Jaguar XJS - the best Jaguar car ever made?

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Jaguar XJS
The E type was always going to be a hard act to follow and when the XJS came to market in 1975 as Jaguar’s priciest ever production car, people had high hopes and for some, the XJS didn’t hit it.
But it would be lazy to say ‘oh some people don’t like it and that’s that, because the XJS was so much more than just another car off the Jaguar production line.
In total, there were just over 115,000 of the XJS’ made in total and a spot of trivia, is that 1989 was the best year of sales with just over 10k sold in the year, which might’ve been partially influenced by Royal appeal: Princess Diana was often spotted in her 87 model.
It is also the longest lived Jaguar with the longest time spent in production at time of making this video.
Going back to where it began, the XJS’ early design was the work of a man called Malcolm Sayer, who for me, is such an important part of Jaguar’s history and I’ll tell you why I think that.
Companies like Tatra had been doing Aerodynamics since the 30s and Sayer, who was involved with the E Type as well as the XJ-S, was the man who really flew the flag for Aerodynamics and raised the importance of it. Sayer introduced things like Slide Rule and 7 Figure Log Tables to work out the formulae for drawing curves - prior to this - Jaguar had used clay modelling to determine shape and style.
The XJS went through many tweaks after launch in 1975 and in today’s video we are mainly concentrating on talking through the XJS post 1991 facelift, with a view to discussing pre-facelift in a totally different video once a great example has been located.
The 1991 facelift actually came about not because they wanted to keep the model going well into the 90s, but because the replacement, the XJ41, simply wasn’t ready. The facelift was also the first car to be launched under Ford’s ownership of Jaguar, so a lot of eyes were on the final car to see how it would be perceived and how it would perform.
The new and improved XJS was competing in a new market to its 1975 launch model - it was really competing hard with international competitors like like the 8 Series E31 and the SL R129.
If you’ve seen a pre-facelift example you’ll note there are plenty of cosmetic exterior changes in additional to changes inside the cabin like the seats, the wooden trim and the seats. However, the real changes weren’t immediately detected by the naked eye - of the 490 panels making up the car, 180 were new or modified.
And the 4 litre AJ6 engine, which is what’s fitted to the car we’re testing today was lifted from the XJ40.
And as a side note, if you’re peeking under the bonnet of a 1994 onwards car and it’s different to this and it’s silver with the Jaguar lettering running down the centre with 4 litre printed on, that’s the AJ16 engine.
In the book Jaguar all the cars, which I’ve used a lot for research for this video, The AJ6 engine is quoted as being capable of 0 to 60 in 7.4 seconds, but I believe that’s paired with a manual gearbox.
All in all, the facelift cost 50 million pounds and of the 115k cars sold, nearly 22k of these were the new facelift variant XJS.
Production ran until 1996 and the car was then retired off to be replaced by XK8.

[@redrocker1055]

No one made better interiors than Jaguar. It's a shame the current owners abandoned that tradition.

[@idriveaclassic]

It is a shame x

[@davmar5648]

I disagree.. The interiors are still a class of their own but have moved to attract more customers but one can still order there own wood grains and leather colours..

[@mykehyslop198]

Rolls Royce did and still does.

[@redrocker1055]

@@mykehyslop198 Sure, if gaudy is your taste.

[@ecasinc8448]

you need comfy interior while waiting for tow truck

[@davidclarke7728]

I owned a V12 XJS for sixteen years , never let me down , only failure was a high pressure hose to the steering rack which still enabled me to drive to the garage for replacement, we took this car on tour all over Europe , the car was regularly serviced in accordance with the schedules , eventually sold to upgrade to XKR

[@Rickwardful]

From the first time I ever saw an XJS in 1976, I said “One day”. One day I did, and I loved it. But it took me 14 years to get to own that dream car.

