Jaguar XJ Series 1
X for Experimental
The designation "XJ" should derive from a project where Jaguar worked to design a 4-seater successor to the E-Type. The project was called Experimental Jaguar – abbreviated XJ. You can imagine the bubbling creativity that ended up in a 4-door prestige sedan. XJ sounds cool, and why not use it as a model designation? But the Jaguar XJ didn't seem experimental - quite the contrary. There wasn't much to find from the E-Type either. One of the goals was to equip the model with a V12 engine, but when launched as a 1968 model, Jaguar could "only" deliver cars with 4,2 inline sixes. The V12 engine only came 3 years later in the model called the XJ12.
Model history
From 1968, the XJ series 1 came in version XJ6 with a straight six. From 1971, the model could be delivered with a 5,3 liter V12. The model was called the XJ12. From 1973 came the XJ series 2. It was delivered with the same engines, but received some clear visual changes such as a narrower grille and new bumpers. From 1975, the XJ came in an attractive coupé version without a center pillar, called the XJ-C. From 1979 came the XJ Series 3. Visual changes were a new front and a more upright glass housing and recessed door handles. It also received new versions of 6- and 12-cylinder engines.
Jaguar XJ Series 2
Daimler was sold to Jaguar in 1960 who sold it on in 1984. Jaguar launched the Daimler as luxury versions of the Jaguar XJ. The Daimler Double Six was a prestige version of the XJ12.
Jaguar XJ Series 3
About the pictures
The main photo of XJ's first series car was taken at Sjøflyhavna kro with Rolfstangen in the background. The car was at a meeting organized by Norwegian Sportscar Club. The white car is a Daimler edition that was on a driveout to the Norwegian Vehicle History Museum at Hunderfossen under the auspices of the Jaguar club. The red XJ Coupe is photographed on Tofte - Veteran's car day 2022. The green XJ Coupe is photographed along the street in Belgravia, London. The interior belongs to an XJ Coupé that was exhibited at the Oslo Motor Show 2023. The green 4-door version was photographed during a car meeting in Parpignan in 2023. The interior image originates from a "barn find" - an unrestored car that was exhibited at The London Classic Car Show 2023 The car at the traffic lights is a Jaguar XJ12 HE Sovereign with a V12 engine and original "Pepperpot" rims. The car got a new owner not long ago. It must be an original 1984 model with only 80 km on the odometer. The picture was taken at Kongens Torv in Copenhagen 000. The green car with French plates was photographed at a car meeting in Perpignan 2023.
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