Effortless power - the Jaguar XJ-S V12 HE - Driven

[@evo5dave]

These things age so gracefully. A beauty!

[@bondbug73]

A friend of mine once owned a 80's V12. Gorgeous car. The long bonnet view. The low down ride comfort and air-conditioning was supreme. I remember the digital trip computer.

[@matsjigestam8538]

I got one now, a v12 1990

[@whitemoor66]

Wow Ian you are really spoiling us recently. First the V6 Capri and now this. Absolutely love these and I'm one of the minority who actually preferred the styling of this to the E type, and I still do! Fabulous engine, gorgeous exterior and beautiful interior.

[@RichieRouge206]

I agree - I prefer these to the E-Type too

[@dungareesareforfools]

Same here! I never cared for the E-Type, but I quite fancy one of these. Much better value for money too.

[@ic08jy700]

I'm with you on the styling. Never loved the E type I'm afraid.

[@FComies]

Fully with everyone else here on this. Truly stunning

[@Schlipperschlopper]

I would compare the rear design to the Ford Capri MK1 Coupe and Tatra 613!

[@theirishvideos]

The Jaguar v12 engine was one of the finest power trains ever produced.

[@woodyy1234]

Is the engine good ?

[@TassieLorenzo]

@@woodyy1234 " "Is the engine good ?" Seconded! Is it better go for one of the last of the Jaguar XJ12 or a V12 Toyota Century for a V12 saloon?

[@dantheman1998]

The Jaguar V12 was basically a race engine tuned to the street. It was developed in the 60s so it's basically 60s race engine tech that made it great but also was the source of it's problems later on such as emissions. Then it got hampered more with crappy electronics.

[@rjdavies1982]

Love this! Reminds me of the early 00s when I was a medical student in Cambridge and Dad gave me his basically worthless 1985 XJS V12 HE to drive around in. It was silver with factory spoiler and red leather interior. Same dash and even radio - Clarion - as this car. Also had a factory fit corded carphone! I thought I was the bees knees and sure it helped me impress my then-girlfriend. Because I was a medical student I had the privilege of a parking space so used to just park it outside my college building on Trumpington Street. Those were the days!! Blasting around Cambridgeshire usually with a cig-in-mouth ( should've known better) was fantastic. One cold morning I had to drive it to Addenbrooke's hospital - the trip computer read 2 mpg!!!! Unfortunately it failed an MOT on terminal corrosion and was sold for £300 scrap thereafter. I didn't realise how lucky I was at the time!!!

[@stevenwhalley2522]

I’ll never forget these cars after spending a Saturday morning fitting a oil cooler on one then taking it on a test drive , I got my first 3 points 45 in a 30 I wasn’t even trying it was just ticking over

[@johnmiller4973]

That's the ethereal smoothness of the Jaguar V12 for you

[@Lot76CARS]

Excellent, worth it for the headlamp wipers alone!

[@micheltebraake7915]

There's something about this kind of car. I really like the green XJC from Harry's Garage.

[@anthonystevens8683]

While I loved the E-Type (I've yet to meet anyone who didn't). The XJ-S when released although a great car never quite got the recognition that it deserved. It was however a very elegant and classy car. As a kid I loved the buttresses along with such a smooth profile but it was still a long car. It was also the car that was used in the TV series Return of the Saint with the actor Ian Ogilvy in the title role in the 70's. Somewhere I still have a model of that. It's great to see one of these beautiful cars out on the lanes. Many thanks for sharing, it brings back so many memories of yester decade.

[@baggierols73]

That Corgi brings back some memories. Did you have a Kogak and Starsky & Hutch cars too? Lol

[@TTXuk]

Great video! I own a 1995 XJS 4.0 Celebration Coupe with 191k on the clock, absolutely love it. 28 MPG is the best I've ever got, normally around 23-24.

[@HubNut]

Those 4-litres seem to go on forever!

[@Bumper3D]

These older Jaguars something I would really like to experience first hand. Unfortunately they are super rare where I live so chances are pretty slim. The V12 sounds really creamy and I just love smooth torquey engines that don't make a fuss of themselves. As a Citroën guy I'd really love to experience the suspension in a large old Jag as I've heard mostly good things about them. Thank you for an excellent review once again!

[@alan-]

In 2010, I did 120 miles in one and got through £70 in petrol. Maybe think about getting a private jet instead to save on running costs.

[@Treviscoe]

@@alan- LOL you're right, that's the trouble with these.

[@TheOracle65]

Lovely to see an XJ-S V12 in great condition, my uncle had one for a while it had effortless wafting ability both around town or on the motorway. Thanks for mixing up the test drives Ian, love the true HubNut base models but introducing some rare 70’s/80’s sports coupes recently is very welcome!