[@VernonRhem]

Harold loves that car father had xj6 it was a problem 2:26

[@johnbenson2919]

I always liked the XJS, they were only about 3 years old when I started working at a BL dealership and to be honest I think they look better today than they did when launched, they have aged very well. Personally, I do prefer the original models, for two reasons, firstly, the original instrument cluster, although not the clearest, just looked cooler. Secondly the V12 engine, again whatever it's pros and cons, I just think it's a cool engine.

[@idriveaclassic]

I’d be happy with anything badged XJS after driving this. Although this one would be perfect ❤️

[@klwthe3rd]

@@mcgrory5225 Just an honest to God true statement. Love it.

[@F4Insight-uq6nt]

@@idriveaclassic XJ220 is obviously the best Jag.

[@KarLaLoVe]

Plpr rx🎉😂

[@stevem-h3562]

I had one of these, same age. Had it for two years, drove it from Aylesbury to Italy and back. I wish I'd have kept it. Lovely car, it made friends wherever it went.

[@kathykirby5837]

I used to have a 1990 xjs 3.6. I loved it. I used it every day, it was supremely reliable and I'd have another in a heartbeat if I had the 💸

[@simonhodgetts6530]

Stunning car! The XJS has become my all time favourite classic - I drove the convertible V12 version at the British Car Journey last year, which fulfilled an ambition I’d had since being a boy, playing with my Corgi Return of The Saint model! If my numbers ever come up, I’d be buying a pre-HE V12 on GKN alloys!

[@MyHumanWreckage]

Still, the XJS is one of the most beautiful cars ever built. To me, any year, any model is just so stunning!

[@klwthe3rd]

I agree!

[@julianp4787]

I completely agree with you on the emission zone scam

[@jezchazania1336]

I'm lucky enough to have an early facelift XJS, it's an amazing car. Thank you for the review 👍😊

[@Stephenb033]

Unpopular opinion. I think this facelift is prettier that the original.

[@idriveaclassic]

I feel like it’s not the unpopular opinion judging by the comments haha!

[@simonhodgetts6530]

I think they’re all beautiful - although personally i prefer the early pre-HE cars myself.

[@williamgreer4087]

The 90s facelift was beautiful!

[@jasperdomacena6491]

it looks like one of those 90's VW Classic Beetle where they put Body Coloured Plastic Trims on places where Chrome used to be or those early 90's cars where it's still boxy in shape but there's hints of that 90's jellybean curves.

[@jonnycando]

It’s a lovely car and the one lusted after when it was new.

[@danieleregoli812]

Omg, I could kill for a late-model XJS.... Such an iconic car!!! I absolutely adore the face-lift model ❤️

[@jeffreyprice773]

As a retired Jaguar Technician, i worked on nothing but Jags from 1963 to 2011, i liked the model, but so much to go wrong.

[@ClaireUKBarnFinds]

Great video Steph. I used to have to drive regularly round the country for work. I owned a Jaguar for a brief while and I agree that the driver’s experience is second to none. The seats and driving position are still the best I have experienced in a car.

[@idriveaclassic]

I’m glad I’m not just being silly and somebody else gets it. Haha!

[@grayfool]

The XJS really divides option. Personally I love them. Not loved when new, many were left to rot but they are now beginning to be appreciated for the great GT car they always were. Good video Steph. Thanks.

[@annahopp]

Having owned a 1977 V12 pre-HE as a daily driver, I can appreciate the refinement of a six-cylinder facelift XJ-S.

[@kenbradley5035]

Going by the Jaguar literature in 1995 there were little difference in performance between the two and the handle was better in the 4litre car.

[@raymondhunt6109]

My brother had one from new, he took a right turn on a narrow road 100 yards from his home and the sun was in his eyes and didn't see a lorry coming towards him, the lorry but him broadside and pushed him into a ditch and wrote the Jaguar off. He was ok but gutted.

[@idriveaclassic]

Poor guy. Awful thing to happen.

[@philtucker1224]

Lucky guy, probably survived because of the strength of that great car…

[@mikedearinger9390]

STEPH BOTH YOU AND CAR LOOKING VERY POSH. THANKS.

