Club Articles

access all of the different Events our members have about their Jaguar Cars

Articles and Member’s Stories

Read articles written by enthusiasts for enthusiasts

Some content is reserved for Club Members only, so in certain cases you’ll see only a short preview of the article.

To enjoy the full stories and gain access to the complete library, simply join the Club — membership is free and open to all XJ-SC Cabriolet and XJS Convertible owners and enthusiasts

Car Albums : How‑To Guide

Creating a Car Album lets you tell the story of your Jaguar — from ownership and upkeep to restoration work, day trips and longer adventures. This step‑by‑step guide shows you exactly where to click, how to save safely, and how to add photos and stories without getting lost.
Published: 15th February 2026

XJ-SC Cabriolet rear side window rubber replacement

Replacing the rear side-window rubbers on an XJS Cabriolet reveals why “looking fine” isn’t always enough. A step-by-step account of diagnosing leaks, fitting newly remanufactured seals, and refitting the glass correctly.
Published: 15th February 2026

Redesigning the XJS Soft Tops Club Website

An overview of how the XJS Soft Tops Club website evolved from an ageing club site into a refined, community-focused platform, unifying design, forums, articles, albums, and galleries into a modern home for XJS enthusiasts.
Published: 1st February 2026

Cooling Systems on the XJS — What’s Normal, What Isn’t

The Jaguar XJS has long carried a reputation for cooling problems, yet in many cases the behaviour owners worry about is entirely normal. This article tries to explain how the cooling systems on both six- and twelve-cylinder XJ-S models were designed to behave, and how to distinguish expected temperature movement from genuine cause for concern.
Published: 20th January 2026

XJ-SC Cabriolet : Production Figures Explained

The Jaguar XJ-SC Cabriolet’s production figures appear unusual until viewed in context. This article examines how regulatory caution, market confidence, and manufacturing realities shaped the numbers — and why those figures make sense once the full story is understood.</
Published: 2nd January 2026

XJ-SC Cabriolet : Why It Was Built

The Jaguar XJ-SC Cabriolet was not a conventional convertible, but a carefully managed response to regulatory uncertainty and market risk. This article explains why Jaguar built the XJ-SC the way it did, and how caution shaped its unusual production life.</
Published: 1st January 2026

Introducing Member Car Albums

Every Jaguar XJS has a story. Some are tales of careful preservation. Others are journeys of restoration, modification, travel, or long-term ownership. Many are a mixture of all three.
Published: 20th December 2025

LED vs Standard Bulbs in XJ-S Dashboards — What Actually Works

LED dashboard bulbs are widely promoted as a cure for dim XJ-S instruments. This article compares LED and standard bulbs in real-world use, explaining what actually improves readability — and what can make it worse.
Published: 16th September 2025

Project : Improving XJS Dashboard lights

Early XJ-S dashboards are well known for dim instrument lighting. This article explains a cost-free method to significantly improve visibility in the speedometer and rev counter, without replacing bulbs or modifying the wiring.</
Published: 15th September 2025

Mean and Roofless - archive story

Mean & Roofless was the informal newsletter of the International Cabriolet Register, produced by John Bleasdale to keep owners connected and to document the evolving history of these rare cars.
Published: 8th August 2025

UK Cabriolet to Australia - by member James Ogilvy-Stuart

James Ogilvy‑Stuart recounts the history of his Jaguar XJS‑C 3.6 Manual, placing the car in production context and tracing its journey from the UK through long‑term storage to its eventual relocation to Far North Queensland, Australia.
Published: 6th April 2022

Bare Metal Rebuild of an XJ-SC Cabriolet

A new member documents the beginning of a full bare-metal restoration of his 1988 Jaguar XJ-SC V12. Part one follows the early stages of stripping, assessment, and structural repair, revealing the true condition of the car beneath its outward appearance.
Published: 14th March 2022

Want a Hard Top for your Jaguar built XJS Convertible ?

Arden, in Germany, can supply Hard Tops for your XJS Convertible
Published: 12th September 2021

Part 2 - of the Journey of an Aussie 1990 Convertible

Shane Bowering concludes the story of his 1990 Jaguar XJS Convertible, charting its journey from a neglected past to an ambitious restoration. From mechanical resurrection to paint setbacks and renewed craftsmanship, this final chapter reflects perseverance, loss, and the pursuit of a personal vision.
Published: 2nd September 2021

Part 1 - of the Journey of an Aussie 1990 Convertible

The first part of a two-part story charting the remarkable journey of a 1990 Jaguar XJS Convertible — from its early years in Japan, through ownership by a high-profile Australian mining magnate, to the moment it entered the hands of its current custodian.
Published: 1st September 2021

A just in time story

During the 2020 Covid lockdowns, Tasmanian owner Brian Spencer undertook a comprehensive programme of preventative maintenance on his XJS Convertible, transforming its suspension, brakes and ride quality.
Published: 15th April 2021

My Cheshire Cat

Kevin Bishop shares the story of rescuing his 1987 XJ-SC V12 from a decade in storage. After recommissioning work and looks ahead to a rolling restoration and club meet ups.
Published: 30th November 2020

Story of how an XJS Convertible was acquired

A personal account by member Paul Newman describing how he unexpectedly became the owner of a 1995 4.0‑litre AJ16 XJS Convertible, following a memorable journey to the Cotswolds and an extraordinary family surprise.
Published: 29th November 2020

Watch a Jaguar XJ-SC take on the Ringwood Park Hill Climb – 2017

Member Ian Hissey takes his XJ-SC Cabriolet up the Ringwood Park Hill Climb
Published: 29th November 2020

XJ-SC Cabriolet Targa Roof and Rear Hood Seal Replacement

A practical, illustrated guide to replacing the Targa roof and rear hood seals on the XJ-SC Cabriolet, covering preparation and fitting technique.
Published: 23rd November 2020

"The Jaguar Ball"

A behind-the-scenes account of how Jaguar Rover Australia staged ‘The Jaguar Ball’ in 1985, flying the very first XJ‑SC Cabriolet halfway around the world against the clock to support a high‑stakes Bathurst campaign that would ultimately transform Jaguar’s fortunes in Australia.
Published: 3rd January 2018

Refreshing XJ-SC Cabriolet Interior Veneer at Home

A member shares a simple, low-cost method for restoring tired interior veneer on an XJ-SC Cabriolet. With patience, basic tools, and time at home, faded and yellowed woodwork can be brought back to life.</
Published: 7th December 2017

Project : LPG Conversion on 5.3 V12 XJ-SC

LPG conversions are often discussed but rarely documented in detail. In this member-written article, one XJ-SC Cabriolet owner shares his long-term experience of running a V12 Jaguar on LPG, outlining the costs, compromises, and practical considerations involved.
Published: 6th December 2017

Reviving Dull XJ-S Rear Light Lenses — A Simple Weekend Refresh

Clouded and scratched rear light lenses can age an XJ-S more than almost any other detail. In this short member-written article, one owner shows how time, patience, and a simple plastic polish can significantly improve tired rear lights without replacing them.
Published: 23rd August 2017