Modern Classic: Jaguar XJ
The Jaguar XJ has evolved throughout the years from the first (left) to the last (centre). Photo: Jaguar
We’re celebrating the 51 year history of the beautiful Jaguar XJ that stretched across five platforms from 1968 to 2019 and is a car I have long admired.
The first generation in 1968 had full input from Sir William Lyons, the founder of Jaguar, and was conceived to be the sportiest four-door saloon in the world at the time.
It had a 2.8-litre (104kW) and 4.2-litre (139kW) straight six engines in the “XJ6” that were matched with three speed automatic Borg-Warner transmissions. These were joined by a 5.3-litre V12 (186kW) “XJ12” in 1973 at the time of the first facelift. The V12 was good for 225km/h.
Unusually, the XJ had twin fuel tanks on each side of the boot and trunk that had their own separate filler caps. It also had power steering and optional leather, with upmarket Daimler models offering optional air conditioning.
The first Jaguar XJ was launched in 1968 and went through a series of facelifts. Image: Jaguar
The first facelift in 1973, known as “Series 2”, also introduced a 12cm longer wheelbase version that in 1975 would become the only wheelbase offered, once the short wheelbase was withdrawn. Around 91,000 were sold as series 2 versus 83,000 for series 1.
Most of the XJs sold as series 2 were the 4.2-litre, six which sold at a rate of 3:1 of the 2.8-litre six and a newer 3.4-litre six. Jaguar also introduced the “XJC”, on the short wheelbase platform, being a pillarless coupe which had a short production run from 1975 to 1978. Only 10,426 were produced and even rarer were 16 convertibles.
New Zealand has an unusual link to the XJ with knock down kits being produced in Nelson from 1974 to 1978. These supplemented Jaguar’s home production at Coventry in England and Capetown, South Africa. There was even a special model produced to herald the end of New Zealand’s production in 1978 called the “SuperJag XJ6” with half leather half pleat seats, a vinyl roof, chrome steel wheels and air conditioning plus a “km/h” speedometer.
Jaguar also introduced the “XJC”, on the short wheelbase platform. Photo: Supplied
In 1979, the “Series 3” XJ came to the market, with some additional styling help from Pinnifarina. This iteration would remain in production until 1992, with the six cylinder models finishing in 1986 and the twelve cylinder models continuing to 1992. By this stage the 3.4 six was the base model with 122kW, the 4.2 six with 152kW and 5.3 twelve with 213kW.
The series 3 models would include sunroof and cruise control. All engines were fuel injected, a trip computer was added, as were the beautiful pepperpot alloy wheels. Around 132,000 were produced with 10,000-plus being V12s.
In 1986 Jaguar heralded the XJ40 that was the first new Jaguar in 18 years. It had been under study since 1973 but was shelved after the oil crisis, which put a strain on then owner Leyland‘s fortunes.
The XJ40 had 25 per cent less body pressings and was lighter and quieter than the previous model It ushered in a new styling direction for Jaguar with square headlights at the front and rear. It had a more modern interior and included in the late 1980’s digital instruments.
The Jaguar XJ40 was the first all-new vehicle from the brand in 18 years. Photo: Supplied
Ford took over Jaguar in 1990 and their extra resources saw a freshened X300 hit the market in 1994 and which lasted until 1997. It was mechanically the same as the XJ40 but did introduce the first supercharged V8 engine.
The X308 was the next iteration, from 1997 to 2003, which saw Jaguar move to eight cylinder engines across the range, being 3.2-litre and 4-litre V8s and a supercharged 4-litre V8. The XJ6 and XJ12 essentially morphed into one standard XJ8.
The next X350 model of 2003 to 2007 brought continued refinement and the best engines being a 3-litre V6, 3.5-litre and 4.2-litre V8s, a 4.2l V8 supercharged and a 2.7-litre V6. All ran via a Ford designed six-speed automatic. The X350 had radar designed cruise control, two or four zone climate control. The final iteration was the 2007 X358, which ran to 2009, after Jaguar transitioned to Indian company Tata.
Under Tata, the Jaguar XJ was revoluntionised but production stopped last year. Photo: Jaguar
Tata revolutionised the XJ with the X351 from 2010 and this, as we know, has only just finished production in 2019. The iconic modern interpretation of the XJ with its swooping cats claws tail lights and black roof panels, plus the modern swoopy shape, sold strongly with just over 100,000 sales in its life.
It’s 3l supercharged six put out 250kW and was accompanied by a pair of 5-litre V8s putting out 283kW and 375kW. A 3-litre diesel was good for 202kw. Engines ran via a six or eight-speed automatic
Now we wait for the electric continuation of the XJ heritage, which is due for release in 2021/2022. This is sure to be a category -defining car and, in terms of upper luxury cars, will be one of the first electric sedans of this category, alongside the Mercedes-Benz EQS.
There has been talk that Covid-19 related cost efficiency realignment at Jaguar Land Rover could kill the electric XJ, but we cross our fingers that the story of the XJ continues.
