Jaguar XJS, which replaced the famous E-type, was M. Sayer’s other original creation. It differed both from its predecessors and other vehicles of the same period. Despite the original design and advanced technical characteristics, the public did not welcome it warmly: against the E-type, it seemed to have no chance.
Source: Historics Auctioneers
The XJS appeared in the wrong place at the wrong time. The Jaguar brand was facing hardships, the former management resigned, and even a crisis manager was appointed to save it from closure. And of course, the new management decided to launch a new, revolutionary model to replace the old-fashioned E-types. But replacing the legend and everyone’s darling was not the easiest task. When work on the XJ27 project, later called XJS, ended in 1975, few people appreciated the subsequent creation of Malcolm Sayer. Even the gracefully sloping C-pillars that improved the model’s aerodynamics were criticized. The new car did not meet the expectations of the brand’s fans.
Source: WallpaperUp
The 60s was a challenging period for the British brand. First, the company’s management lost the authority to manage the company, then a new owner, the British Leyland Motor Corporation, acquired the company. The new owner decided to retain the Jaguar trademark and the fictitious power of the former Jaguar Cars management. But in the end, British Leyland failed to fulfill its responsibilities: the corporation was nationalized by the British Labor government. The former management retired and a crisis manager was appointed. A new era for Jaguar began. According to the new strategy, the legendary E-Type was meant to be replaced by a new, trendier, and more advanced model. Works began in 1969, and by September 1975 the new XJS had arrived. The new car had it all. It was even created by the same Malcolm Sayer. But the hostile greeting of the press and rather an indifferent attitude of the public ruined the new model’s debut. This failure was explained by many facts. According to many, XJS was destined to fail as for the first time, the Jaguar car was developed without William Lyons’s participation. This man had an innate sense of style that captured the tastes of the public and determined the success of most of the brand’s models. Nevertheless, as history later showed, only a few years later this rejected “ugly duckling” turned into a beautiful swan, even winning the love of the public.
As for the open-body version, until 1985, the roadster was available only in the coupe. The road safety regulations in the US, still the main market for the XJS, forbade convertibles. However, in 1985, when the ban was lifted, Jaguar immediately launched the open-body version. Over the next 11 years, along with the coupe, two types of 2 and 4-seated open bodies were produced.
Source: auto.vercity
The open-body appeared in the XJS line in 1985. This was an open version with a double Targa body, since conventional convertibles were banned in the US market, and cars of this brand were very actively exported to the USA. The car embodied the true aristocratic spirit of Gran Turismo, which was especially popular in the early 90s. The 1990 convertible had a long, low, and wide body with flying rear pillars and a divorced exhaust. The 90s model was described by many as “more rapid and severe” compared with earlier convertibles. Compared to previous editions, this model year also featured more aerodynamic bumpers. The vehicle was equipped with a powerful V12 engine and a 4-step automatic transmission. The interior was also impressive and was exactly what a real British luxurious vehicle should be. The leather interior with a wooden panel was beyond praise. In a word, it was a real stylish aristocrat for fans of fast and stylish driving. By the way, full-fledged factory convertibles appeared only in 1988. During ten years of production, the brand produced 12372 convertibles.
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In 1990, this convertible cost $56,000 (the coupe was $9,000 cheaper), which is equivalent to $91,600 today.
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