First Car! Arctic Blue XJ-SC

XJ-SC Cabriolet silhouette
Model: XJ-SC Cabriolet
Engine: 5.3 litre V12
Transmission: Automatic
Exterior Colour: Artic Blue
Interior Colour: Blue
Location: Snohomish, USA
Owned by John Prentice since 2006

Album last updated: 10th January 2026 at 18:01

Introduction

This 1988 XJ-SC has been in my life since 2006 when I bought it as my first car and drove it to high school.

It cost me $4500 (my life's savings at the time) and had an engine fire a few months after I purchased it (likely from a dried out fuel line).

That prompted me to learn how to work on it and I'm not sure if I own this Jag or it owns me. Just like a real cat!

This Jaguar is currently apart in my garage, which is its natural state.

The photos here are from the last time I drove the car a few years ago. I'll be sure to update this album when it's back on the road. Though, I'm in no rush. I've learned to enjoy working on this car just as much as I enjoy driving it.

Body work & interior

Description:

During my ownership I've redone the interior with mild custom touches, replaced the rear main seal on the V12 (doesn't leak oil!), replaced the fabric top, fitted new wheels, modified the suspension and I'm currently waist-deep in body work, cutting out rust and doing some subtle period correct enhancements. I also have a 5 speed manual transmission kit sitting in my workshop waiting to be installed.

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