[@neilrose8618]

They were a fabulouse car Ian my friend had one was absolutly great to be driven in , i thought my old granada was smooth it was blown away the surge of power was always a good feeling not harsh just you felt that there was a awful lot more awaiting to be unleashed . Exellent as usual , hope you are all well in gods country ,Neil

[@tonys1636]

Had a boss who changed his V12 E Type for one. I did not like it as much but still took me over half an hour to go to the petrol station and back that was only half a mile away (10 or so miles added) when he told me to go fill her up or enjoy the drive across London to H.R. Owen for her be serviced. Just glad I wasn't paying the bill.

[@wanderingorganist]

Absolutely adore the pantograph headlight wipers. Finally, I understand your enthusiasm!

[@tedburnard841]

Brings back memories when a mate had one new back in 1979. He let me drive it from Pt Augusta to Whyalla (South Australia) and said to me to give it sh*t. Got it up to 240kmh and it just glued itself to the road. It felt like my Alfa at 100kmh. Remarkable car.

[@discoray6644]

I had one of these many years ago and I've regretted selling it every day since it went, it really was my pride and joy. They will easily exceed 70mph in first, about 130 mph in second and who knows what it would have done in top, you just have to use the automatic gearbox manually to get the engine really singing otherwise it would change up too early for any real performance, it was usually driven very sedately averaging 11 mpg but every now and then I would have some fun with it and surprise a few people. I wish I could find out where it is now, if anyone knows let me know (A848 SVW).

[@workonesabs]

Checking on DVLA, not been taxed/ MOT'd since 2010.

[@williamross2579]

Love the XJS... Had the Corgi TWR Bathurst toy car when I was a Kid, Tom Walkinshaw doing that Hell for leather qualifying lap in 85(?) up the mountain shutting the Australians up... with that V12 screaming... Great times

[@Garffey]

That's lovely Ian....Cheers, I remember a boss of mine had the V12 in silver many years ago and he took me down the M62 at an indicated 150 and it just felt like about 80 at the time!....Then moaned abut it costing £520 to service !

[@robc5955]

Very nice, I never knew that about the handbrake just assumed it pulled on.

[@Jeffybonbon]

I worked for a very rich man in the late 1970s he had an XJS BRM27T and at 17 years of age i was allowed to drive it and i fell in love with Jaguar I always said if i made a few bob i would own and XJS in 2000 i had the money and i purchased an XK8 long story short i am now on my fifth xk my car is an 2014 convertable and i am going to keep this one i am 65 years old and I think the XK will be the last of the great Cats good videp thank you

[@B41DY]

My car today has passed the 50,000 mile mark and it's a 2014 Skoda Fabia Estate

[@bentullett6068]

It should reach 74,000 miles my 2013 SEAT Ibiza has gone over that milage and no troubles major problems only the common front spring failure (now replaced)and creaky anti roll bar bushes (common on all VW group cars including my brothers Skoda Fabia).

[@Levenstone132]

My uncle had an XJS in Denver. He complained that nobody knew how to work on them and it didn't like being a mile above sea level. I never asked him about snow chains!

[@leeallen1407]

As a Jag man and owning a 3.0 S type that replaced my w202...an XJ-S and XJ6 and XJ40 are on my bucket list of cars to own

[@vernongoodey5096]

Excellent report owned a V12 British Racing Green XJS ROP 99Y for many years 137mph on A34 going to 1990 World sportscar race at Silverstone. This was the reason for the sales boost in the 1980s. TWR XJS world saloon car champion 1984. Then with the same V12 engine won the LeMans and Daytona 24hr races in 1988 & 1990. Raced on Sundays, then buy one on Monday. If only Jaguar still raced at LeMans which every owner wants.

[@paultaylor9652]

Another great find and appraisal Mr HubNut. Keep them coming if you can.

[@tinniswood2577]

Wonderful example, back in the day a brand new V12 HSE used to park outside my house regularly and I was always fascinated how low slung it was. How many cars have their biggest sales 14 years after launch I wonder.

[@jonnycando]

When I was a kid this was the one you lusted after…in the US anyway…so modern compared to the others. At the age I am now I’d be happy with a Daimler Double Six….ya know gotta be different!

[@simonhodgetts6530]

My all time favourite car! I finally drove one last year - actually the convertible example at the British Car Journey - speed is limited there unfortunately - but the V12 was silky smooth. If the right numbers ever come up, an XJS (Pre HE on GKN alloys) will be near the top of my list!

