It Was Given An Impossible Task.. Here's Why It Failed. Jaguar XJS

The jaguar XJS had the unenviable task of replacing one of Britain's most beautiful and iconic cars. Unsurprisingly it failed in its mission, you think perhaps it wasn't good enough, that quality was below par, that it didn't look good enough... but the reasons it didn't live up to its predecessor are none of these and not what you think.
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[@Number27]

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[@dziadWSZEWIED]

nie lubię anglików, nie cierpię monarchii , nie lubię angielskiej motoryzacji , ale jak widzę Ciebie @Number27 to od razu o tym zapominam, jesteś zaprzeczeniem angielskich cech , uśmiechnięty i żywiołowy jesteś! dziękuję za Twoją prace i zdrowia życzę;)

[@cheapcharlie4210]

Jaguar sold over 115000 XJS'S, compared say to Aston Martin, who sold 3541 during the same period. How you can call it a failure is laughable, does it have things wrong with, yes. As does every Ferrari etc

[@pezzonovante888]

I personally think the XJS is one of the best looking modern classics. I've always loved 'em.

[@igorkratka]

I agree. It has look like no other car of its time. Loving it, too.

[@Haffschlappe]

Has some Vignale Design influencs

[@Floydian4everr]

Me too, I was 16 in 91 w my DL and I always wanted to drive my friend's dad's v12, the convertibles grew on me a bit I suspect I didn't like them due to the relentlessly broiling houston heat but now that I've been in SF for some time, with this weather year round and the PCH (1), I find myself checking out the ads for one however the ones in good to great condition are all on BaT, Cars n Bids, or worse and are now prohibitively expensive

[@themodernmodernist]

My Dad worked at Jaguar for 41 years as an engineer and was at Malcolm’s desk when he first penned the XJS. I can tell you very reliably it was never intended or even a thought to be mid engined.

[@BangerFleet]

Top Gear liked to make stuff up 😂

[@Number27]

Thank you!! Great to get confirmation!!

[@CaptRobertApril]

James May's assessment, in the review he did for Top Gear, it's like you'd worked up the perfect recipe for Shepherd's Pie (the design was quite impressive) and then used dog meat (Jaguar cheaped out on the details, like attention to build quality, substandard electrics, etc.). For about twenty thousand quid, there was a company that could fix it up and allow the car to live up to its potential.

[@mrdainase]

@@Number27 Sayer did look at the idea of a mid-engined sportscar but the themes he was trying out were very different to what was going in with X27. A great shame he died in 1970 before his ideas were fully realised.

[@576103]

One of the best cars I’ve ever had the privilege of driving was a ‘Jagrolet’, an XJS with the wheezy Jaguar engine and gearbox replaced with the high-output 350 V8 and GM automatic gearbox from a crashed Chevrolet Impala police car. The bits bolted right in to the engine bay with an over-the-counter adapter kit from John’s Cars in Texas. The resultant car was infinitely faster, more reliable, cheaper to run, and I think even a fair bit lighter, plus it doubled the fuel economy.

[@matthewbrown2037]

I hate that the XJS is always given such a hard time. It was never designed as a direct replacement for the E-type anyway. I think they look great, especially the face lifted model like this. I also think they've stood the test of time much better than most other cars from this era. I think the rear buttresses look cool too.

[@mitchb2305]

I find it odd that the narrator says the XJS was not good-looking. I think they're gorgeous!

[@stormbringr00]

I always thought it was a good looking car but I like the 4 round headlights

[@MrVinylista]

@@mitchb2305 I think he's turning into Stevie Wonder!

[@richardedwards9194]

I'm 6 foot 2 and quite big. I fitted in fine - never felt cramped and drove all over Europe. Mine was a full facelift 1994. It never let me down. It was plenty swift enough and was beautiful. Yes, nobody ever really went in the back, and it was a reverse Tardis, but for two adults, it was amazing. I'd have kept it, if it hadn't have been written off because some drunk idiots decided to dance all over the bonnet, roof and boot. In 2005, it wasn't worth that much so the insurance company decided to call it a day. Very sad. To this day, I miss it. It drove impeccably and was, thirst aside, a perfect GT.

[@An_Idiot_in_the_Wild]

The XJS was a great car. I remember seeing them win the 1985 Bathurst 1000km race in Australia, when i was a kid. Beautiful to watch. The overall shape of the car is gorgeous, and they can STILL look super-hot if they have the right wheels & options/tweaks to bodywork.

[@bobolulu7615]

Yep. The Jaguars at Bathurst opened eyes and surprised many at just how good it was.

