According to what I’ve read, the XJ-S and the Testarossa both use Connolly Autolux leather.
I own both of these cars, and the leather grain couldn’t be more different.
One website says, “Autolux is a high grade leather with a smooth finish. The range is as supplied to a large variety of prestige automotive manufacturers, including Ferrari and Jaguar. The choice is based on the old Connolly colour palette.”
I wouldn’t categorize the leather in my Jag as having a “smooth finish,” but the Ferrari’s leather is certainly smooth — almost no visible grain at all.
Car model year may account for differences, as the finishing processes, and the hide thicknesses used, evolved. My 95 XJS is what i consider smooth leather with very little apparent grain.
Never been in a Ferrari so can’t say much.
I have seen photos of classic Jaguars with more apparent grain visible
The leather spec varied over the years. I am sure that many XJSs didn’t have Autolux. I think only select facelift cars had it….perhaps the last couple years of V12 production? Or just certain special edition models?
On closer inspection, there’s a wide variety of grains in my Jag. The tops of the door cards are almost as grain-free as the leather in the Ferrari, but the leather on the seat cushions is, I think, actually embossed to create a fake, deep grain.
@Doug_Dwyer I thought they all had Autolux. You wouldn’t think it would be so hard to get these facts, but I guess record keeping at both Jaguar and Connolly was different in those days.
@AttyDallas Neither. I am a middle manager at a software company. I just have backward priorities.
@JimD_in_Alabama If you’re ever up near Toronto, ping me and I’ll let you drive the TR.
Are you a doctor or a lawyer? 
