Launching an expensive, thirsty V12 coupe in the wake of a fuel crisis was one thing, but replacing the much-loved E-Type with it was quite another. And yet, that’s just what Jaguar did in 1975 with the arrival of the XJ-S, a model which left marque traditionalists scratching their heads. The styling was divisive to say the least, and fears over a proposed (but never realised) change to American regulations meant a drop-head version was noticeably absent.
The hostile reception, allied with Jaguar’s controversial BL connection and hefty fuel consumption, resulted in the near demise of the XJ-S in 1980. But well-judged updates including roofless options and a new engine contributed to reversal in fortunes, amounting to an impressive 21-year production run that resulted in 115,413 cars – making it the longest-lived Jaguar of them all.
The wait for an open-top model was initially fulfilled in 1983 by the XJ-S Cabriolet, although it couldn’t be described as a true convertible. In a game of pass the Jaguar between Browns Lane, nearby Park Sheet Metal, Castle Bromwich and Tickford, the XJ-SC was modified with fixed cant rails above the doors and fixed rear quarter windows, plus a T-bar over the cockpit featuring targa-style removable panels and a fold-down rear window. The rear seats also made way, making it
