Bought XJ-SC with a stuck hood. Someone closed it incorrectly. How do I get the hood open? I saw an XJ has access through wheel well. Your experience is appreciated. Mike in NC USA

 

See post #25 in this thread:https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...2/#post2600140
Edit: Nevermind, wrong yrar. Sorry!

 

That is for a facelift, which has a different hood closing mechanism from the pre facelifts.

On an '87 the hood closing mechanism is explained here on this sticky:
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...hanism-262397/

Now if your hood is stuck closed, and the cabin lever is in the open position, then the catches, or one of them has failed to spring open. I suggest that you unscrew the radiator grille and then that should allow you to unbolt the hinges. Once this is done, with the help of a second person, wriggle/joggle the hood from the front and see if the catches give enough to pull the hood out forwards.
Worst case you can cut the hinges and replace them if you cannot get to their bolts.