The complexity of a convertible top has been known to discourage some folks from pursuing a drop-top in their garage. I don’t mind the complexity, but after replacing failed motors that caused a top to go down and not back up, I decided long ago that automotive sun bathing was not for me. Regardless, the targa roof exists, not because we needed more rooftop complexity, but because people like me exist – and Jaguar decided to dip a toe into this segment with the unusual XJ-SC, a truly weird and wonderful take on the targa design. This 1987 model listed here on craigslist is for sale by the original owner and looks absolutely spectacular.

I’ll admit, the XJ-SC has always been on my list of, “If you give me one, I’ll gladly own it.” It’s such an interesting design, and one that is still polarizing decades later. If you leave all the roof panels in place, it looks like a traditional convertible – and the XJ has always looked stunning as a drop-top. If you remove the panels and stow them in the trunk, you create the open-air experience that sunchasers seek, but it leaves the framework of the top visible to all. For convertible fans who like seeing the roof fall completely away, this is not for you. If you appreciate over-engineering established designs, you’ll likely find the XJ-SC mildly amusing.

Inside, the usual Jaguar standards of luxury apply. There’s plenty of leather and wood trim, all of which looks to be in good order here. The automatic transmission, while reliable, is a lazy unit that doesn’t like to be hurried despite the respectable horsepower under the hood. The Jaguar shows under 67,000 miles, which is quite respectable for a car that invited long-distance driving. Though the seller is not the original owner – I suspect he purchased it from that individual for a quick flip – he supposedly retains all of the paperwork and documentation that reflects many years of careful stewardship. If it were mine, I’d swap in a Nardi wheel and the European headlights pronto.

The mighty 5.3 litre engine belts out a healthy 262 b.h.p., and the Jaguar even managed to achieve around 14 MPGs back in the day, thanks to use of its “Lean Burn” technology. The targa model, however, did add a few pounds in the form of two steel rods and a boxed section where the coupe’s rear seats would go in an effort to beef up the structural rigidity. Regardless of any weight penalty, the automatic and tall gearing contribute to a slightly tepid experience in the performance department, but that was never the point of the XJ. For someone who appreciates rare Jaguars of the 80s, the $13,500 asking price seems like a bargain. Thanks to Barn Finds reader T.J. for the tip.