Ex-Princess Diana Jaguar XJ-SC set for London show

A Jaguar XJ-S Cabriolet with royal connections will be just one of the cars on display at next month’s London Classic Car Show at ExCeL London (15-18 February). With more than 700 classics at the event, this XJ-S Cabriolet’s links to Diana, Princess of Wales, are sure to grab the headlines.

Introduced in 1983, the XJ-S Cabriolet was the response for growing demand for a soft-top version. This 1987 XJ-SC (registration E763 KYX) was fitted with two small rear seats just so the young Princes William and Harry could ride along with their mother and her bodyguard.

The V12-powered cabriolet features an individually made, and permanently fixed, rear hard top to ensure that the two Princes could not strike their heads on the solid targa roof bar in the event of an accident.

Inside, it is fitted with personalised leather and Harris Tweed seat trims, while outside the car has four round headlights similar to those seen on US export models. It was finished in British Racing Green to match the Aston Martin that husband Prince Charles had acquired around the same time.

When the two Princes outgrew their small rear seats, she gave it to the Jaguar Heritage Trust in 1991 in exchange for a contribution to one of her own charitable causes. The following year, Diana replaced the British-made motor with a German-made Mercedes 500SL.

The tailor-made Jaguar is being exhibited at ExCeL by the XJS Club, one of an unprecedented number of enthusiastic car clubs putting together dedicated displays this year’s expanded London Classic Car Show.

For more information, visit: thelondonclassiccarshow.co.uk