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Painted Targa Panels on XJ-SC Cabriolet

By Laurence Jones

Published: 16th July 2017

During the restoration of my 1985 Jaguar XJ-SC Cabriolet, the Targa panels and windscreen header remained unfinished for far longer than intended. The original coverings were functional but visibly tired, and I wanted a solution that improved their appearance without introducing materials that would clash with the rear hood. What followed was an experiment in preparation, paint, and compromise.

Of the four XJS cars I have owned, my 1985 XJ-SC Cabriolet proved to be the most expensive to restore and, somewhat ironically, the least valuable by mid-2017. Such is the reality of classic car ownership.

XJ-SC Cabriolet before Targa panel refurbishment

While much of the car had already been restored to a good standard, the Targa panels and rear hood were still wearing their original coverings. These were intact and weatherproof, but tatty around the edges with small tears and visible ageing. Re-covering the panels was an option, but I was concerned that fresh material would look out of place against the existing hood.

That concern led me to consider a different approach: painting the Targa panels rather than re-covering them.

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