Body style
Jaguar XJ-SC V12
Year
1986
Mileage
77,300
Exterior Colour
Tudor White
Interior Colour
Iris Blue
Description
The Jaguar XJ-SC is the fixed-profile, targa-topped evolution of Jaguar’s grand touring coupe, introduced in 1983 and offered with either the 3.6-litre straight-six or the flagship 5.3-litre V12 engine. Registered in 1986, this car represents the V12 range-topper.
From long-term enthusiast ownership, it has had just eight keepers from new, comfortably below average and has covered a moderate 77,300 miles in total. Significantly, records confirm that fewer than 300 of those miles have been added since 2021, when the car was treated to a programme of restorative works, both mechanical and cosmetic. The result is the fine example presented here today. Accompanying the car is its original book pack, including a stamped service record showing 14 entries.
With only 1,598 right-hand-drive XJ-SCs ever produced and fewer than 50 believed to remain on the road, this is among the rarest variants of the XJS.
Presented in Tudor White with contrasting dark removable roof panels and landau-style rear hood, the car also benefits from re-covered roof panels (2021) and a new set of 15-inch “Starfish” alloy wheels with fresh tyres fitted at the same time. Inside, the cabin is finished in uncommon Iris Blue leather, complemented by a refurbished original steering wheel. The XJ-SC is configured as a two-seater, with the rear compartment dedicated to storage and providing space to house the roof panels when removed.
Under the bonnet lies Jaguar’s renowned 5.3-litre V12, originally designed for the stillborn XJ13 Le Mans car, here paired with the GM TH400 three-speed automatic transmission. Quoted at around 295bhp when new, the engine’s real strength lies in its generous torque, making the car a refined and highly capable long-distance cruiser. The restorative work completed in 2021 included a refurbished steering rack, a new ECU, and a new exhaust system—all completed just a few hundred miles ago.
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One of the rarest XJS variants, with fewer than 50 believed to survive in road use
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Supplied with original book pack, 14-stamp service history, and recent refurbishment
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Tudor White coachwork over Iris Blue leather interior, a striking and uncommon specification
Service history & Condition
Registered in 1986, this XJ-SC has had eight keepers from new, a below average figure for a car of this age. It is accompanied by its original Jaguar book pack, including the service record showing 14 stamps, confirming a consistent history of care and maintenance.
The most recent phase of work was carried out in 2021, covering both mechanical and cosmetic restoration. Alongside the steering rack, ECU, and exhaust replacements, the car received re-covered targa roof panels, refurbished alloys, new tyres, and numerous detailing improvements inside and out. Since that work, fewer than 300 miles have been driven, suggesting the car has been kept largely as part of a private enthusiast collection.
This example is a superb representation of one of Jaguar’s rarest models elegant, authentic, and sympathetically restored.
Exterior & Interior
Finished in Tudor White, this XJ-SC presents beautifully, its crisp lines and elegant proportions complemented by dark removable roof panels and a landau-style rear hood. In 2021, the roof panels were professionally re-covered, and a set of 15-inch “Starfish” alloys were fitted new with matching tyres, preserving the period-correct look. The paintwork retains a deep, even shine, and the detailing from chrome trims to badging is clean and well-kept.
The cabin is trimmed in Iris Blue leather, a rarely seen colour that suits the car’s understated character. The leather remains supple and well preserved, with the original steering wheel refurbished to a high standard. The dashboard, switchgear, and instrumentation are all in fine order, showing gentle, authentic patina. The XJ-SC’s two-seat layout incorporates a useful rear storage compartment, which doubles as stowage for the targa roof panels.
Mechanical & Performance
Under the bonnet lies Jaguar’s celebrated 5.3-litre V12, a masterpiece of refinement and torque, originally developed from the marque’s Le Mans ambitions. Mated to the GM TH400 automatic gearbox, it delivers around 295 bhp and effortless acceleration — the kind of power delivery that defined Jaguar’s grand touring pedigree.
In 2021, C329 LOE benefitted from a series of mechanical refreshes including a refurbished steering rack, new ECU, and new exhaust system, all completed just a few hundred miles ago. The car starts readily, idles smoothly, and pulls strongly through the gears, with the V12’s signature whisper-quiet composure intact. The braking and suspension systems remain tight and confidence-inspiring, giving the car the refined yet engaging feel expected from Jaguar’s flagship GT.
