Air-conditioning
Kenwood radio / CD player
Bespoke Burberry case in boot
Burberry tonneau cover

Believed to have been supplied directly to Burberry, the XJS-C’s traditional leather and burr walnut interior is further refined with unique panels of Burberry’s iconic check fabric.

The leather upholstery itself is in good condition, showing some signs of wear and age, but only what could be considered commensurate with the vehicle’s age and mileage. Likewise the carpets are a mid-tone brown colour and present in good condition, with no notable wear or damage.

As part of the restoration process, the targa panels were restitched, roof lining refreshed and the walnut veneer around the gearshifter was replaced. The rest of the veneer looks in nice condition, with no signs of chipping, warping or cracking that we could see.

At the rear, the boot compartment is trimmed in complementary tan coloured carpet, with a full-size spare wheel (complete with black vinyl cover) and a fire extinguisher. Everything here presents in very good condition. It’s here you’ll also discover the bespoke Burberry case designed specifically to be used with the car.

The driving controls themselves look to be in excellent condition, with a nice level of patination, but no significant damage or notable wear. Everything looks very tidy and neat, with the instruments and switchgear remaining quite legible.

We’re assured by the vendor that all of the cabin features functions as they should, with no issues they are aware of.

The Exterior

Resprayed in original Silver Sand Metallic
Original two-tone, five-spoke alloy wheels
Brown fabric roof

The XJS-C is an elegantly designed machine, with flowing lines and excellent proportions. We think the Silver Sand Metallic paintwork suits it very well, and it has clearly been finished to a high standard. There are sure to be minor blemishes and the odd slight mark, but there is no evidence of damage, corrosion or poor finish, and overall the bodywork and paint are in fine fettle.

Much the same can be said of the fabric roof, which is snug and shows no signs of stretching or UV damage. As part of the restoration, a new perspex screen was fitted to it.

Looking at the badging, external trim and lenses, they all appear in very fine order, with some signs of age and slight wear, but nothing we would worry about. In addition you will find a wonderfully maintained Burberry badge stamped on the rear of the car. Clearly, the restoration was a sympathetic one, with components only replaced as necessary. Therefore, the vast majority of the trim is original and presents as such. We do know that the rear bumper and headlamp surrounds were replaced during the restoration, but as far as we are aware these were the only trim components changed.

The chunky, 5-spoke alloy wheels were also refinished in their original silver and grey two-tone scheme. They still look to be in excellent condition, unsurprising considering how little the car has been used since. They are shod in tyres that look to have a good amount of tread and wear a nice, high sidewall which should ensure the ride is relaxing and cosseting.

Underneath, the floor, chassis rails and drivetrain elements that we could see are clean, straight and neat. There is very slight surface corrosion to a handful of drivetrain elements, as is usual, but overall the underside presents in very good order for a car of this vintage. There’s certainly no damage or notable corrosion we could discern.

The Mechanics

3,590cc inline-six
4-speed automatic transmission
Power steering

Replete with Jaguar’s classic 3.6-litre inline-six and automatic transmission, this car has the perfect drivetrain for smooth, effortless cruising across even very great distances. With a good service history and the recent renovation, buyers can have confidence that this XJS-C is one of the finest on the market.

When the restoration was undertaken, renowned XJS specialist KWE identified a list of necessary works. These were then completed by BCoT’s staff and students. For example, the rear axle assembly was stripped and completely refurbished, the rear brakes were replaced, the front upper ball joints and coil springs renewed, and the ignition system was given an overhaul. This is not to mention the fact that new cooling hoses, drive belts and other ancillaries were changed out.

Since then, the car has barely covered any miles, residing in storage as it awaits a new owner. The result is a car that, we are assured by the vendor, drives as it should, with no mechanical issues they are aware of.

Summary

This is a truly exceptional vehicle, and a quite uncommon opportunity to acquire a piece of Jaguar (and fashion) history. With extensive work having been carried out to return this vehicle to its best, added to the fascinating provenance and fine condition it has been kept in, we’re convinced this is a collectible and sure to appreciate vehicle.

Whether you’re looking for something unique for special occasions and weekends away, or are on the hunt for outstanding machinery to add to an existing collection, this striking XJS-C covers all the bases.

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