Automotive styling is challenging, and many manufacturers have struggled to transform an existing Hardtop or Coupe model into a Convertible. Some cars carry the change well, while the word “ungainly” can be fairly applied to others. This 1996 Jaguar XJS Celebration Edition is stunning and makes me wonder why the company didn’t offer a drop-top from Day One. It is beautifully preserved, and with 35,000 miles on the clock, nobody has gone out of their way to wear it out. The seller feels it needs a new home, listing it here on Craigslist in Easton, Connecticut. They set a price of $22,900, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Mitchell G. for spotting this classic Convertible.

The question of why Jaguar didn’t produce a Convertible XJS early in the model’s production life is probably rhetorical. The company had operated independently, but a series of mergers made it part of the British Leyland behemoth. The strategy was disastrous, with ongoing financial woes and industrial action dooming the entire organization. Therefore, there weren’t the funds available to develop the Convertible. That was also the driving force behind the longevity of the XJS, which remained in production for an incredible twenty-one years. Our feature car is from the final year and presents superbly in Triple-Black. The paint has a depth of color and shine that you could almost walk into, and the panels are laser-straight. The power top looks excellent, while the sparkling chrome perfectly contrasts the dark paint shade. The highlight for me is the set of diamond-cut alloy Aerosport wheels. These look purposeful and show no evidence of damage or stains.

Examining this Jag’s interior confirms that many trees and cows laid down their lives for stunning results. Almost every upholstered surface features Black leather, with the seats highlighted by contrasting Gray piping. The dash, door trims, and wheel sport genuine walnut veneer trim, adding to an overall luxurious feel. The low odometer reading seems plausible when you examine the interior condition. The front seats have the typical creases that are part of the character of aging leather. However, there is no evidence of wear or abuse and no aftermarket additions. The new owner won’t feel shortchanged on luxury appointments, with the XJS featuring air conditioning, power windows, power locks, heated power seats, cruise control, and a premium AM/FM radio/cassette player. The seller confirms the A/C was serviced within the last month, meaning it should blow ice-cold.

Many people became used to the XJS featuring a V12 under the hood, but this classic’s 4.0-liter six shouldn’t be underestimated. It produces 237hp and 282 ft/lbs of torque in an era when the V12 churned out 298hp and 347 ft/lbs. The larger engine produced a faster ¼-mile ET and a higher top speed, but the additional 397 lbs it carried had an impact. The extra weight was almost exclusively over the front axle, making the V12 less responsive on roads featuring anything more complicated than the occasional sweeping bend. If a potential buyer seeks an XJS capable of providing an engaging driving experience, this could be the car. The four-speed automatic transmission and power assistance for the steering and brakes should enhance the luxurious feel offered by the beautiful interior. This car is in excellent mechanical health, receiving a recent service and fluid change. It runs and drives well, with the seller describing it as very reliable. It seems that flying in and driving it home is a realistic expectation for the new owner.

It is easy to underestimate the Jaguar XJS because some variants developed a reputation for horrendous reliability problems. However, these later cars were a revelation. If you ever doubt their credentials, it is worth finding a copy of the Top Gear UK India Special. The show itself is pretty woeful. However, Jeremy Clarkson drives a Celebration Edition Coupe from one end of India to the other, doing so without the slightest consideration of careful motoring. The car endured some of the roughest roads and tracks imaginable, suffered abuse and mistreatment, and never missed a beat throughout the journey. That’s not a bad recommendation, especially given how the producers tended to “build in” drama in these special episodes. This car is simply stunning, offering the potential for some luxurious top-down touring. If that sounds irresistible, why not transform the dream into reality?