Jaguar XJS-C Cabriolet

Celebrating its 35th anniversary this year, the Jaguar XJ-S is at last achieving the full classic status that it so richly deserves. Largely designed by Jaguar's legendary aerodynamicist, Malcolm Sayer, it slipped through the air far more efficiently than the E-Type and was a paragon of stability and silence at speed. Powered by what is widely regarded as the finest V12 engine ever made, it mixed effortless performance with superb refinement and reliability. Rated at 295bhp and 320lbft of torque in its later guises, it was capable of over 150mph and 0-60mph in less than eight seconds.

Launched in 1983, the XJ-SC cabriolet was a versatile design that combined lift-out targa panels with a folding rear hood and is now a much rarer car than the full convertible that succeeded it in 1988.

This 1986 example has only had two owners in the last 16 years and has been in the current ownership for eight-and-a-half years during which time it has always been kept garaged. A full 2+2 with seat belts in the rear, it has covered 114,000 miles from new but was treated to a new engine at 66,000 miles. It comes with lots of history with most invoices from new plus it's original owner's manual and service book. The original toolkit is also present and the car has recently been fitted with a new battery and reconditioned alternator.

Currently taxed until May 2011 and with an MOT until November 2011, the car is said to be in good condition throughout and to drive very well. The vendor states that the car has always proved very reliable during his ownership. These cabriolets are very rare and unusual cars that are becoming increasingly collectable. This one looks good value at the guide price suggested today.