Is the Jaguar XJ6 Series III a good car?
The cost of making a car like this look right can easily exceed that of mechanical considerations. After early doubts were allayed, the Series III established itself as one of the best Jaguars of all, with the injected 4.2-litre coming out as the pick of the crop. As the Series III was produced in large numbers, the survival rate has been good.
When did the Jaguar XJ6 go out of production?
But that was turned around after the arrival of the re-roofed (by Pininfarina) Series 3, which after the arrival of new boss John Egan, started being built to a much higher standard. So much so, that when the XJ6 went out of production in 1986 (the XJ12 hung on until 1992), it was enjoying its strongest ever sales.
What kind of engine does a Jaguar XJ have?
Rust is a significant issue, though, and few unrestored cars remain. In 1972, and a year after it was rolled out in the E-type Series 3, the Hassan-designed V12 engine was installed in the XJ saloon body. The turbine-smooth power unit found its true home in the larger XJ bodyshell.
Are there different generations of the Jaguar XJ?
The fourth and fifth generation XJ6’s each incorporate major body, mechanical and electrical redesigns. The terminology for the different versions of the XJ6 are: Series I (1968-73), Series II (1973-79), Series III (1979-87), XJ40 (1986-94), and X300 (1995-current).
When did the Jaguar XJ6 series 3 come out?
Numerous build quality and reliability issues tried the patience of XJ6 owners, but improvement was on the way in the form of the XJ6 Series III. Arriving in mid-1979 as a 1980 model, the $25,000 Series III was the most refined XJ to date.
What kind of engine does a Jaguar XJ6 have?
The legendary iron block, aluminum head dual overhead-cam six-cylinder XK engine was carried over from Series II duty, and used the Lucas/Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection and electronic ignition introduced first on late Series II U.S. models.
Is the Jaguar XJ6 Vanden Plas a good car?
The absorption of Jaguar into British Leyland and the succeeding “Series II” model didn’t help matter. Series II XJ6s are utterly hopeless. My neighbor at the time owned one and wanted to sell it to me for four grand. I asked the USENET Jaguar group and was told to go see Bill Welsh for a decent XJ6, so I did just that.
Which is worse a Jaguar XJ6 or XJ12?
Beginning in the 1970s, frustrated owners started fitting Chevrolet V-8s into the worst XJ6 sedans, although they are a poor substitute. The wiring harness must be modified, sending units swapped to make gauges work, and legal smog gear fitted in California. Plus V-8s vibrate worse than straight-sixes, and nobody trusts a mongrel.