Hardtop for cabriolet?
Veteran Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 3,327
Likes: 168
From: Fairfax, VA
I saw this company that makes hardtops for roadsters and convertibles. So far, the only Jaguar tops they make are for the XKE. Maybe they have plans to make one for the XK8s in the future.
http://www.smoothline.com/jaguar.php
http://www.smoothline.com/jaguar.php
Veteran Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,904
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From: SW OH
You got to think when Jaxkr bought his XK, from which I am assuming the car was either new or close to it probably cost $50K or if new double that (I could be very wrong as I am guessing), the point I am getting at, if you want bespoke it costs and the Arden top is very well made and one of the only things they do I actually really like a lot.
So lets assume as Jaxkr has said he did not pay that much, so probably only a 1/10 of the value, that is not a big ask IMO.
Exclusivity costs but the feeling of pride knowing you probably have the only one is priceless and the basis of all modification companies to a large degree. I can not think of anything worse than spending a large chunk of money just to have another guy pull up next to you in exactly the same car
So lets assume as Jaxkr has said he did not pay that much, so probably only a 1/10 of the value, that is not a big ask IMO.
Exclusivity costs but the feeling of pride knowing you probably have the only one is priceless and the basis of all modification companies to a large degree. I can not think of anything worse than spending a large chunk of money just to have another guy pull up next to you in exactly the same car
Well, there will be few folks that will pull up to me here in Northern Cincy in a XK8 much less one with that HT. So I think I have the Exclusivity covered.
That top must not sell now since these cars are so cheap. If it were in the 1-3k range then I would think about it.
Well, there will be few folks that will pull up to me here in Northern Cincy in a XK8 much less one with that HT. So I think I have the Exclusivity covered.
That top must not sell now since these cars are so cheap. If it were in the 1-3k range then I would think about it.
That top must not sell now since these cars are so cheap. If it were in the 1-3k range then I would think about it.
Now what kind of attitude is that
I have customers who buy these cars for about $5K and then spend another $30K modifying and playing with them.
You get a lot of car for your money, and that is one of the sad reason why these cars will turn to crap in time, the same thing happened to the XJS!
These cars cost $100K new and as they get older and they loose there value, people/owners spend less and cut corners, yes, you might of only paid $10K for your car but it is still a $100K car to maintain.
I am not moaning at you (even if it does sound like it
) it just seems a real shame when people say, " I only paid $X for it, I am not spending that much on it"!OK I will stop ranting now
Veteran Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,904
Likes: 364
From: SW OH
anyone that buys this model of Jag knows (well I did) it will cost $$$$ as long as you own it.
I do think this model of 97 through, what, 2006? Will be a mild collector if down the road the crap that breaks can be fixed at a decent cost. This body style is very throw back to the older models of the 60/70's XKE in some ways.
The cost is down on them in part that the economy puked, people lost jobs, most lux cars dropped in value. Time will tell.
Anyways right now I have less in the car, including up front purchase cost, and repairs since then if I had bought new at the same time.
I do think this model of 97 through, what, 2006? Will be a mild collector if down the road the crap that breaks can be fixed at a decent cost. This body style is very throw back to the older models of the 60/70's XKE in some ways.
The cost is down on them in part that the economy puked, people lost jobs, most lux cars dropped in value. Time will tell.
Anyways right now I have less in the car, including up front purchase cost, and repairs since then if I had bought new at the same time.
Veteran Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 3,430
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From: Los Angeles
EVERYTHING from Arden is ungodly expensive!
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 394
Likes: 60
From: Boston Mass
I agree that Arden is quite expensive, but like everything else in life you get what you pay for. If you want a true bespoke car it is not cheap, if you just want one that looks good from fifty feet away it is a lot cheaper.
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Chatsworth, CA
Hi Jaxkr,
Would you have any pictures of the rear window exterior on your beautiful Arden hard top? Any of the rear window interior?
I'd like to see the exterior photo because I'm installing an AMCO clone, chrome luggage rack on the rear trunk lid of my 2003 convertible and I'm trying to figure out if the rack would interfere with the Arden rear window.
Would you have any pictures of the rear window exterior on your beautiful Arden hard top? Any of the rear window interior?
I'd like to see the exterior photo because I'm installing an AMCO clone, chrome luggage rack on the rear trunk lid of my 2003 convertible and I'm trying to figure out if the rack would interfere with the Arden rear window.
I think he is talking about how the top goes around the rear quarter window and lines up with the door, as it looks more substantial than the door line for obvious reasons.
It would not bother me much and if it did you could always paint the roof Dorchester grey so it matches the trim, the 2 tone colour works on smaller convertibles not sure how it would look on a XK
It would not bother me much and if it did you could always paint the roof Dorchester grey so it matches the trim, the 2 tone colour works on smaller convertibles not sure how it would look on a XK
Veteran Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 5,008
Likes: 2,622
From: Los Angeles
That top looks great and combines the best aspects of the coupe and the convertible. It would also take care of another issue that I experienced this weekend. I went to Audifest at Infineon Raceway for an Audi Club track weekend (I belong to the So Cal Audi club even though I don't have an Audi, my friend has an S5 6spd that we both drive). I usually take my De Tomaso Pantera to these events, but having had a terrible time on the wet track in Sonoma last year, spinning off twice in one lap (unlike the Audis which all have 4 wheel drive, my ancient 72 Pantera has about 400hp resting squarely on the fat rear tires on a very slippery track), I decided to rent a car in Sonoma, a poor handling, extremely underpowered 2011 Mustang, because convertibles (like my XKR) are not permitted out on the track. Many Mazda Miatas were out on the track with a similar hardtop fitted to them. While I wouldn't want to pay ten grand for the top, were it to be 3 or 4, I would consider it.
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Thread Starter
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Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 280
Likes: 28
From: Dallas, tx
Jaxkr,
You want to really blow their minds? Tell them what's hiding under the hood.
Show them some pics. I think most guys on the forum forget that you also
have the hard tonneau cover from Arden and a customized interior as well.
Oh, by the way, how are the latest cosmetic upgrades coming? Can't wait to see the
finished beauty.
Jaxkr, you easily have the most pampered, unique looking Jag in the USA. I'm extremely jealous.
You want to really blow their minds? Tell them what's hiding under the hood.
Show them some pics. I think most guys on the forum forget that you also
have the hard tonneau cover from Arden and a customized interior as well.
Oh, by the way, how are the latest cosmetic upgrades coming? Can't wait to see the
finished beauty.
Jaxkr, you easily have the most pampered, unique looking Jag in the USA. I'm extremely jealous.
Veteran Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,294
Likes: 372
From: South Carolina
OK, now I'm REALLY curious. Please tell us more (with pics)!