A JAGUAR enthusiast who unearthed a rare gem is pleading for help in tracing the car’s history. 

Paul Arnold, 56, is now the proud owner of a black 1985 Jaguar XJS 3.6 convertible which had been languishing unloved and unused in a garage for the past 20 years. 

The car was one of just six that was converted during the Nineties at Kent Elms Coachworks, in Rayleigh, and Paul is keen to trace anyone who may have worked for the company. 

The rare Jaguar only cost Paul a measly £1,350. The car enthusiast says he couldn’t believe his eyes when he spotted the Jaguar hidden under a pile of boxes in an Epping garage. 

Paul said: “It will be beautiful one day. 

“I was tipped off that this Jaguar was in a garage in Epping and supposedly it had been in there for a long time. 

“It was like something off of the television, we pulled open the garage door and it was piled high with boxes. 

“I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. I don’t think the car has been outside for 20 years, which is a real shame because it is an amazing piece of work. 

“It was my birthday the day I saw it, so I thought I had better treat myself.

“It helped that it was a very good price, so how was I supposed to resist?” 

Two years later and the car is still being brought up to scratch, but with the final pieces of the puzzle being put together now, Paul is keener than ever to trace the history of the vehicle. 

Although he is unsure of the exact history, he believes the conversion was done in Kent Elms Coachworks.

He’s unsure how much he’s spent doing the car up since, but had no hesitation in spending cash restoring the model.

He is planning to show the car across the country next summer, but knowing the origins of the converted vehicle would be a huge boost to himself, and other Jaguar enthusiasts. 

Paul, of Stanford-le-Hope, added: “It was a hard top coupe originally, but it was converted to a canvas roof. They only did six cars in total, so it is very rare, and it would be good to get an idea about those early days. 

“If I could speak to one of the guys from the garage, they would be able to fill in the gaps in the history. 

“I imagine they must still be in the trade, or living in the area.” 

If you worked for Kent Elms Coachworks, or have any information, contact Paul at paarnold100@gmail.com