[@brentfairlie]

Ok, right from the start, I must say, elegant, gorgeous, stylish and clothed period correct. On top of this there is an XJS in this video. Keep up the great work Steph

[@kenbradley5035]

She's a great researcher with none of the silly boy racer attitude which drives most people mad. What a car on offer.

[@hoofie2002]

Always my favourite Jag. It still looks gorgeous after all these years

[@rogerpritchard]

They were all stunning cars in original specification. I personally like the 1989 HE model. Had one for 25 years and cherished owning it. Superb engine.

[@allaroundchef2591]

Greetings from Colorado, love your videos.... My grandparents lived on Browns Lane in Coventry, the Jaguar test drivers would fly up the road in their cladding cad test cars which was always fun to watch, especially seeing the beautiful XJS's fly by.

[@jefferysmith3930]

The facelift on these look great. They took care of the disjointed rear end treatment. Speaking of look great, you are looking great Steph. Your clothing choices are awesome.

[@kenbradley5035]

Yes, she's a smart lady... I suppose we are still allowed to say that these days. chuckle.

[@evo5dave]

These things have aged beautifully and this one looks stunning in silver.

[@idriveaclassic]

Yes the silver keeps it fresh

[@Samson1]

In my opinion it's one of the best looking cars made since the E-Type.

[@idriveaclassic]

Agree!

[@EndeavorsDnB]

These are some excellent reviews of some amazing vehicles (speaking on the total of your channel). I’ve just started watching your content and I’m quite glad I did. Thanks for all u do.

[@davidevans4089]

Great review as ever. You certainly dress for the occasion and complement the car.

[@idriveaclassic]

Thank you David!

[@michaeltreadwell777]

Hi Steph, what a great video. I have to say though, I much prefer the pre face lift model - my Brother in Law had a 1991 V12, 5.2 convertable. What a machine that was, even at 100 mph, when you put your foot down, you could feel the rear end lower as the power kicked in - fabulous. He had it purely as a sunny day car, it never saw rain, so was kept immaculate in his garage. Sadly he's gone, as has the Jaguar, but it was brilliant to drive - a real 'experience'. Thanks Steph, take special care 🙂 X X

[@Jeffybonbon]

in 1978 my boss had a new one BRM217T and he allowed me to drive i fell in love with jag i am a proud owner of one on the last XKs built and i am keeping this car

[@slantfish65sd]

I live here in the Southeastern US and to me those jaguars are really really cool cars. Spectacular looking when they're taking care of and they look really good like that one there does would you said your video that one's been through restoration and it shows cuz it looks amazing. And of course yourself. You're looking really great too in that car and that's what I always love about your videos. You always you know you dress to the nines you know you just look fantastic in these videos. So congratulations on the recent surgery and the videos are great and that jag is really cool too

[@danr1920]

I rented one the last model year, it was a convertible. Expected an out of date car.Styling was out of date, but had lots of style. Best rental car ever. Beautiful wood. Workmanship was perfect.

[@mikeburnitt403]

Yet another excellent video on another great car, good luck doing a video on the ULEZ, if I tried that I would be banned from youtube for a month.

[@RussellSmithOmegaW]

Not far from where I used to live, this drive! Very rare I recognise the roads in these videos, but that one had me sitting up. Seeing quite a few XJS vids but might be me watching Return of the Saint reruns too. What a lovely car, and a great vid.

[@mumblety96]

This is hands down the sexiest automobile ever made. I will 100% acquire another 89 V12, black on black. Currently on a 2005 CL600, and still think about the XJS.

[@peterowen4456]

Great video. I well remember Jag purists pouring scorn on the XJS but a neighbour had one and gave me a short ride and I thought it was a gorgeous car and quite unlike anything else on the road at the time. Hope it goes to a good home.

[@jngf100]

Steph, You are one of the best car reviewers out there (well up with Doug De Mouro et al) and your knowledge of detail of the XJS is exemplary - thanks very much for making this video which I really enjoyed - your point about ULEZ resonates too!

