Lot 508: 1993 Jaguar XJS Convertible

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.
Having demonstrated that there was indeed sufficient demand to justify production of an open XJ-S, Jaguar grasped the nettle and proceeded to develop a conventional full convertible. For the latter they turned for assistance to coachbuilders Karmann in Osnabruck, a firm with considerable expertise in the manufacture of open cars. As well as developing the host of new panels and associated tooling required, Karmann also designed the hood, which was electro-hydraulically operated and featured a full lining and glass rear window complete with heating element. At first the Convertible was only available with the 5.3-litre V12 engine, but following the introduction of a 4.0-litre version of the AJ6 24-valve six in the XJ6/XJ40 saloon, this new unit became available in the XJ-S from 1991.
Described as ‘a joy to drive’, this automatic-transmission XJ-S 4.0-Litre Convertible has been owned by a succession of Jaguar enthusiasts and covered some 69,000-or-so miles from new. Finished in Flamingo Red with beige leather interior, the car is equipped with CD changer and comes complete with Jaguar car cover, tool kit and dealer-stamped service booklet. It is offered with current road fund licence, MoT to August 2008 and Swansea V5 registration document.