1987 Jaguar XJ-SC Cabriolet 5.3L V12 - California Car, Black, 59k Miles, 2 Owner

Description for Jaguar XJS 1987

Of the 115,413 XJS’ produced, only 5,013 were Cabriolets and only around 2,000 were imported to the US. Desirable original color combination of Black over Magnolia; approximately 200 produced in these colors – or .2% of XJS’ produced.

I am only the second owner of the car, and I acquired it in 2014 from the original owner in Sacramento, CA where it resided for the first 27 years of its life. She and her husband purchased a pair of these cars new in 1987, and this one belonged to her husband.

Mechanically, the car is sound. In 2014, just before I purchased it, approximately $7,000 was spend completing major service items including HVAC system service (expansion valves, heater valve, A/C hoses), all new rear inboard brakes (pads, rotors, calipers, hoses), and new Michelin tires fitted. In 2015, the front left brake caliper was also replaced and the brake system was flushed. In 2017, an all-aluminum radiator was fitted and the cooling system flushed. In 2018, some fuel lines were replaced in the trunk. Service records are present for these items.

Items that still require attention include inoperable wipers, a small power steering fluid leak, and a small oil leak from the top end. Operation of HVAC is intermittent, and some interior lights do not work.

The interior is all original, showing only some wear consummate with the age. Original floor mats are present, and the original radio comes with the car (aftermarket unit currently fitted). Note a small tear in present in the headliner. There are no tears or cracks in the leather surfaces and the carpets are clean. Dashboard is free of cracking or fading. There is some slight discoloration in the wood veneer around the A/C vents, most likely due to condensation from regular use of the A/C over the years. The lacquer is not cracked.

The cabriolet model was fitted with 2 removable hard panels up front, as well as a folding soft-top for the rear. There was an optional rear hard top with fixed glass available, which this car has fitted in addition to the original soft top. I believe the front tops and rear hardtop were recovered to factory spec during the 2000s from sun damage. The rear soft-top is faded, and would need reconditioning if you wanted to fit it. There is also a boot cover for the rear soft top when it’s folded down. This is all original and not faded as I don’t believe the original owner used it. One fastener is missing. Original trunk storage bag for the front 2 panels is also present, and these are typically missing.

The paint finish of the car, while not original, is a high quality repaint in the original black also completed during the 2000s. The original owner confirmed the repaint was also due to fading from the sun. There are 3 small bubbles in the paint, each 1-2mm in diameter. 1 is located on the hood, the other 2 on the driver’s door. They have not spread during the 4 years I’ve owned the car, and are not discernable in the photos. Overall the car shows very well, and has participated in several JCNA Concours events.

4 chrome Dayton faux knock-off wire wheels are currently fitted, and were a dealer installed option when the car was purchased new, along with the chrome fender flares. They show well. A set of used original “Starfish” wheels are also included in the sale should you wish to convert back to OEM, including hard to find NOS center caps. The spare wheel in the car is a “Starfish” wheel as well, never used.

As this was a California car for nearly all its life, and garaged during the winters in Chicago during the last 4 years, there is no rust or corrosion anywhere on the car. The floors are solid with factory undercoating still present.

2 sets of keys (1 original, 1 remade) and all books and tools are included with the car. A CoverKing custom indoor satin stretch car cover is also included. Great opportunity to own a beautiful example of one of the rarest XJS’ made.