[@adams7405]

Definitely the best one,1975 to 1980.

[@coldhell3580]

Pre-he are the most unreliable. They were the BL built cars. The majority of the HE’s were built by an independent Jaguar.

[@Jamiexjs83]

I always preferred the He for some reason. I can't get my head around the big black rubber bumpers.

[@MotionPlays]

The noticeable step-up in production quality here is very welcomed, great review!

[@Schlipperschlopper]

Just got a 1990 V12 convertible, left hand drive (euro spec, not US) in fire engine red with magnolia leather and black softtop from Munich, former spanish car from Ibiza belonged to Otto Kern (well known fashion designer of the 1980s and 90s), previous owner was an older architect in Munich had problems with the electronics...got the car non running for 7 Grand in rustless very good condition 98.000 KM from new. Will redo the engine harness of the V12 (and strange ignition made by Magneti Marelli) and enjoy the car next year, (I am electronics engineer). I would love to see a convertible (pre facelift) review!

[@coldhell3580]

I have a V12 XJ-s. I love it. People always try to compare it to the e-type, which is silly. It wasn’t meant to be an e-type replacement. The e-type is a sports car, this is a Grand Tourer. In the 1970’s manufacturers thought that the sports car had had its day and that the Grand Tourer was the future. Jaguar released this, Porsche released the 928 (they were even going to drop the 911), BMW produced the 6 series, etc. As a GT these Jags are wonderful. Smooth, powerful, lovely interior and surprisingly decent handling.

[@stevepeach1362]

Got to drive my Dads HE V12 when he moved town as had no choice but to use my help, I was only 20 and driving it on my own as he drove his XJS towing a trailer well behind me. Took every opportunity when i found a good long piece of straight road to pull over and let the traffic pass the hit the gas! wow it was not a lot of noise but what a launch!

[@paulreed3716]

Had 2 of them and the one you show is the same colour and model of my last one.A truly superb ride.

[@keeperlit.leterrip7722]

I've owned a 1980 and a 1984 in the past. Loved them.

[@slartybartfarst9737]

I ran a bright red / cream interior 5.3 for over 40,000 miles, what a machine. It helped that I worked in the Jag engine plant and those V12s on full chat on the dyno just sung. When I heard another kind of howel I thought I want one! The XJS was replaced by a British racing green supercharged 4litre XJR saloon......both cars floated over our crap roads and went like stink.......fuel consumption? Erm !

[@danr1920]

We rented a 6 cylinder in '96, it was a convertible. Awesome car. Terribly out of style, but full of style. The car had a soul.

[@siriax1691]

Oh I have waited for this. HubNut does V12. Admit it Ian you'd love this on the fleet.

[@aaronhussain3873]

Superb example. I must tick a V12 Jag off the to-drive bucket list at some point.

[@JPoulAndersson]

The XJS is a great looking car, much underrated design!

[@martinpearson4639]

Single figure fuel consumption but a very silky smooth engine that takes away the pain at the pumps ⛽️

[@pizzalover3]

Cracking review, thanks. Nothing rides and drives like a Jag.

[@busternineshoes]

I love that the transmission selector looks just like the one on the Raleigh Chopper Mark 2. My first daily driver.

[@RikAindow]

Great video Ian. I also think you did well with the sponsorship, it was in keeping with the video, relevant to the channel and not too OTT like some of the other channels do. :)

[@TheAllyMor]

Car Vertical!!

[@RikAindow]

@Ally Morrison yes, sick to death of hearing about them on some of the other channels I follow!

[@brianmccullough8673]

Thanks for great review of a really beautiful marque and ' grace and pace ' so aptly illustrated in your review ! The big cats work ! ! As a VW enthusiast ( had a 97 xj6 😁 for a couple of yrs ) nice to see the XJS parked in front of beetle ! Happy motoring

[@allanriches9381]

One of my favourite cars of all times, and my wife favourite car as well. We have had two XJS V12 and both have been awesome cars. Grace, Pace, Space. Lovely cars.

[@carlreading9916]

Nice. Driving a V12 XJ-S in a TWC hoodie.

[@Tony1975uk]

Absolutely gorgeous cars. I grew up with these and the Lotus Esprit as the coolest cars. If I could afford it now I'd definitely want one of each!

[@notsohairybiker]

I was never a fan of the XJ-S, my brother owned one and had lots of issues with it. Mostly rotting away of the front subframe. Also, as a replacement for the E type, no no no. I thought that the XK8/R was a much better replacement for the E type. So much so that I now have one from 1997. It has a long bonnet, it has amazing curves when you look in the side mirrors down the length of the car, it feels like a first class ride on the Eurostar. The dash is dated like most of the interior but it smells like a Jag and it handles like a much smaller sports car on rails. Next time you come up to the midlands for a pre show valet you can drive it!

