Cover model: Jaguar XJ12 – Long and silent wait

After a development period of no less than 14 years (!), Jaguar finally pulled the curtain on the 4th generation XJ in 1986. An Autovisie reader who went through the 1980s carefully can still remember the changes surrounding this XJ40.

After the start of the aircraft in 1972, the project suffered from financial problems and management errors at the British parent company Leyland and was shelved in the late 1970s. Fortunately, Jaguar was able to retain control and development accelerated from the 1980s onwards. . The 1984 deadline has not been met; for better adaptation, two additional years are required.

Jaguar XJ12

However, the XJ did not go through its early years without problems and Jaguar’s reputation for quality was severely damaged. The V12 is still nowhere to be seen. There is a great story about how this happened. At the start of the XJ40 project, Jaguar sees little future for its thirsty V12, given the fuel crisis that has just occurred. For fear of eventually having to close the Rover V8, the XJ40’s engine compartment was deliberately kept too small to fit.

Later this is confused by an old mechanic who claims that the V8 is suitable, but that it has been silent and no one from BL has bothered to test it … the big V12, on the other hand, is definitely not suitable. But then there’s the booming economy of the 1980s and enthusiasm for the V12 seems to be alive and well. Jaguar promises anyone who asks that they are working hard on the XJ40 V12. The old XJ12 Series III is still available as a grade. However, new owner Ford is not satisfied with the progress of the V12 project and is taking it back to the drawing board. The entire bodywork is treated, especially under the skin and the ‘regular’ XJ immediately benefits from this. Meanwhile, Jaguar’s outdated production line is being completely overhauled. Because of all these delays, the XJ12 would not be launched until early 1993.

The XJ40 is finally the Jaguar it should have been from the start and the V12 is a welcome and successful addition. But in many areas the trend can no longer keep up with more modern competition. In addition, Ford is busy further improving the XJ40 platform. This led to a completely revised XJ in October 1994, the X300. As a result, the lifespan of the XJ40 V12 is only 19 months and less than 3,800 units are built. But due to all previous efforts, the new XJ will have a V12 immediately. And three years later a V8.

Offers and prices

Rare does not mean sky-high asking prices. The best XJ12 and Daimler Double Six models from the XJ40 series are still available for (well) under 20 grand. You’ll have to search the border to find a left-hand drive copy.

According to Tesla, this is what’s going on with the rusty Cybertrucks

In the Netherlands, only the V12-equipped SIII and X300 are currently sold in these volumes. The Jaguar XJ12 is technically complex, running and maintenance costs are high and can rust a bit. Poorly maintained cars can leave you with expensive garage bills. If possible, find the best copy that the budget allows and check if the repair history matches.