The Jaguar XJ (name given by Sir Lyon for e X perimental J aguar) is a series of models produced by the British luxury car brand Jaguar . X as well as its numbers is only the name of factory.
Series 1
The first XJ appeared at the 1968 Paris Motor Show , but it was in 1962 that a colossal investment was made for this car that aims to renew the Jaguar range . It combines modernism, tradition, comfort and offers a good handling . His line due to William Lyons reconciles purity and classicism.
The available engines belong to the XK family and are available in two displacement, 2.8 l and 4.2 l, with a choice of manual transmissions with or without overdrive, or automatic. The XJ also comes under the Daimler brand since 1969, which is recognizable by its ribbed grille in its top and its more luxurious interior: it is the “Sovereign”. In July 1972 , the Jaguar XJ12 (Double Six at Daimler) is presented equipped with the V12 engine of the TypeE S3. And in autumn, a long wheelbase body (+10 cm) is available for the XJ6 and XJ12 (but these are not delivered in France).
Series 2
In the fall of 1973 , a new look appears, the “Series 1” gives way to the “Series 2” recognizable among others its enhanced front bumper , its prominent grille surround and a new dashboard. The 2.8-liter engine is no longer in the catalog. Both bodies (short and long chassis) remain available until autumn 1974, then the short-chassis sedans gradually disappear. The “long” sedans (XJ6L) make their appearance in France while at the same time the six-cylinder Daimler ceases to be imported.
In late 1974, the XJ6 and XJ12 coupe, taking the short chassis, are proposed (one year after their presentation at the 1973 Frankfurt Motor Show , due to a hard focus). They will be removed from the catalog at the end of 1977, making them rare cars, even very rare under the Daimler brand (only 9,378 were built) . In the spring of 1975, presentation of sedans (long chassis) motor 3.4 l which are reserved for the British market . That same year, the carburetors made way for a Lucas Bosch injection (D-Jetronic) on the V12.
Series 3
In March 1979 appears the XJ “Series 3” to the retouched bodywork; it does not take up practically any stamp of the old box even if the general appearance remains similar.
The list of changes is long pavilion more elusive, windshield more inclined to deflectors front doors removed, recessed handles, massive bumpers enhanced gum and new grille. Important modifications on the V12 appear during the summer of 1981, it is the HE ( High Efficiency ) with cylinder headsFireball-May sloped roof. The 6-cylinder 4.2 l also sees its carburetors disappear in favor of a multi-point electronic injection. In the fall of 1982, the Sovereign trim, in 6 and 12 cylinders, is now distributed under the Jaguar brand and the Daimler label only applies to the very luxurious Vanden Plas HE. The center console is revamped with an onboard computer and a different dressing. In 1981, wood veneers reappeared on the doors of all models.