Jaguar XJS-C 3.6 Cabriolet Manual

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Widely regarded as the best-looking XJS of all, the XJS-C Cabriolet was launched in 1983, a versatile design that combined lift-out targa panels with a folding rear hood. A substantial roll hoop maintained body rigidity and the two roof panels could be stored in the boot, the coupe’s rear seats being removed in favour of two luggage lockers topped by a parcel shelf.

Available as a V12, it also became the first model to receive Jaguar's new 225bhp 3.6-litre AJ6 engine, a very smooth and potent unit that was not far short of the V12 in terms of outright performance and was in a different league for economy. “It is the 24-valve engine's flexibility that impresses most” wrote Autocar. “Such is its low-down pulling power that, in town and urban conditions, one rarely needs more than 2,000rpm to keep up with the traffic flow”. Capable of hitting 60mph in a whisker over 7 seconds on its way to a top speed of 137mph, at a steady 56mph it could still deliver 36mpg.

Much rarer than the full convertible that replaced it in 1988, only around 5,000 Cabriolets were built, of which only 1,077 had the 3.6 engine, and good ones are increasingly sought after today.

Dating from June 1986, this smart Cabriolet has the desirable 3.6 straight-six/5-speed manual combo and has been in the current ownership since 2006. Used at its makers intended, it has covered some 141,870 miles to date and we are told that it did have a large history file from new (as evidenced by the last two photos on our website) but unfortunately much of this went missing during a recent house move.

In 2008 it received new inner and outer sills on both sides using genuine Jaguar parts (not shoddy modern repros) and was then repainted as required by Fastlane Autos of Tamworth. In 2015 it also received new brake discs/pads/calipers all round and the rear subframe mountings were replaced at the same time. In nice condition all round and regularly serviced by CP Motors of Polesworth, it started promptly and ran sweetly as we moved it around for these photos.

Supplied with an MOT valid to May 2019 with no advisories recorded, it also comes with a toolkit, tonneau cover and the bags to store the targa panels when driving topless (the Jag, not the driver, but don’t let that stop you, ma’am). The highly appropriate private plate shown is also included (C2 XJC) and no doubt has a value of its own.

Quentin Willson tipped the XJS-C in his last ‘Smart Buys’ column in Classic Cars, singling out the 3.6 manual as the one to go for. Who are we to disagree?