MODEL HISTORY
The Jaguar XJ (and Daimler Sovereign as a more luxurious version) was introduced in 1968 and representatives of this series are coming off the production lines in the UK to this day. Since 1970, it is also the highest line of the brand, which is still used by the British royal family to transport its members. The technical foundations of the first generation XJ were taken from previous touring models, including V6 2.8L and 4.2L engines. The initial reactions to the car were very positive, especially the driving characteristics were praised.
The 1972 model year offered a new variant with about 10 cm longer wheelbase, as well as a new 5.3L V12 engine coupled with an automatic transmission - the models were then named after the number of cylinders (six-cylinder the XJ6 and twelve-cylinder the XJ12). The XJ model thus became the only series-produced four-door sedan with a twelve-cylinder under the hood, with a maximum speed of a record-breaking 225 km/h. Due to the size of the new unit, its installation was a big challenge as well as cooling. Compared to the E-Type, additional openings in the hood were omitted, however, the car was equipped with a special, in its time unusual, horizontally divided radiator. The more luxurious variant of the V12 model XJ12 then bore the name Daimler Double Six.
In 1973 came the second series of this model, which retained the 4.2L V6 and 5.3L V12 engines, the original 2.8L V6 was replaced by a 3.2L six-cylinder. The second series of this model was born at a somewhat unfortunate time, when Jaguar also became part of the giant British Leyland Group. This integration of most of the British brands meant fluctuating production quality, as the group's unions began to speak out at the time. A novelty apart from the engine was the automatic wheelbase extension of all four-door versions, the newly built coupe remained with the shorter wheelbase of the original first-series sedans. The second series was visually recognizable from the first, mainly due to the larger bumpers, which were required by the new regulations from the USA. The larger front bumper thus brought a reduction in the front grille and an additional cooling hole below its edge.
The aforementioned, extremely elegant coupe, called XJ-C, built on the basis of a shorter wheelbase of the series II model, was introduced at the London Motor Show in 1973, but did not go into production until two years later. In addition to the unfavorable economic conditions in Western markets - caused mainly by the oil crisis - the problem of insufficient effectiveness of the door seal was also cited as an official reason. A total of some 8,500 XJ-Cs were created, which, like the sedans, were also offered in a more luxurious version under the Daimler brand (another 2,000 pieces) - a total of around 10,500 cars.
This generation of the XJ continued its third series until 1992, although in 1986 its successor with traditionally square shapes was introduced and manufactured. The third series was again produced only as a four-door sedan. Driving a Jaguar XJ-C is a great experience from today's point of view. The car is very comfortable, elegant and in its British relaxed way pampers all the perceptions of the driver.
OUR CAR
This is a Jaguar XJ series II in a coupe version with a 4.2L V6 engine, which was originally delivered in 1975 to Austria, where it belonged to one owner for a long time (until 1991). In 2007, it was sold to Switzerland and in April 2016 it was acquired by our company. In 2017, it underwent a complete renovation in our Rallied & Raced facility, preserving the original paint, during which the car was completely disassembled and reassembled. The car was sold in 2020 to Austria.
DATA
- VIN - 2J50354DN
DOCUMENTS
- Request to test a historic vehicle
- Customs documents + confirmation of duty payment
- Purchase contracts and invoices
- Colored photo of the car before the purchase
- Jaguar oil schedule
- Warranty booklet for Blaupunkt radio - DE, AT
- British Leyland service booklet
- Operations manual
- Records and invoices from the service 2007-2008
- Documentation for import from AT to CH
- Technical certificates - AT, CH