[@darrenbrailsford6809]

I can’t work out how so many people misunderstand the Jaguar XJ-S. yes the XJ-S followed the E-type but it was never a replacement. It was never designed to be. It was always intended as an executive express. A GT car. All I can say is drive an XJ-S and you’ll be amazed. There’s nothing else that could hold a candle to it for refinement, and remember a V12 will genuinely do over 150mph due to its efficient aerodynamics. 15% better than an E-type. Also something else people forget is this car has genuine motorsport pedigree. Winning the 1984 European touring car championship. Putting several manufacturers noses out of joint in the process. Also an outright win at the 1985 Bathurst 1000. Why is the XJ-S not celebrated more? Because I think it deserves to be. A wonderful, individual and beautiful car.

[@frenchydampier2209]

You forget the success Jaguar had in America. That was its intended market. Over 50% of Jaguars sales was to America. Racing and sales success. Group 44 won numerous national championships with the Jaguar V12. Winning against the Cobra Camaro, Corvette. And later Porsche, BMW. Etc.

[@marks-the-spot]

My late father bought a new British Racing Green, pre-HE V12 Coupe in 1981 as his daily driver. He enjoyed it for many years and well over 100K miles. It did have its fair share of of visits to the shop. As I recall it needed a couple of transmission rebuilds and one or two valve jobs. But that wasn't a big issue because he loved driving it so much. I will never forget the silky "turbine-like" smoothness of that engine or the suppleness of the ride. Trips from San Francisco down the coast to Monterey were a delight.

[@tomf4547]

Haha a couple of tranny rebuilds no big deal 😳

[@robertsweet4112]

My favorite color

[@supertuscans9512]

If that car needed one or two engine rebuilds on under 200,000 miles your dad was being done when he got the car serviced.

[@marks-the-spot]

@@supertuscans9512 The bottom end was never an issue, it was the valves and/or head gaskets that were the engine issue. I think the transmission issues were mostly due to his lead foot!

[@petew1810]

My dad had a 1983 Y reg 5.3HE V12. We travelled across Europe in it a number of times, it never let us down! Fantastic car, and as an 12 year old boy, it felt really quick, and super special to travel in.😊

[@michaeljordan6008]

Beautiful car

[@k9killer221]

It's a very special experience to drive and be a passenger in a 5.3 liter XJS. So much power but like a Rolls-Royce in terms of quitenes and smooth ride. And because the centre of gravity is so low, they handle brilliantly. I was a driver so I know this as a fact.

[@bigal3055]

They were really quick. Yeah, it wasn't going to compete with a Countach or a 512BB, but even today, at motorway speeds there isn't much outside of supercar territory that can live with the midrange punch of that V12 if you decide to put your clog down and enter 'not motorway speed' territory. It's still a torque monster.

[@parttroll1]

The TWR Jags at Bathurst were amazing

[@ajay-xjs]

I think the XJ-S is a stunning car, beautiful 70s styling perfect for the era at a time when the 60s style was considered old fashioned. Every great 70s car looked totally different from the model before, it was a decade of huge change.

[@fw0756]

After all these years it is still a head turner 🇦🇺👍

[@stringpicker5468]

My boss had a V-12 one in 1979. Royal blue.I was a truck driver. He threw me the keys and said take it down the freeway for half an hour son. It was quite a machine, so smooth and so beautiful. When I opened the bonnet for a look though it was a plumber's nightmare. A mass of tubes and wires. I was a pretty good backyard mechanic and had worked on old Jags with a mate, but the man who designed these never had to bloody work on them. Still, it had something special and I loved driving it.

[@andy-maunder]

I regularly drove my uncles black V12 5.3 when I was 19. I remember being thrown the keys.. I turned the ignition but nothing happened, turned it again and realised the engine was already on.. so quiet.. then I couldn't find the hand brake - those who know will know what I mean - and finally, I'd never driven an automatic, never experienced power steering or brakes.. The thing was amazing. You cannot imagine the buzz - kid of 19 taking it down the pub, driving it around town, up to London. It was the ultimate Girl magnet and I am forever grateful!

[@brianiswrong]

As an 11 year old in 1976, the white xjs used in the Saint with the black bumpers always looked much nicer than any E type😮

[@ajay-xjs]

I agree! That's why I bought a white V12 XJ-S

[@joedennehy386]

You need to see specsavers

[@gregdales8627]

The E type was and is one of the ugliest cars.

