This is was my first XJ-SC Cabriolet, that I owned for several years, and it was this car that inspired me to create the XJS Soft Tops Club for everyone who is an enthusiast of these soft tops. I had only recently bought myself a 4.0 litre XJS Coupe and I was browsing through eBay and saw an XJ-SC Cabriolet still at its initial bid value. I always fancied having a soft top, and already loved my XJS so I put in a bid just above the starting price, so that I would be notified when it was sold and I would then have an idea of how much one would be.
Imagine my surprise when we were out shopping, sat down having a coffee and a cake, and my phoned pinged, not to tell me that it had sold and I was unsuccessful, oh no, this was to tell me that I'd won the auction and it was still at the starting price. I then had some explaining to do, as to why all of a sudden I now had two Jaguar XJS to try and fit on our already cramped driveway.
I thought what I'd bought was a bargain, and was in quite good condition, and at first glance was quite happy with my purchase. The car drove well and felt good on the road, even coping well with the speed-bumps near my home and was comfortable driving on the motorway too.
Only when I took it to my local Independent Jaguar Garage for a service did some of the underlying issues come to light. When the car went up on the ramp it allowed for a much closer inspection of the underside, and that's when a lot of the rust was discovered. Not only were there sections of the floor pan that were rotted and even had holes (all hidden from view by the carpets when checking from inside the car), but the front cross frame was in desperate need of replacement.
That's the point that the car began it's restoration journey under my ownership.
When I sold the car, via auction, the car was still in fine condition, though the paintwork that had looked so stunning when it had just been resprayed now had a few threats of rust showing through. The interior was neat and tidy, and the seats had been reconditioned into very comfortable and presentable condition.
