Supercharged LT1-Powered 1988 Jaguar XJ-S Convertible Conversion

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

Huntsville, Alabama — or “Rocket City,” as we know it — is home to NASA rocket-propulsion research and development. This special offering is once again a presentation of the unique, with American Muscle, British class, and heavy post war iron from multiple platforms all on offer. These cars are ready for blastoff, and all will be launched to new homes and garages as all lots are presented with NO RESERVE.    * * *

Although 1988 marked the official arrival of the Jaguar XJ-S Convertible, it was not unusual to also see XJ‑S coupes converted into open-air rides, as several professional coachbuilders like Ohio-based Hess & Eisenhardt offered high‑quality conversions that closely matched factory aesthetics. This 1988 model, for example, left the factory in October 1987 as a coupe and is now a convertible with an insulated fabric roof.

The conversion was not limited to removing the roof, adding structural reinforcements, and installing a fully retractable power soft top, however. The builder reworked the rear body and created a storage well for the top, installed dual fuel tanks, modified the interior trim, added power rear quarter windows, modified electrical and hydraulic systems, and added exterior details. Jaguar even touted its convertibles in its 1988 full-line brochures.

In addition to the custom work, this 1988 Jaguar XJ-S also received a 5.7-liter LT1 V8 engine, which was swapped for the car’s original 5.3‑liter V12. The engine is also equipped with a centrifugal supercharger and an MSD 6 Boost Timing Master performance ignition control box. The car’s GM TH400 (Turbo‑Hydramatic 400) three‑speed automatic transmission remains. Additional cosmetic modifications include burgundy paint with gold stripes and accents, reupholstered dark red leather seats with black piping, color-matching dark red and black interior with dark red carpet, and a two-tone dark red and black steering wheel.

This 1988 Jaguar XJ-S Convertible Conversion is now represented at no reserve by a Broad Arrow Specialist in Georgia with an accident-free CARFAX Vehicle History Report and a clean Michigan title in the current owner's name.

Highlights

• Offered from The Rocket City Collection

• Convertible conversion performed by Hess & Eisenhardt in March 1988

• C4 Corvette 5.7L V8 LT1 engine with a centrifugal supercharger

• MSD 6 BTM (Boost Timing Master) performance ignition control box

• GM‑sourced TH400 three‑speed automatic transmission

Factory Equipment

• Independent rear suspension with inboard rear disc brakes

• Limited‑slip differential

• Bolstered sport‑touring seats

• Power windows, door locks, and seats, power/heated exterior mirrors, and power‑assisted rack‑and‑pinion steering

• Automatic climate control

• Cruise control

• Wood veneer console

• The data sticker decodes as:

  • Build date: 10/87

  • Paint: LDP – Dorchester Grey Metallic (now burgundy)

  • Trim: CEM – Mulberry leather (now Mulberry leather with black piping) 

Modifications

• Convertible conversion:

  • Removed roof

  • Added structural reinforcements

  • Reworked rear body and create a top storage well

  • Installed unique fully‑retracting tan-with-burgundy convertible top system

  • Installed dual fuel tanks

  • Modified interior trim and add power top controls

  • Added power rear quarter windows

  • Modified electrical and hydraulic systems

  • Added unique exterior details

• Swapped C4 Corvette 5.7L V8 LT1 (with supercharger) for factory Jaguar V12

• MSD 6 BTM performance ignition control box

• Refinished in burgundy paint with gold stripes and accents

• 10-spoke chrome wheels

• Reupholstered dark red leather seats with black piping

• Color matching dark red and black interior with dark red carpet

• Carpeted burgundy floor mats with leather accents

• Two-tone dark red and black steering wheel and sun visors

• JVC stereo with Bluetooth and AUX

Service & Documentation

• Michelin Pilot Sport 245/40ZR16 tires

• Accident-free CARFAX Vehicle History Report

Known Imperfections

• Cosmetic imperfections, paint flaws, and interior wear consistent with age, as noted in the provided photos

• Rust-through on exhaust pipes

• Odometer is inoperable

• The included CARFAX Vehicle History Report lists the following (see report for full details):

  • May 2000: Mileage inconsistency when the odometer reading went from 36,336 to 15,498 miles

Ownership History

This 1988 Jaguar XJ-S is offered from the Rocket City Collection.

Additional Information

A Broad Arrow Representative is working as an agent on behalf of the seller of this vehicle. As such, the purchase transaction will be facilitated by Broad Arrow, including vehicle payment, applicable taxes required to be collected by the seller or Broad Arrow, and title/ownership reassignment. Broad Arrow is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hagerty.

Contact: Ramsey Potts Phone: 912.508.4096 Email: rpotts@hagerty.com