[@paulaxford6754]

I worked for a road test test cell supplier to Jaguar back then and was sent to Browns Lane about 1982 to check out an issue. I had to wait a few hours until the production line shut down so was free to wander around and watch the assembly process. When I returned to the test cells around 6PM after a pub dinner all three were in use with a number of managers and other staff standing around chatting. Two XJS V12 examples were running at a fixed road speed (on cruise control, no drivers) with blankets placed over the bonnets. A third was running without a blanket. I was was told they had several reports from Arizona of V12 engines seizing. After about 15 minutes nothing had gone wrong and they moved the 3 cars back into the production queue.

[@lewis72]

The leaper on an XJ-S bonnet is sacrilege. Glorious-looking car, especially the pre-'92 facelift version, without the XJ40-esque rear lamps. These look far better in reality than on video. Convert a 5.3 V12 to 5-speed manual and you'll have a real weapon.

[@jsquared1013]

Oddly enough, the facelift taillights are growing on me even though I own a pre-facelift HE and generally prefer it to the facelift styling changes.

[@lewis72]

@@jsquared1013 I was given a red 1977 XJ-S 5 years ago or so but it was too rotten for me to save. I sold it for spares but in hindsight I wish i'd kept it now and taken it on as a long-term restoration. Even though the sills were rotted out and the floorpan had some rust holes in it too it looked stunning on those kent alloys. I keep having to remind myself that Harry Metcalf spent £53k restoring his V12 XJC

[@Ozcrazy49]

@@jsquared1013 Growing on you like a wart?

[@fredmacdonald9339]

had one for 5 years and when it worked it was glorious. the v12 was smooth and from the interior almost silent. there was almost no sensation of speed until you glanced at the speedo and realized how far over the limit you were , but it handled the corners without drama and could run fast all day long. at speed you could have a normal conversation no need to raise your voice. i miss it but not working on it or the fuel bills

[@danielkeel9265]

Very nearly bought a non-running v12, but I thought better of it. Since watching Harry's Garage when he restored his xjc, which was a driving car, and how much it cost, I think I'm glad I passed it up!

[@glennpowell3444]

@@danielkeel9265 Hiya.Yes I watch Harrys Garage and love that XJC but the recent video shows how much you need to spend on a jag V12 to keep it running on all 12.Absolute money pit.Shame but true.Walk well away and then start walking very fast.

[@robertanderson259]

Very true Fred! I also had a V12. It was like being attached to the horizon with a big elastic band!

[@jerseythedog]

I had a V12 89 model. I’ve had many other cars since then. This is the one that got away. We were a perfect match until that damn engine fire caused by the corroded fuel rail.

[@jsquared1013]

@@glennpowell3444 his running costs are also because he is using a specialist shop and their labor charges are not cheap. A home-garage mechanic can do a vast majority of the "typical" stuff and can do so relatively affordably.

[@johndobbins8051]

Easy mods to make dramatic improvements to the performance is to open up the intake and exhaust. Jag used ridiculously small intake and exhaust to cut engine noise. The airbox inlet "horns" should be removed and then pipe 3" hose to cold air, you will hear the engine pulling in air under full throttle but it is in no way an unpleasant sound. The tiny exhaust piping (7/8" if I recall correctly) should be increased to at least 1.25" pipe, I went with 1.5" pipe on mine. I also replaced the cats with modern high flow cats and removed the middle mufflers completely. Also installed X crossover in the exhaust and glass packs in place of the original resonators. The car woke up and performed very well. It also sounded fabulous under acceleration.

[@xbioman7882]

I owned an XJS V12 HE for a few years. I loved that car. The first time I took it in to the mechanic, he put it on his dyno and said it was the most powerful, fasted XJS he has ever seen. As with 99.9% of Jags, it leaked oil from places where it would have cost more than the car was worth. Had to replace the AC compressor, but that was it. All else as normal upkeep. The car ran and rode like a dream. I took it up to 165MPH once and the car was still pulling when I lifted my foot. I sold it for what I paid for it. Total cost of ownrship for about 4 years was less than $2K (not counting gas).

[@parrotraiser6541]

Coincidentally, "Living With A Classic" is immersed in in an XJS, converting it from RHD to LHD.

[@Number27]

Good luck!!

[@lebojay]

I have pre-facelift TWR coupe with a V12. It’s magnificent. That gross Leaper has to go. Two bonnet badges on a car… 🤦‍♂️ (Side note: I’m in the midst of a reading Saving Jaguar, by 1980s Jag CEO John Egan. It’s terrific. I recommend it. The story of the XJ-S’s sales turnaround after ‘82 is astounding - they were considering cancelling the car, demand was so low, but things changed and its best year was ‘89, IIRC. I remember how popular this car was in 1989, when it was already 14 years old! My dad had an ‘87 and the neighbour liked it so much he bought an ‘88 for himself.)

