V12 Targa Cabriolet: 1987 Jaguar XJ-SC
From decade to decade, we see different vehicles pop up that reflect some trend or fad that drove a manufacturer to develop a short-lived model for what seemed like strong consumer sentiment at the time. For a few years, we seemed to get a few different targa-style convertible models that weren’t quite convertibles but also were certainly not hardtops. The most memorable of these oddballs include the Baur-converted BMWs and the Jaguar XJ-SC, as shown here. Despite the rarity, they aren’t worth much more than a nice XJS. Find the clever convertible with a V12 under the hood here on craigslist for $11,500.
I suppose there’s an obsession with standing out when it comes to high-priced cars. I’m sure there’s a focus group out there that determined people willing to spend over a certain amount on a vehicle also require it to be distinctive in some way. It makes me wonder if when Jaguar introduced the XJ-SC, there was some thought given that the more complex the top was, the more they could charge for it. I realize this is not how the development of new models worked, but it doesn’t seem like a total long shot. Regardless, the XJ-SC featured a novel roof design that allowed for a few different combinations of open-air motoring so occupants could let in the sunshine and fresh air via a variety of thresholds.
Despite the rarity owing to its limited production, the XJ-SC didn’t become an instant hit or collector’s item. I’ve found two XJ-SCs in junkyards over the years has caught me by surprise, as I thought British car fans were more loyal than that. To some extent, it could be argued the general malaise around high-mileage or otherwise tired XJS models can plague the whole lineup, even a rare bird like the XJ-SC. The seller claims he has used this car on a weekly basis in sunny California, and that he’s racked up a very reasonable 44,500 miles since purchasing it following an estate sale. The seller confirms that production was limited to 3,864 examples and that this car sat for a spell between the last owner’s passing and when he picked it up after a thorough reconditioning.
A V12 and open-air motoring is a terrific combination no matter the application, and this particular XJ-SC apparently garners the owner plenty of thumbs-ups and jealous looks. The listing doesn’t detail what type of maintenance work was performed after the car was rescued from the estate sale, but given he uses it as a so-called “weekend warrior” (his words – not mine), one can assume the basic mechanical systems have been evaluated (cooling system, brakes, tires, electrical) to ensure the XJ-SC is as close to turnkey as possible. Would you buy a novel targa model like this or hold out for a traditional convertible? Thanks to Barn Finds reader Rocco B. for the find.
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Comments
I think the reason they are not collectible – in spite of low production – is they are a bit fugly in this configuration. I see the pics with the rear window and top all open and I just want to grab a sawzall and finish the job.
Looks like a nice clean example of an -S though…
One of the mechanics at the dealership I worked at had one same year and it drove like ship being a convertible.One of the techs was a metal fabricator and welded a custom front chassis reinforcement up front and my buddy who was the owner said it was like night and day after the mod.These cars are electrical relay nightmares let alone the engine is junk.The best thing about them was the bullet proof turbo 400 gm trans.
Too bad you aren’t a mechanic. All you can go by is other people’s word. All EFI cars such as Buick, Chevy’s, Mercedes, Jaguar. of this era are junk because without the later OBD2 you actually have to be able to trouble shoot. The sweet thing is you can toss the original ECU and buy aftermarket Megasquirt, Maxx etc. hook up the wires correctly and it’s self learning. That is once the wires are in the correct location it will start and tune itself.
The truth is this engine is absolutely brilliant! As strong as a top fuel engine. More power than a 454 by 32 horsepower. Made from bigger stronger, better parts that Chevy owners have to buy aftermarket and pay thousands for.
On top of that, $500 will buy you unrunning cars like that. Knowledge is power. If you really understand cars. Not just read magazines and listen to disgruntled wanna be mechanics. You can get them running( they work the same as any engine) And make a massive score.
Cars that that are called retirement reward cars. Successful people would buy a car like that in retirement and take excellent care of it. But as they got older and died. the cars were hauled off to junkyards for scrap value. $2-300
Want 1000 horsepower without opening up the engine? You are only knowledge and $1000 away.
You’re a funny guy….you made me laugh today! Good night Irene.
SBC conversions were popular for these.
What? No pictures with the panels off? From the look of the pictures on Craigslist, it’s a car you only drive open when you know there won’t even be a sprinkle. You might be able to take the top panels with you, but definitely not the back.
The nicest thing you can say about any Jag is that it has a breathtaking capacity for depreciation.
Best thing they ever did with a jag similar to this was that black one on the movie speed
I owned a ‘91 coupe for 13 years and would still have it if any mechanics in my area would work on it. The V12 engine itself is actually rather robust, as long as it is maintained—particularly the cooling system and the fuel injection hoses. And yes, the electronics are fiendishly complicated, but this is a semi-exotic 30+ year old car. That said, if one wanted an XJS convertible, the more reliable and practical choice would be the facelift (1992 and later) versions with the traditional cabriolet top and the inline six. I commend the seller for offering this attractive and unusual model and hope it does well.
I have rarely seen one so pristine. Just that. Color me ready to growl.
Hmmm! Lucas electrical, the “Prince of Darkness”. That is why our Aussie friends drink warm beer, they all have Lucas refrigerators.
You naysayers tickle me. Your “SBC” solution for anything exotic just demonstrates your lack of knowledge, passion….and/or patience…to own a vehicle that is inspiring in it’s timeless beauty and grace.
Couldn’t agree more, Jim; thank you! Years ago I worked for an independent euro and exotic car repair garage, and we had two or three Jaguar sedans (likely XJ6) that had been converted to SBC. They were, in a word, aweful! Constant overheating issues, noise, didn’t handle worth a flip, etc. It destroyed the character of a once very nice luxury saloon.
Elongated version of the Triumph Stag with the top off & the back open. If you aficionados remember, The Stag was timeless. Always wanted one & it is on my to do list. The next to the last photo & the last really give the look of the Stag.
For those of you that remember them, without the Top Panels & the back window this car will remind you of the Triumph Stag. The Stag was timeless & a head turner anytime it passed by. The last two pictures on the post really makes you see what a Stag looked like. Far few too many out there. Always liked the Stag over most other exotics.
That engine compartment is verrry scary.
These are rare because they didn’t sell. And after Hess and Eisenhardt coachbuilders proved the chassis could be successfully reinforced and chopped, the factory took production in house. Then there’s the later AJ6 version for those too intimidated by V12 ownership.
If you don’t want an XJS convertible, then don’t buy one. Especially this version. But as David E. Davis famously said, “Every man should own a 12 cylinder car at least once.”
This car offers an opportunity to own a nice V12 Jag for a reasonable price, needs a complete inspection and road test to cross off any overheating or fluid leaks, not hard to repair, just complicated, we still service quite a few, but many have moved to warmer climates with their owners. H&E in Cincy did the top conversion nicely, about 1500 were done, company just closed last year. Could be a great opportunity for a British “exotic”.
A good psychiatrist, a case of asprin, a bottle of good cognac, and lots of patients and throw in the factory tech manuals. That should be enought to overcome the mechanical issues when they arise. Most socalled car people don’t understand machines like this, which is the cause of death of many a neat car from all makes.
I agree that a lot of “patience” helps when navigating Jaguar repairs!
I also highly recommend this user group for a wealth of “been there, done that” knowledge: https://forums.jag-lovers.com/