Jaguar XJS-C

Jaguar XJS-C

The Jaguar XJS-C (Convertible) arrived in 1983 as the first open-air iteration of the XJ-S. Designed as a targa-style, two-seater with fixed B-pillars and removable roof panels, it was eventually offered with Jaguar’s legendary 5.3-liter V12 engine. It served as a vital bridge toward the full convertible models.

• The Bridge Model: Because the original 1975 XJ-S coupé was built around strict rollover safety concerns, Jaguar lacked an open-top car. The XJS-C was introduced in
1983 as an engineering compromise, featuring a rigid central targa bar and removable roof panels alongside drop-down rear quarter windows.
• V12 Integration: Initially launched with an inline-six engine, the V12 XJS-C was introduced in 1985 to satisfy demand for high-end open-top performance.
• Engine Specs: The 5.3L V12 (often paired with a GM TH400 3-speed automatic) produced up to 295 hp in later iterations, granting it a 0-60 mph time of roughly 6.9
seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph.
• Rare Production: The XJS-C V12 was notoriously expensive and somewhat overshadowed by the full four-seater convertible introduced in 1988. Consequently, only about
5,000 XJS-C models were produced in total across both V12 and six-cylinder variants.

The first XJ-SC was produced on June 28, 1982, the last January 26, 1988. In all 5013 XJ-SC Cabriolets were built. These cars were different in that they had a Targa/Convertible body style with removable Targa panels over the two seater passenger compartment, similar to T-tops, plus a fabric rear section including the rear window; there was an optional hard top for the rear section. Approximately 1598 Right Hand Drive and 3416 Left Hand Drive cars built. Whilst there are a small number of the XJ-SC cars with the rear seat conversion, Jaguar Cars only produced one such car which was specially built for Princess Diana. The rear roof section on this car was fully secured in place and could not be removed. This conversion was later carried out by several aftermarket companies on owners cars, not with the approval of the works.

The XJS-C we are pleased to offer you here was delivered new in December 1986 in sunny Pasadena, California, and was first registered in 1987. We have a comprehensive file from that period containing invoices, inspection reports, etc., as well as the original folder with the maintenance and owner’s manuals. The car was imported to the Netherlands in 2018 and has had only one owner since then. We have been servicing it since 2020. The mileage is verifiable and very low, with only 44,660 miles driven. The overall condition is exceptionally good and original, and the car comes complete with the full soft top, including a hood cover, as well as the rare hardtop for the rear section of the roof. It was recently fitted with new tires all around and has been driven regularly. It features a fresh color combination of silver-gray with blue leather and is completely ready for its next owner.