[@rovercoupe7104]

I saw a leaper on a Daimler. M

[@rovercoupe7104]

It didn’t fail at all. It sold well, a lot better than zero. M

[@scottlewisparsons9551]

In 2000 my family attended a Jaguar rally in the South Island of New Zealand. We took a 5.3 litre XJC along. We met a fellow who was a panel beater who built a new XJS from two damaged ones. The result was a beautiful car which worked well, he and his family loved it and they traveled all over New Zealand in it. Looking at the interior of this car they seem to have borrowed some of the XJ6 and XJC designs for the gear leaver and dashboard areas. Thank you for another great video. All the best from Sydney Australia 🇦🇺

[@scotty6346]

The Jag V12 is a great engine, Short stroke so it's turbine smooth, Thrives on revs and sounds gorgeous 👍

[@paulie-Gualtieri.]

The AJ6 3.6 and 4.0 Litre engines are fantastically reliable and bombproof, smooth and powerful, the later AJ16 4.0 improved on those qualities.

[@paulie-Gualtieri.]

@Mark Rather have the AJ6 than a V12, which I also had.

[@rhettcorcoran2879]

I think it has aged well, it certainly looks better nowadays.

[@ThomasDoubting5]

I agree bit like the Jenson interceptor it's always going to look good .

[@markcompton6750]

Beat me to it…

[@paullacey2999]

I agree,even the facelift version is great.

[@asdreww]

Love the XJS. My favourite Jag. I think people just couldn't get over it looking so different to the etype. Don't forget the series 3 etype was a bit of a bloat machine & didn't even look that great by then.

[@bensmithkent22]

I still struggle to see how there was not a model generation between them. Not knocking the E its an icon but this is more of a proper car. Look at those tiny toy doors on the etypes you can just step over them and the radial tyres its just all round an old car. This is a proper car you get into with proper doors.

[@davescott4065]

Best riding car I’ve owned. With better seat adjustment it would be a world beater in terms of comfort. Had mine 22years, done 46000 miles in her and never broken down in it. Parts are starting to get harder to source, but otherwise easy to maintain.

[@richardrichard5409]

It's only managed what 2k miles a year😂

[@damiantaylor7993]

I don’t dare what is said about the Jaguar XJS it is still a stunning car that has one hell of presence on the road. I love them, as to the chassis the Jaguar XK8 and the Aston DB7 both used the same underpinnings, and that has to say something

[@rustyturner431]

OK, Jack... I managed a Jaguar main dealer in the mid-'80s, so I have a bit of relevant knowledge/experience. While the E-type was a nimble, light feeling, fast SPORTS car, the S was heavy, mushy, cumbersome and not all that fast. It WAS a good GT car, if you fit in it, but headroom was always tight...and then we started getting cars with factory-fitted sunroofs. Goodbye to 1.5" of precious headroom! Mind you, this was a great motorway car: it would do 100mph hour after hour until they caught you at it, or you ran out of petrol. Gas mileage was never even adequate...and then there were the problems. I had three new cars burn to the ground because the factory guys hadn't snugged up the fuel lines sufficiently. And this was the John Egan era, when Jaguar quality control was much better. Also, most owners were staggered at the maintenance costs...and the mechanics HATED the cars because of all the gubbins in the way of performing regular operations. Yet, the owners who actually understood what the car would and would not do and could afford the servicing loved their cars. Grace, Pace & Space...OK, not so much space in the cabin, but the boot was big!

[@Hattonbank]

A good review. Like a beautiful woman, you love her so much that you don't mind spending a fair bit of money on her for the pleasure that you get.

[@rogerpritchard]

I have 1989 V12 HE Auto in Bordeaux red for 23 years now. Bought by my father who was a pilot and accountant. Amazing comfort and effortless power. He also owned an E-Type, I can assure you the XJS is far easier to drive, quieter and a better ride. Buy a clapped out one and you will be very disappointed. Excellent fuel economy for a V12 if driven fairly. Wonderful design. Bullet proof V12 and gearbox. Electrics never been a problem. Original headlining replaced as began to drop down after 20 years. The key is owning one that is looked after.

[@mrdainase]

A small fact to note. The X21 concept you showed was by Oliver Winterbottom, who left Jaguar a little while later and moved to Lotus.

[@RosstheBoss10-4]

My friends Dad had a 3.6 Manual, it was a beast!

[@kevincollins1060]

Funny how a car when it was first launched I thought looked terrible, now looks terrific to me 😊

[@Number27]

Feel the same!!

