Edited on 2006-11-16 5:13:34

Edited on 2006-11-16 5:12:19

Ok, where do I start.....I just recently took ownership of a 88 XJS 5.3 12V Convertible. I am a newbie on Jags. I have been told it is a Hess. And finding parts for her are killing me. The car was involved in an accident over the weekend and the previous owner could not afford the tow so I bought the car for $800. There is no body damage but the top was ripped off and the windows broken out. The muffler came off but is in one piece. Also the door mirrors were taken off in the accident. The car went through a barbed wire fence. I can not find the emblem on the front fenders saying its a Hess. But the VIN verifies it's a 1988.

I really don't know where to start as far as getting her back on the road. The engine is strong and just needs some cleaning up. The top is in good shape, no tears, but the frame to the top is bent. I'm hoping to have someone fix it so it can be used again. Where can I find parts that are reasonably priced? She really only needs minor things, except for the top, such as the front spoiler and the mirrors. Any help would be greatful.

Submitted by fmasbou@netzero.net on Thu, 12/07/2006 - 13:08

Hi,

I have a Hess & Eisenhardt also. Parts that were specific to this conversion are faily scarce but a lot of the mechanical parts are the same as the rest of the XJS. It is incorrect that all were 1988. Mine is a 1987 conversion. The car was produced actually at Jaguar in '86. I believe that the first convertible models actually came out in 1986.

Here is what I was able to find out about the Hess model:

There was a popular industry belief in the early 1980's that convertible were going to be banned in the US. Jaguar had built its last one on the XKE in (I believe) 1975. As the ban never happened they contracted Ohio coachwork builder Hess and Eisenhardt (they made among others the presidential limos) to create a convertible version.

The changes were substantial. They had to split the gas tank into 2 separate units with 2 pumps to allow the ragtop to fold below the body line. They also made big changes to the rear of the seats. They modified the electrical system as well as quarter windows etc in addition of to all the attachments for the top.

Hess had one (and maybe 2 - can't remember) recalls, particularly on the fuel system because it was not vented properly. This discredited Hess in the eyes of Jaguar but the model was quite popular so Jaguar decided to create their own version which I believe, came in 1988.

Hess was separated in 2 divisions, one that made the limos and bullet proof vehicles and the other segment was trying to capture the same kind of market as they had done with the Jaguar. This eventually failed and the company went into bankrupcy. The armored car segmwent suvived and I think that they were bought out last year.

Send me some p[ictures of your car if you would like and I will try to help you for the parts that I have worked with. I am also getting prepared to do a complete restoration of the body on mine.

Hope that this helps.

Francois in Asheville

Submitted by silver007@shaw.ca on Thu, 11/23/2006 - 22:00

Art Dickenson.
1983 XJS GT "Silver"
Pacific Jaguar.ca
Hi Michelle,
has no one else replied to you, unreal. The first convertibles were all 1988 and converted by Hess and Eisenhart ( not sure on the spelling ) Those guys I believe still operate in the U.S. not sure where. Punch it in the search engine and they will probably pop up. I like this model as the top folds down flat , unlike the real Jag ones that started in 89. You got a hell of a deal for sure,
BFN, Art