1988 Jaguar XJ-SC

Description

The Jaguar XJ-SC (often written as XJS-C) represents a unique and transitional chapter in Jaguar’s grand touring legacy. Introduced in 1983 and produced until 1988, the XJ-SC was a targa-style cabriolet version of the XJ-S coupe, designed to offer open-air motoring while retaining structural rigidity. Unlike a full convertible, the XJ-SC featured removable roof panels over the driver and passenger seats and a fixed rear roof section with a folding soft top over the rear seats. 

The XJ-SC was relatively rare, with 5,013 units produced globally. By 1988, the XJ-SC was nearing the end of its production run, making way for the full convertible XJS introduced in 1989. The ’88 model was powered by Jaguar’s legendary 5.3-liter V12 engine, which delivered smooth, refined performance with around 262 horsepower and a top speed of approximately 140 mph. The cabriolet came with a three-speed automatic transmission, rear-wheel drive, and a luxurious interior trimmed in leather and wood veneer. 

This Glacier White 1988 Jaguar XJ-SC survivor, one of only 60 left-hand-drive 1988 Jaguar XJ-SC models built in the car’s final year, was the winner of the 2024 Carolina Jaguar Club Concours Driven Class. 

 Highlights 

• One of only 60 left-hand-drive 1988 Jaguar XJ-SC models built, according to Jaguar XJS Soft-Tops Club and Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust 

• Winner of the 2024 Carolina Jaguar Club Concours Driven Class 

• Finished in Glacier White (NDK) paint with Blue top over Isis Blue (JEF) interior 

• Removable roof panels and folding rear soft top 

• Powered by a 5.3-liter V12 rated at 262 hp and 290 lb-ft of torque 

• TH400 three-speed automatic transmission 

• Clean CARFAX Vehicle History Report  

Features 

• Recent maintenance included new: 

  • Distributor 

  • Water pump 

  • Coolant hoses 

  • Belts 

  • Fuel sending unit 

  • Fuel rails 

  • Spark plugs 

  • Air filter 

  • Radio antenna 

  • Oil change 

• Hood was painted in 2023 to correct a small mark (all other paint appears original) 

• Walnut veneer interior trim 

• Power steering, windows, locks, mirrors, and seats 

• Automatic Climate Control 

• Cruise Control 

• AM/FM/Cassette stereo 

• 160 mph speedometer and 7,000 rpm tachometer  

• 15-inch, five-spoke alloy wheels 

• Falken Pro G5 Touring 215/70R15 tires 

Known Imperfections 

• Minor paint chips on the rocker panels 

• Dash/center console veneer is cracked/worn 

• Spotting on the interior just below rear window 

• Odometer recently stopped working 

• A/C, cruise control, and heated seats do not work 

Included 

• Spare tire with cover 

• Cloth bag with spare and lug wrench 

• Roof panel storage bags 

• Convertible top 

• Convertible boot cover 

• Leather-bound Jaguar folder with owner’s manual and info 

• 2024 Carolina Jaguar Club Concours award 

Ownership History 

The accompanying CARFAX Vehicle History Report places this three-owner 1988 Jaguar XJ-SC in Florida and, since August 2023, North Carolina. The seller says, “The speedometer stopped working last week ... The radio works and I have the security code in case it needs to be reset.”