[@MrVinylista]

@@Number27 I thought it was one of the most beautiful things I'd ever seen, in the flesh. My uncle had one, and it was so incredibly exotic when you actually saw one in real life - especially with that early pre-HE aluminium dashboard. But all the real ale drinkers and pipe smokers didn't like it one bit - it was too 'modern'. They compared it to the E-type, which was ridiculous - like comparing an MGB V8 to a Rover SD1 V8. They were just not aimed at the same market.

[@simonhodgetts6530]

My all-time favourite car - and one I finally got to drive last year - a V12, and it didn’t disappoint! Pre-HE in a solid colour for me please!

[@flange06joj]

When I was 10 in 1999 my dad went to look at a red V12 XJS. I begged him to buy it but he never did. He must have chickened out, now I'm older I respect his decision 😂. I think these are now starting to look really elegant and are now a true classic

[@motoboy6666]

Elegant is the word 🙂

[@johang7498]

To me, the XJS will always be one of Jaguars greats - a really stylish and sleek grand tourer that's just so fitting for the brand. I also would consider it a success as it was primarily in its early years - post-oil crisis and with BL "quality" - that it failed to sell as expected. In the mid 1980s, after sales improved XJS had its best years and was at its best, with better quality but still the original styling.

[@charlieoscar09]

What a shame it droned all the way along its test ride....awful noise. Great Car in any guise if just left standard.

[@johnshaw8013]

A very good looking iconic 80's car! I remember watching Rodger Moore as a kid driving in The Saint driving, a white XJS ❤

[@nihongobenkyoshimasu3190]

2:39 The wird design of the rear, was also to provide a large and easy access to the trunk. If you look at any Jaguar, the trunk was always designed to allow putting two golf bags in longitudinal direction without having to remove any clubs or the side rolling mechanism.

[@MasterMalrubius]

I loved the look of this car growing up. It was sleek and sporty looking. It was not until I began hearing negative things about them that I understood the difference between the E-Type and the XJ platform. Those in the burgundy or green paint with cream color leather are just amazing.

[@hrcvf7505]

I've had two XJS 5.3 liter V12 Coupes and I am a huge fan of the car. I find them handsome and luxurious ... I'm 5'10" so they fit me well. I can still smell the leather interiors! I'm presently looking for a 1995 or '96 6.0 liter V12 Coupe.

[@michaelarchangel1163]

A pal had a pre HE V12. Lovely ride, very cramped, as you found and terrible fuel consumption of about 12 MPG. It's quite surprising, engine cc difference taken into consideration, that this 4 litre straight six has a dearth of torque low down, as I think that the V12 had a much shorter stroke. If one had access to a nice private oilfield, the final 6 litre V12 would be the one to have.

[@supertuscans9512]

Was there ever a V12 of this era that did much more than 12 miles a gallon. I’m not even sure today that V12’s do much more.

[@djisydneyaustralia]

Getting out is when you realise just how special as the noise of the workd comes back as you climb over the lower door sill. Such a beautiful car to drive .

[@rustybearden1800]

All of these 70s era Jags need a common sense refurbishing and restomodding. It is a V12 GT car so I thinks it does that very well in the obvious Jag manner. The ride quality common among all classic Jags is endearing and enticing to me personally. I don't want to be beaten up or tossed about while enjoying my car - sure, performance biased suspensions are very nice but how often do you really exploit that ability. I want gobs of smooth, effortless power with a competent chassis that is enjoyable for the 95% of the time that most of us really apply. That's what a GT car does and the many versions that the various manufacturers executed did this in their own flavor and style. The XJS is one of my favorites from this era and I think they've aged very well.

[@stevemull2002]

The series 1, and 2 e-type is an incredibly beautiful car, and never has anything even got close to replicate it, to me, when it went to the V12, it became a monster, and ugly, but we all see stuff differently

[@hvh377]

I never liked the XJS when it was sold new (and I was a lot younger). I thought it was a barge, ugly and of dubious quality at that. 6 minus for Jaguar. Could do better.... Now, many years on, it has grown on me massively. I must have had no taste or eye for beauty when I was younger. I think it is fantastic and the looks have stood the test 9f time. Thank for the video and finding this beautiful example. Thank for the work you put in. It shows!

[@haeloglobal5725]

I’ve got three and made them all different . One quiet , one loud screamer with x pipe Italian sounding v12 and one With quieter v12 sound . Adjustable suspension. Manual conversion next on one .

[@sovanar]

I don’t think it matters now what people thought when the XJS was first released. Recognition has slowly been growing and now many people appreciate the outstanding design and qualities of the XJS, in comparison to its contemporaries and to most modern vehicles.

