1984 JAGUAR XJ-S 3.6 CABRIOLET Registration Number: JAZ 176...

Estimate

£12,000 - £14,000

1984 JAGUAR XJ-S 3.6 CABRIOLET

Registration Number: JAZ 1762
Chassis Number: SAJJNACC7CC114172
Recorded Mileage: 103,000 miles

- £40,000 professional restoration
- Desirable straight six / manual gearbox specification
- Single family ownership for c.30 years  

Jaguar's first response to demands for an open-top XJ-S was somewhat conservative in engineering terms. The XJ-S had not been designed with an open version in mind, so a Targa-style arrangement was adopted, which retained a substantial roll hoop in the interests of maintaining rigidity in the absence of a fixed roof. Two removable roof panels were stored in the boot, and the Cabriolet did away with the Coupé's two occasional rear seats in favour of a pair of luggage lockers topped by a parcel shelf. Essentially an exercise in niche marketing to test public reaction, the XJ-S Cabriolet's production was entrusted to outside specialist contractors, with bodyshells being transported back and forth across the Midlands before returning to the Brown's Lane factory prior to final despatch.

First delivered in June 1984, this nicely restored example was inherited by the last keeper from his father, who himself had owned the car since 1989. Sentimentality rather commerciality steered the decision to commission a cosmetic restoration, entrusted to specialist Winspeed of Guildford, who stripped and restored the coachwork and associated targa roof arrangement, at a cost approaching £40,000. During the process the engine was also overhauled, and then the car dry-stored with only a handful of further miles being completed.

Interestingly this car is fitted with Jaguar’s 3.6 litre straight six engine and 5-speed manual gearbox, a sporty specification which has recently become more popular with enthusiasts. The XJ-S is stylishly finished in Slate Grey with a matching grey leather interior and refurbished alloy wheels. The targa roof operates just as intended, having been painstakingly fabricated as part of the restoration process. The paintwork is super, as is the condition of the underside, whilst the engine bay is clean with no signs of leaks. The XJ-S is said to drive well with strong acceleration, good brakes, a comfortable ride and smooth gear shifting.

The Jaguar XJS-C is a rare car in this specification, and this attractive example will we are sure make the ideal companion for longer drives in the summer months. The XJ-S is supplied with a history file, UK V5C and both current and older MoT certificates.