Jaguar : XJ
1968–2019
Model Introduction
The original Jaguar XJ6, launched in 1968, was Sir William Lyons’ final masterpiece - a car intended to replace the entire Jaguar saloon range with one supremely elegant design. Styled in-house under Lyons’ close direction, it combined classic proportions with a low beltline and long, flowing curves that echoed the E-Type's grace. Beneath the skin, it featured independent rear suspension, power-assisted disc brakes all-round, and Jaguar’s silken XK straight-six in 2.8 or 4.2-litre form. The flagship Daimler versions and later 5.3-litre V12-powered XJ12 models added even more refinement. Series 2 cars arrived in 1973 with minor styling and interior updates, followed by the Series 3 in 1979, subtly reworked by Pininfarina with a longer roofline, slimmer bumpers, and improved build. Across all versions, the XJ set new standards for comfort, ride quality, and understated luxury—widely regarded as one of the finest saloons of its time.
Magazine articles (20)
Magazine Articles
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So subtle, so English - Jaguar's XJ6
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The guy in the big white Merc
An encounter with the CAR of the Year in north-western France
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Vintage '69
Full bodied.. Matures well...
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Will the real XJ12 please stand up?
Jaguar XJ12 and De Tomaso Deauville
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It's all happening
PD recently got a sneak pre-view of the new two door Jaguar, the XJC.
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"The Car is outside Sir"
Jaguar XJ12
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The Top Ten
Over £10000 : Daimler Vanden Plas
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The best gets better
Mel Nichols on the Series Three Jaguar XJ : After 11 years, still the saloon to beat
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Battle Royal
Mercedes Benz 500SE v Jaguar XJ5.3
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Newcomers : Giant Test
BMW 735IA v Mercedes Benz 500SEL v Daimler Double Six Vanden Plas
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Giant Test
Saab 9000CD v Jaguar XJ3.4 v Mercedes Benz 280SE
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Catastrophe...
A 1976-77 foray by racing Jaguar XJCs, badged as "Leylands", was a disaster
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New Jag!
Under its purpose-built GRP disguising sits Jaguar's 1985 Mercedes-buster, the XJ40, snapped in France cruising on an autoroute
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Long Term Test : Jaguar XJ6 3.6
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Asides
Jaguar's award winning electrical system for the XJ6 will become £19.20 a car cheaper thanks to four apprentices. They worked out how to reduce the number of components needed to operate the rear lights. The Jaguar's electrical system received a Design Centre award.
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Rhine Gold
Take one thoroughly English Jaguar XJ6, one highly respected German tuner, stir in two Japanese turbochargers and a dash of style, and what do you get? You get the elegantly understated 330bhp, 160mph Arden Biturbo Jaguar which Brian Laban has been driving around the Lower Rhineland district from where it hails
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Fresh air and fun
JaguarSport XJR-3.6
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Smoother, fiercer cat
For increased smoothness as much as for extra grunt, Jaguar has increaased the size of the 24-valve, six-cylinder fitted to the XJ-6 from 3.6 to four litres. Some other important improvements have been made to 1990 models.
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Long-Termers: Jaguar XJ6 3.2
MOST PEOPLE WHO DRIVE, OR DRIVE IN, our long-term-test Jaguar love it. Whether for city crawls or inter-city hauls, its soothing nature appeals: that lovely cabin full of wood and leather, the comfort, and the effortless way it puts miles under its tyres. And although I’m no great fan of XJ40 styling, our British racing green version is undoubtedly one of the more stylish executive cars. Just as important, after 8000 miles and four months, our car has been perfectly reliable - apart from one peccadillo (one of the rear foglight bulbs failed). There are no rattles, no squeaks. The electrical gremlins that savaged early XJ40s seem to have been expunged. It feels a high-quality car in every way: from the hefty thunk when the doors shut, to the solidity of the fittings.
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Long-Termers: Jaguar XJ6 3.2