[@torytronrud2413]

The true replacement for the E-Type would have been a road-going version of the XJ13 race car prototype. As an E-type owner in the early 1970s, that was what I was hoping for.

[@carlharvey7098]

Ive had two XJS V12s, one a HE and the other a Pre HE, both were stunning and so easy to drive. The HE was the better car, more economical (😂) but who cares about that in one of these…One of the best cars ive owned. Great video Jack as usual 😊

[@martinclapton2724]

0-60 in 7.5 seconds ? My foot. The Jaguar XJS v12 HE of 1981/2 was the fastest automatic car in the world at the time . 158mph and 0- 60 in 6.8 secs or less. Car magazine drove one across Europe at a point to point average at 70mph and got 21mpg. As far as the handling department concerned , I’ve seen these being driven like a mk2 Escort RS2000 , from those who knew how, remember Gambit in the New Avengers?..I’ve said this before on Ian Tyrrells classic you tube channel as well as Harry’s Garage, the Jaguar V12 is the best production engine of all time . Although the straight six AJ6 versions are more simply accessible to work on . Nevertheless, enjoyed your video immensely, Jack . When I see a road test on KZbin on the XJS it usually makes me wanting one . Your video certainly hasn’t failed on that level either, good show

[@srtgrayfrance]

Always reminds my of Ian Ogilvy in "The Return of The Saint"

[@watsisbuttndo829]

"We've already established the looks were an issue" Cannot disagree more, that thing looks spectacular.

[@themonsterunderyourbed9408]

... ly awfull. There finished your sentence for you.

[@watsisbuttndo829]

@The Monster Under Your Bed If I rolled up to the gated community in this bad boy I would have all the cougar widowers peeping out the windows. The four people that have thumbs upped me are probably called janelle, cheryl, christina and sammy.

[@themonsterunderyourbed9408]

@@watsisbuttndo829 🤣

[@robsawalker]

Absolutely lovely! I love the XJS and they are such a great classic buy right now. I’d take that dodgy leaper off the bonnet of that one though.

[@andybroer651]

Totally agree on the FIAT Dino coupé comment, nailed that. I owned a 5.3 HE and a 6.0 convertible and loved them both. The 5.3 ate my pocketbook alive, but that was my fault for buying a car with more issues than I realized. I love the flying buttresses and long sleek hood. The car was so quiet on a long trip from San José, CA to L.A., CA.... I was running with a trio of Nissan Maximas for a time nearing sunset. My wife noticed and asked if they were still following us, I replied, "Oh no, their top speeds are limited" she commented, "I see, so how fast are you going?" I smiled, "145mph" 🙂Surprisingly quick/fast car. I've moved on to Maseratis now, but have fond memories of my V12 Jaguars.

[@hermanmunster3358]

For me, the XJS, especially the later iterations, was THE most beautiful car ever produced in the UK. Some may disagree, but I've always had a soft spot for its sleek looks, it's stance, and it's grace. It could have a 2.5L inline 4, and that wouldn't change my opinion of it being the car that I always wanted to own more than any other, even if it was a little cramped inside. It was like no other Jaguar, and showed real vision about what a British car manufacturer could produce, and the talent that existed at Jaguar at the time. And they were BRAVE to bring this car to the market, given the oil crisis, and the fact that it looked so far removed from anything else at that time. It was a TRULY unique car, and has never been repeated since. Long live the XJS ❤️

[@brianiswrong]

I think a brace of A 60's jenson interceptor FF 70's jaguar xjs v12 80' porsche 928 s4 Would be nice in my lottery garage.

[@marienbad2]

I saw one of these recently on the road. It was red, looked immaculate, and had the registration number something like P15 XJS which I thought was cool. It looked amazing tbh.

[@thegearknob7161]

That would be one of the last. P60 XJS is the very final XJS built.

[@ktclm0617]

Good report Jack. Nice film running a nice example (owned a 94 4L Coupe for 16yrs)

[@dpheaslip]

At 5:45 you say “if something were to go wrong”. I’m still laughing. If? Seriously? If?

[@philnorton9723]

I had a 1978 one for a while, I never saw the point of it when for less money one could have an XJ12 coupe with better looks, better accommodation, and the same performance. It went well, and gave me no trouble though; more than could be said for the Mercedes 450slc that succeeded it.

[@byteme9718]

The XJ12 Coupe looked like an old mans car from inception and a bastardised version of a nice looking practical car. If yoy have four seat your want four holes to access them from.

[@Treviscoe]

I'd love an XJC Coupe but it did have problems unfortunately; the door seals weren't very good and ket in water when it rained.

[@supertuscans9512]

100%, it always looked like an old man’s car trying not to.

