Cabriolet Conversion

[Gr3g]

Hi, I have a V12 XJS that I have had from new. It has a lot of sentimental value to me. I would like to get it converted (properly) to a soft top. Does anyone know anything about this? I would like a jaguar specialist if possible as I believe the chassis would need re-enforcement? Thanx

I will upload some pics....

[Gr3g]

[Evaristas]

I went through a similar process in 1995 where a 1992 4 litre coupe was converted to cabriolet. It was done by Paul Banham Conversions, in Rochester, Kent. No longer about but as Myrtle Productions. Cost about £10k ! It was quite successful and people would be confused whether this was a one off factory job as as the real roof frame was used. I have photos of the finished job. One unfortunate event during the job, was the breaking of the windscreen. A new one was fitted and all seemed well. However, as time went by, footwells always were soaking and the leak source was not found until nearly 10 years later. A very poorly fitted replacement windscreen was found to be the cause. I eventually 'gave' the car away for £2k (having cost me £29k) to Clarkes, an XJS dealer in 2005 ? The structure was strengthened and the car was quite rigid.

A full convertible would be more difficult and would never be as good as the factory job. You'd pay a lot of money and be disappointed, as I was. Buy the genuine thing !

[Gr3g]

Thanks for sharing your experience, how did you go about finding places that would do it? I have been struggling to know what to search for. The usual google method has not brought me much luck. If this is the case of putting a car through this process I may just buy a cabriolet as you recommend. The sentimental value is with this particular car due to when it was bought. Thanks

Could you possibly post a picture of the resulting roof? :)

[Evaristas]

When the XJS was a current car, there were several firms that did conversions and in time all went away with no demand. I shall have a look for some photos although the job was done before the digital age came in.

I had no sentimental value, just owned a 3.6 Cabrio, but the engine was too sluggish for me and at the time didn't like full convertibles, so had one done this way with a facelift 4.0 XJS !

[Evaristas]