[@jensenhealey907efi]

Ian, you should really see if you can drive a V12 XJS with a manual transmission. That three speed GM automatic really sucks the excitement out of the V12 cars. The V12 is an oversquare engine (bore larger than stroke) and really develops it's power at higher rpms but as you noticed in your short drive, the GM three speed transmission rarely lets the engine get above 3500rpm. Once a V12 has a manual transmission behind it, the car is totally transformed. Much more sporty and exciting to drive.

[@davidking9707]

A wonderful car. My friend has a 1990 XJ RS and it is brilliant, the road holding is magnifisant.

[@landiemark]

Great video - my dad had a succession of these - all V12s starting in 1983, another in 1984, 1987 - all coupes - and finally a last of the pre facelift convertibles in 1991 which he kept for 15 years. The wipers on the convertible parked on the passenger side. 👌 The convertible had the horrible fat steering wheel - I much prefer the slimmer traditional two spoke wheel and slim stalks.

[@brayworthpark5542]

I have a 1989 V12 Convertible - it is a joy to drive in the summer, but they must be well maintained and used. Anyone thinking of buying an XJS - go for it, there is good club support and parts are easily available. Just don't worry about fuel consumption!

[@BITTYBOY121]

Back in 2003 I almost went after a 1996 P reg XJS 6.0 V12 but ended up buying an 1999 V reg E39 540i 4.4 BMW instead due to it having more room in the back and Sat Nav. After seeing this now, I wish I had bought the Jag ! (they were both £21k at the time) - Owning the BMW was a nightmare ! with all sorts of expensive repairs 😞

[@scottishcarenthusiastsandtrain]

A beautiful looking car, sounds amazing and those headlamp wipers.....

[@robsawalker]

A blonde yummy mummy down our road had a bright red one back in the late 70s and I thought it looked fantastic. I loved the original alloys and rear lights as well as the buttresses. And of course Ian Ogilvy had one in The Return of the Saint! I would still like to own one one day maybe.

[@tommysmith5479]

I always loved its looks.... and still do.

[@paulie-Gualtieri.]

Excellent review Ian

[@stevejelly3161]

Ian you make every car interesting !!!! . THE XJS is a "dream car" !!!!!! . Many Thanks mate 🙂

[@daniellee9015]

Absolutely brilliant video Ian ❤️ 👍 what a beautiful car sounded like a aeroplane that v12 fantastic sound who needs a radio brilliant

[@tonys1636]

They sound a lot like a RR Merlin when run on a bench (or in situ) sans exhaust.

[@pickering746]

Love the sound of a V12 on startup 👌 Now that’s a car to cover distance in 😎

[@biglads4tw]

About 200 miles before you have to fill up

[@alzdeane]

I bought an '84 V12 XJS when I was 21 in 1997, ran it for a few years, garaged it when the rust set in with plans to restore it, then the values dropped to nothing in the late 2000's, so stripped it and scrapped it. My biggest motoring regret ever, should have kept it, they are worth £lots now. I bought a project XKR a few years ago, but i'd still love another XJS!

[@jorgefernandez-mv8hu]

This is a very handsome car that is still stylish today. Thanks for taking us along.

[@Boating_David]

Gosh that's quiet inside!

[@johnnorth9355]

Oh that V12 was such a brilliant engine (for the times). These days my wallet would weep.

[@michaelstaunton1632]

Always enjoy the car review videos on the channel keep up the good work 👍👍👍

[@TMxl-w5t]

Gorgeous, gorgeous, just absolutely gorgeous, if only funds allowed 👌👌

[@nigelh4617]

I've always liked these, particularly the original style ones. In white, preferably.

[@fryingtonight98]

We were spoilt in the 1970s and 80s for styling. Wow what a car .

[@markmoore2625]

I think the XJS has aged very well. It still looks a very elegant design. That V12 makes a great throaty noise when revved, shame about the excessive thirst.

[@Dan_druft]

I remember driving one of these back down the M25 for a mate and it was only Firring on 11 cylinders but you would never know it was super smooth back in 1985.

[@mikes747]

My friends uncle had a new one of these when I was a kid in the 80's. He used to take me and my friend out in it and we felt so posh!

