Saloon Car History
The Jaguar XJ6 was a drastic change in the saloon car style, released in September of 1968. The reason for this drastic change was the Browns Lane Company’s intention to replace the Mk2, 420, 420G and S-type model cars all with the XJ6 saloon car style. To satisfy consumer demands the car was made larger, faster, and much more eye appealing. This move to produce only one saloon style car was a “kill two birds with one stone” situation. It greatly reduced the cost of producing multiple vehicles on different assembly lines and offered a car that greatly appealed to the consumer, boosting profit.
Jaguar XJ6 - Series 1 (1968 - 1973)
This car was available in two engine sizes, a 2.8 liter and 4.2 liter, both straight six XK engines that had been used in the E-Type. 420-G components were used for the engine and drivetrain, and smooth suspension.
In 1969 Daimler variants of the XJ6 were introduced.
Daimler Sovereign
Daimler Double Six
Daimler Double Six Vanden Plas
The XJ12 was introduced in 1972, when Jaguar equipped the car with a 5.3 liter V12 engine into the XJ6, plus added 4 inches to the car’s wheelbase.
Jaguar XJ6 - Series 2 (1973- 1979)
The 2nd series of the XJ6 was developed to meet new Federal Safety Laws requiring bumpers to be a certain height. The raised front bumper and the shortened grille as a result of this law created the look that is most recognizable with the term “Jaguar” today. The air conditioning system was also improved in this model. In 1975 Jaguar produced a coupe 2 door model of this car to compete with similar competitors such as BMW and Mercedes. The 2.8 liter engine was also replaced with the 3.4 liter version of the same XK straight six. The coupe did not do well in sales, and was removed from production in 1977.
Jaguar XJ6 - Series 3 (1979 - 1987)
By the time the Series 3 XJ6 was released, competitors had already produced fresh new “modern” looking cars. To keep up with the trend, the series 3 had to get a whole new look. The XJ6 floor plan and basic style were kept the same, but almost everything else stylistically was changed including the roofline and glasshouse area. Available variants included a 4.2, 3.4 and 5.3 V12 for engines selection. The changes were considered successful, until the car was replaced by the XJ40 in 1987.