Jaguar : XJ-S
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
-
The Big Numbers
Jaguar XJS v Porsche 928
-
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
-
Supercat!
Jaguar are storming back into the motor racing world with dynamic, 400bhp XJS coupes that can floor the BMWs
-
Jaguar Cabriolet!
-
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
-
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
-
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.