[@waynetetley584]

Love the headlamp wipers 😊👍

[@michaeltutty1540]

Magnificent automobiles. Great review, too, Ian. I remember when you could still buy them new. The Volvo dealer we bought our 81 245 from also sold Jaguars. The May Heads on the V12 were made much of because of the improved fuel economy. Waiting for the Volvo to get out of the service department gave me plenty of time to drool over what always struck me as the epitome of Jaguar Grace and Space with the Pace very much implied. I wanted one then and I want one now, although I think I would be more inclined to find a 6 cylinder drop head with the manual gearbox. They did make some. I can dream.

[@TheAllyMor]

Classic Hubnut - thanks Ian. That's a beautiful car. Wonder what it will fetch.

[@blackpool321]

" pantograph headlamps wipers , these are what dreams are made of" I spat my cup of tea out .

[@chrisstoddard1144]

That's a crazy wide angle lens you're using. Makes the car look like a cartoon car.

[@ikkenhisatsu7170]

I guess it is my age at the time the XJ-S was first there, but I might love it even more than the E-Type. Both beautiful cars!

[@jfv65]

I strongly remember TWR running 2 XJS-es in Aussie touringcar races. They competed against Holden and Ford but als against bmw 635csi and Volvo 240turbo. They sounded glorious but during longer races often suffered from tire issues. Too much power and too heavy is less then optimal.

[@Andyc351]

Well they won the Silverstone TT , Spa 24 hrs, Bathurst 1000 and the 1984 ETCC so they can't have suffered too badly.

[@H4lminator]

A very beautiful car. I think it aged extremely well. It looks almost modern now! I also really like the back lights.

[@Thecrazyvaclav]

Saw one the other day, it’s looked epic, compared to all the other stuff on the car park

[@billyjo1148]

You really do relay an excellent impression of the car

[@hectorrivera2785]

Its amazing how low they are, kts not even chest height, is amazingly low. Beautiful car.

[@mrstephenparryfromportsunl3111]

Hi Ian happy birthday to yours miss hubnut son on his 14th birthday for yesterday p.s your lovely family keep up good work what a lovely example of V12 jaguar

[@bentullett6068]

Fantastic looking car. Its even better in the shooting brake variant which there aren't many of, I think I have only seen two, one in the UK and one in the only car museum on the island of Malta.

[@v12mike30]

You should try to cadge a drive in a pre-HE XJ-S, the suspension tuning is a little different and with slightly narrower tyres, they have less understeer and are so much fun to steer with the throttle mid corner. I even prefer the ancient Borg-Warner transmission to the GM400, but I may be unique in that. I have owned a series 3 E-Type, a pre-HE XJ-S and an HE.

[@willswheels283]

Great review Ian, thanks, lovely car. I remember seeing pictures of the XJS in books in school when I was a youngster but I didn’t actually see one “in the metal” until years later sometime in the 2000’s, would love to have a go in one.

[@ki2791]

The shot at the end there with the wiper action reminded me of the GSA, headlights and grille etc

[@paulbennell3313]

I was going to say "50k miles! Where do they come from? If I had one I'd never be out of it!" but then I realised there's always the fuel consumption to consider. Given that these can be on the thirsty side, I guess low mileage often takes care of itself...

[@Bmwmad1975]

Great video hope your recovering well Ian.

[@and3583]

Unmistakable touch of Citroën DS about the grille/headlamp continuum there!

[@ianfrost3529]

My dad friend had a TWR one with the 6.0 v12 he might still have it. But he had a few XJS’s over the years mostly the 6 cyl models both 3.6 and 4.0 models One of his was a manual.

[@drd6416]

I once was told about a chap who destroyed the rear brakes because he couldn't fathom the handbrake and took off down the m1 ton up (way before speed was a problem) smoke started billowing from the rear wheels....said the performance was still there ....and yes, he bought it.....

[@plym1969]

A thing of beauty! Marvellous review as always Ian 🙂

[@harrygiles1098]

Great video, and soon you will hit 100K subscribers too, well done Sir

[@johnmiller4973]

I have a Series 3 Daimler Double Six from 1983 and I know exactly what you're on about when it comes to the engine... The automatic gearbox was the legendary GM Turbo Hydramatic 400

[@kevinwhelan8126]

There are three constants in this world - death, taxes and Hubnut’s passion for wipers, be they windscreen, rear or headlamp lol!

[@tony-yp6qk]

another great video has always Ian and miss hubnut and hublets and hubmutts 👍

[@unclejoe6811]

Ironically I saw an older gentleman driving a convertible version of this today. I always liked these and the later xk8 which are classic car bargains.

[@geoffclarke3796]

Great cars. Have always liked the styling and the V12 is a masterpiece. A shame about the 3 speed slush box and the over light steering but a likable car even so.