Probably the earliest known example of a convertible XJ was a Series I specially prepared for Queen Elizabeth II's visit to Mauritius in 1972, apparently it was converted in Mauritius. Cabriolet International, based in Blackpool, followed the same four-door theme but to a far superior design. Starting with a Jaguar XJ6 Series II or Series III saloon they cut the steel from the roof, leaving around three inches of the original roof in place around the door frames and windscreen. They then fitted a cross beam between the two 'B' pillars, this created a very strong structure for a four-door car which meant when the roof was closed it was hardly distinguishable from a standard saloon from a distance. When the hood is open, the occupants experienced open top comfort within the virtual safety of the normal saloon. Cabriolet International's hood mechanism had an advantage over some of the other coachbuilders converting Jaguar XJ6's that when the hood was open it laid flat on the rear parcel shelf so not obscuring the rear view as much as some other conversions.

This 1978 Jaguar XJ6 Series II fitted with the 4.2 litre engine and automatic gearbox was taken to Cabriolet International sometime in the 1980's where they carried out the conversion to a convertible. In 1996, the colour was changed from red to white and the car joined a wedding fleet. Recently, the paintwork has been refreshed and the red interior re-connolised. The car has also had a small service, and the spark plugs and H/T leads replaced. This XJ6 Series II is supplied with a V5 registration document and a file of invoices. This unusual Jaguar convertible is a car with the benefit of open-air motoring and the luxury of the Jaguar XJ6 saloon. Consigned by John Tomlin

Lot details
Year: 1978
Make: Jaguar
Model: XJ6 Series II Convertible by Cabriolet International (4.2 litre)
Registration: YAL 920S
Chassis No: 2T26570BW
Engine No: 8L-62826/S
Odometer: 99,480

* Rare convertible by Cabriolet International
* Recent repaint