Jaguar : XJ-S / XJS
1975–1996
Model Introduction
The Jaguar XJ-S launched in 1975 as the spiritual successor to the E-Type, though it charted its own course with a grand touring brief and distinctive, aerodynamic styling by Malcolm Sayer. Initially controversial for its flying buttresses and angular form, the XJ-S matured into one of Jaguar’s longest-lived and most capable models. Early cars featured the 5.3-litre HE V12 with Bosch fuel injection and independent rear suspension, making it one of the fastest and smoothest GT cars of its era. The 1980s brought refinement and reliability improvements, and by 1983 a 3.6-litre AJ6 straight-six joined the range, offering better economy and a manual gearbox option. In 1991, the facelifted XJS arrived with cleaner lines, a new rear window, and improved build quality under Ford ownership. Coupe or convertible, V12 or six, the XJ-S became a true long-distance luxury tourer, and its decades-spanning production run has only added to its quiet cult status.
Magazine articles (10)
Magazine Articles
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The Big Numbers
Jaguar XJS v Porsche 928
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Jaguar's fireball!
After (in their own words) being allowed to whither on the vine, Jaguar's XJS is reborn - with a revamped V12 engine, cleaner looks and far better build quality
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Supercat!
Jaguar are storming back into the motor racing world with dynamic, 400bhp XJS coupes that can floor the BMWs
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Jaguar Cabriolet!
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Newcomers : Jaguar in the open
A true open-air roadster the Jaguar XJ-SC cannot claim to be but it does have the new straight six in its favour
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Breaking Cover
The Jaguar XJ-S kept an unplanned low profile for several years, until styling changes in the early 1980s gave it a much-needed new lease of life. The 3.6 Cabriolet followed, then the 3.6 Coupe; now Jaguar hope the Convertible will take the brake off XJ-S sales once and for all
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Willi's wildcat
Willi Koenig, the Munich-based car converter, surprised everyone a couple of years ago with a subtle revision of the Testarossa. Here, with the the XJ-S Wildcat, he has reverted to type. For DM 48,000 (about £16,000), you get wide wheels and fat tyres, and the body alterations shown here. A two-tone treatment of Cerise above Candy Apple Tangerine might make a suitable colour scheme.
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Top of the Drops
The world's total of V12 droptops has just doubled - to two. Georg Kacher compares the new Mercedes 600SL with Jaguar's XJS
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Newcomers: Jaguar XJR-S
Nine months after the facelifted XJS comes the faster, firmer JaguarSport edition. The tweaks are good BRICKBATS FIRST, TO CLEAR THE slate. It's too big and heavy, the packaging’s appalling, the styling outmoded, the price plain silly. Jaguar's XJR-S may have little relevance to today's motoring scene, but as anachronisms go it is truly magnificent. Change your perspective and this lithe leviathan puts on a convincing show of raw bravura guaranteed to win hearts if not green-tinged approbation.
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Naughty But Nice
Duly noting that they do 15mpg, occupy more road than some seven-seaters and are no faster than certain saloons, Russell Bulgin tries to find a place in the world for three, er, lifestyle accessories, the BMW 850i, Jaguar XJR-S and new Porsche 928GTS