[@MyILoveMinecraft]

Many people forget, by the end of road and track posting cannonball times, the fastest time was a XJS. I will probably never own one, especially the Version touched by koenig specials which haunts my dreams, but I appreciate them non the less

[@gar6446]

I had a V-11 one for a short while , never did discover which cylinder was missing, but honestly, you could hardly tell ! The fuel bill was keeping me poor, so I unloaded it onto someone else for about £600 which was a fair price at the time. For comparison, I bought a V-8 Stag for £850, did a bit of work on it and sold it for £1300 around the same time.

[@EddieG1888]

I don't care what negative comments people make about the XJS, as soon as I saw the white XJS in Return Of The Saint as a kid, I fell in love with the car. Still love to own one.

[@tocsa120ls]

Errr, if that's a facelift car, it should have a 4-speed ZF autobox, I think the kickdown is broken in that one.

[@paulie-Gualtieri.]

Yes your right

[@charliepragnell5791]

Another great video Jack! I’ve always loved the XJS and definitely my favourite car as I grew up during the late 70’s and 80’s. I couldn’t wait to watch The Saint with Ian Ogilvy on a Sunday evening just to see a few minutes of his white XJS. The XJS and the Triumph TR7 were my favourite cars back then! 👌

[@motorv8N]

Fabulous video, Jack. Your easy manner and knowledgeable narration is a delight and I always look forward to your motoring reviews, no matter the car. Bravo.

[@byteme9718]

Unless you fact checked everything how do you know it was knowledge based and not just ignorant opinion?

[@thefleecer3673]

This car is legendary in Australia due its victory in the Bathurst 1000 in 1985. What a race!

[@albanana683]

There is a KZbin video of a lap of Bathurst in the racing XJS. Awesome!

[@jsanders100]

I remember seeing one in Miami, it was new and they had added chrome wheel trims and chrome wheel arches. It was white and sat outside a hotel. Never mind overheating and all that, it looked fantastic. No American or German can could match it. And of course compared to an SL it was very cheap.

[@davidthegolfer]

Hi Jack, great piece, during which you showed a picture of the E type Coupe. It got me thinking, it has never occurred to me before. There is a distant shape similarity to the 911. I thought that Porsche, through 8 iterations have kept the 911 shape and yet Jaguar felt the need to completely change the shape and double the price. Why?

[@phil4977]

This guy is an accelerator pumper. My dad taught me drive smoothly without pumping the accelerator

[@greggraham2642]

Nice to see Jaguar pay homage to the 65 Chevy Malibu and C3 Corvette with the buttressed rear window C pillars. The XJS is absolutely beautiful.

[@KarelSmout]

It's a solace to us on the rest of the world that you have troubles prononciating Jaguar, too.

[@Number27]

😂😂😂😂😂 I do!! But shouldn’t being based in the Uk!

[@KeithCramerLongfield]

It's pronounced Yag-Waar in South America where the Jaguar lives.

[@KarelSmout]

@@Number27 OK - you are allowed to say giaguaro

[@davidmarle]

Now that you've just tested a late XJS, I suggest you try an early DB7, interesting experience, trust me! ;-)

[@jameswilkinson2242]

I'd rather have the XJS the aston is a pile of crap. Lovely looking that's about it.

[@billsinclair6515]

as a kid, i promised myself i would own one and did in 1991 when I was 27. Bough an 1985 B plated V12 HE in white. took it on camping holiday to europe with wife and 2 kids, she did 19-21 mpg on that trip and never missed a beat, still i miss her man

[@senianns9522]

I remember the launch of this Jag model. Billed as a 'black day for Stuttgart' I just looked in awe at how good it looked and there was no way I could ever afford one! Present day, I'm now retired and have a really good BMW. Wouldn't dare touch a Jag. Such is life!

[@mykehyslop198]

My dream car.I ended up buying a DB9.

[@garethhanna9173]

Not so long ago you could pick up a late one of these for £5K, now a good one is £15k. The facelift models are a very different kettle of fish to the antique grandfather clocks that were driving about in the late 80's, Ford money had seen to the build quality issues with galvanised bodies and aircraft grade electrics.

[@MrVinylista]

Shame they got rid of the lovely, original Lear jet-inspired instrument binnacle, though!

[@pauln0371]

Most people don't realise but the XJS chassis was the basis for the DB7.🤔🤔🤔

[@albanana683]

It's not so unknown, as you can see Jaguar written in the brake calipers. My XJR-S has been fitted with DB7 racing suspension. Works well.

