This might be old news, but Connolly, Jaguar's leather supplier went out of business in 2002. My question is who makes the leather for the modern Jags and what do you use to keep it clean and keep the hides properly oiled?

Why did Connolly go out of business? If anyone has some history on this, I'd like to know.

Thanks.

 

Connolly Leathers quit making leather for cars in 2002, but have a clothing line of leather goods. I believe Bridge of Weir (Scotland) now makes the leather for the cars.

 

I use Connolly's Hide food and it works well. As for cleaning, I use Lexol soap or 3M's leather cleaner.

 

I used to use the hide food, but that stuff doesn't seem to have the longest shelf life, and I wasn't really that impressed with it for the price. I now use lexol cleaner and conditioner with very good results.

 

I have the ivory interior in my 04 X-Type and I used Armor All leather wipes. These clean and condition the seats very well. For the most part the interior still looks brand new, besides some krinkles in the drivers side left lower bolster.

Is there anyway to smooth out that leather?

 

Someone posted about Leatherique.com in the XK8 &XKR part of the forum. I went to the website and it looks like they have products that will not only condition the leather but fill the cracks and allow you to re-dye in the original color or allow you to darken it.

I haven't tried them yet, but intend to soon. Check them out and see what you think. They even provide instructions for the D-I-Yer.

 

I use Connolly products. You can still buy Connolly leather care products. I just got some Hide Care from the dealer a couple months ago. I see stores online that have the whole leather care kit for $50. I need the cleaner anyways. My two year old just went through the car with a blue ball point pen.

 

Zaino makes great products. 'Leather in a bottle' is good stuff.