[@JonDingle]

The XJS never failed. It wasn't an E Type replacement and yes it was a shock design, much like the outgoing XJ which is truly hideous to me. The XJS, was a grand tourer, not a sports car. Jaguar in the 1970's and into the 1990's suffered quality issues from employees and suppliers and it these issues that caused "failures". And let us not forget, no car is perfect and other brands suffer quality and reliability issues too. Having owned two V12 XJS's, I can reliably say that my 6'2" frame was always comfortable when driving. Good video of a great car!

[@patrickhostler5939]

I think you have view this car as NOT a replacement for the E-Type… and in fact rid your mind of any E-type comparisons. It then starts to have an appeal all of its own.

[@gravelsandwich]

In 1985 3 Jaguar XJS's were entered into the James Hardie 1000 Bathurst race in Australia for the first and only time. They all finished the race with 2 podium finishes, 1st and 3rd.

[@UberLummox]

Wow, I hope there's video of that! (film)

[@jesseaguirre2961]

Great presentation . I own two 95 xjs's , hardtop and a british racing green convertible ,, I love um both, both are 4.0 litre 6 cylinders , these have all the power i need, its very powerfull and accelerates hard even from cruising at 65 mph . It once downshifted to 2nd gear for a bit before upshifting to 3rd !! I normally dont run my cars hard ,, but i had to nail it on the freeway to make it to the next exit . WOW!!! what a scary momment,, it shot out like a rocket , and 2 seconds latter everyone was in the rear view mirror . For seconds I was bewidered , soon after i had a smile from ear to ear, just as if i had sipped an ice cold coca cola on a hot sunny southern day. Before that i just always enjoyed the car as a daily and a cruiser . I've cherished the look on peoples faces as they stare at the car . At stop lights some would occasionally ask what kinda car is it . Hence its rarity. Since that day i've had new respect for the straight 6 and understood ( and for a few moments enjoyed ) it's racing heritage . Easy to work on unlike the v12 , significantly lighter on the front end ,therefore more nimble and less thirsty as well .

[@paullacey2999]

It stayed in production a long time,I really liked how it looked.And it was good for Peter Ogilvie as The Saint!

[@davebarron5939]

Loved the E type, and these XJS were always a good looking car, not an e type replacement as it were, just different.

[@mikestanmore2614]

I remember a guy in Coffs Harbour who got so sick of the V12 that he replaced it with a Chev V8. It was a great car once he could guarantee it'd start every time he turned the key.

[@joedennehy386]

A lot of kiwis did as well, the small block chevvy dropped straight in

[@lg5819]

I reiterate what Enzo Ferrari once said, the E Type was the most beautiful car in the world, and he was right. But I’m a fan of the Jaguar XJS, but not the revamped version being reviewed here, the earlier XJS which was debuted in the Return of the Saint. A white Jaguar XJS. That car was beautiful to me, but I just cannot understand why car designers struggle to capture the beauty of its original features in a revamped version, when so many newer versions of iconic brands fail to materialise.

[@federicoprice2687]

I loved my V12. OK, thirsty, but a fantastic ride. That video made me feel very nostalgic !! Thanks! 😊

[@chibiy2j775]

Could you also try late TWR's XJR-S from '91-93?

[@maxcordell1]

My friend let me borrow his. It was the most glorious, most exciting car I have ever driven

[@Nemoticon]

I LOVE the look of these things inside and out. I borrowed an XJS-R with the 6cyl for a weekend wanted one ever since. I'm sure it's not the best to live with, but from what I experienced, it was a fantastic GT.

[@jamescoe764]

I've always liked the look of the XJS. Lovely looking car.

[@James-cs2wi]

I would love to own one of these cars I used to work and service them 25 years ago love driving them on road test great cars from a great British company

[@ryanmccormick2150]

Excellent stuff as usual Jack 👍

[@johnireland1629]

Once again you've made be appreciate a car I had always turned my nose up at. The lines have aged well, and I'll bet the V12 was very sweet to drive. All the automatic transmissions in those days were sloppy, but more and more car buyers wanted convenience over performance. Thanks again.

[@benbustama3430]

Subscribed. I really enjoy this Gent’s videos/content! Best/Cheers, B😎👍

[@NealyLL]

Remember looking at these back in 1999/2000 . If I remember correctly Parker’s description of the v12 was ‘Smoother than a Bentley’ 😊

[@Lethgar_Smith]

The XKE convertible and the XJS are my two most favorite body styles of any production car ever made in the world.

[@frankcassidy5987]

That roll neck and those silver fox locks look right at home in that Jaaaaaaag. 👌🏼 Great review dude.

[@Number27]

Ha!! Thanks Franco!!