[@roygardiner2229]

Thanks for another smashing video. You always point out features that appeal to you and I find that I share your opinions and priorities. The XJS Jaguar you reviewed was a beautiful example: I would like to own it, even just to look at ❤.

[@micrashed]

Certainly a car I wanted in my youth. I blame Ian Ogilvy.

[@ellarson1]

This is a good looking car but what I like the most is the SIMPLE dash and clearly marked switches.

[@sexytasmin]

Excellent video Steph. Very interesting and informative.

[@klwthe3rd]

I learned so much about the XJS in this video that i never knew for years. I am guilty of calling them "flying buttrusses" and will NEVER make that mistake again. I know i'm going to take alot of hate from this comment but for me, the XJS was a much more beautiful car than the car that proceded it. I know everyone loves the E-type but for me, the lines of this car are more attractive as a grand tourer that can cross continents in style, comfort and enjoyment. Just a great video.

[@Vince_uk]

I lust after these cars Steph, magnificent beasts.

[@idriveaclassic]

Me too! Such a fan

[@geoffreystearns1690]

I had a Tremec 6-speed manual put into my 92 XJS-V12 and it made a whole new car of it.

[@richardhowlett9424]

A rare car that improved with age . It’s a shame that you couldn’t have driven the wonderful roads of Yorkshire .

[@idriveaclassic]

I know. It was 5 hours down, no way could we have got the car up to us

[@sunilnijran1515]

Hi!! Great review!! I was thinking of buying a 1995 Jaguar XJS Celebration .. and your review may have convinced me!👍🙂

[@paulthew2]

Great review

[@idriveaclassic]

Thank you!

[@user-wq9wd6qg6t]

I must admit, Steph, that as a twelve year old car fanatic, I was underwhelmed by the XJ-S when it was introduced,... but in hindsight... what a gorgeous piece of British craftsmanship and design. It was before your time, of course, but the mid 70s was a turbulent period in British industry, particularly the motor industry, which was under relentless attack by communist infiltration into the unions and the workforce. One result of which is that British motors gained a reputation for unreliability, with the knock on effect that research and development suffered, particularly at British Leyland, with it's rich heritage of Rover, Jaguar, Triumph, Austin, Morris, Riley, Wolseley, Vanden Plas, Land Rover and the Trucks division... it was such a tragic shame to see it all go down the pan.

[@d33b33]

That is a stunning UK muscle car. I'll have to hide the puppy Dalmatian until you've rounded the street corner, but what a stunning car, what powerful lines, what a gorgeous wood trimmed interior.

[@rocklover7437]

Stunning elegant car with a fantastic interior but for me it has to have the brilliant V12 .Great review Steph.

[@idriveaclassic]

Thank you!

[@ironica15031955]

I have the same model, absolutely agree with your views. Mine has an electric Ariel - still great fun to have on a car! Unfortunately my air con does not work, I’m told it could be expensive to repair. It has such a fun factor.

[@leuvenlife]

Loving the lines.. you're doing well. That jag also has a good shape. Keep at it, you are doing yourself proud.

[@eyesofisabelofficial]

This suits you right down to the ground 🎯

[@idriveaclassic]

I know right. Why isn’t fate giving me a lottery win to get one

[@randyandtheretreads3144]

I agree with your criteria. These cars are so beautiful you could tell someone it is five years old and they would believe you. I met a guy with a 1994 six cylinder and he said it was very reliable , much better than the 12 cylinder. (from Niagara Falls, Canada)

[@keeperlit.leterrip7722]

I've owned a 1980 and a 1984. Loved it. Did all my own maintenance. Drove daily.

[@MrGman2804]

My mates dad had a 1978 XJS from new. I had a lift to the train station in it in 1979. It was very brisk, and gave that famous magic carpet ride. I have never been in one since, but always fancied one. However, the build quality was never as good as it should have been... It is a good looking car though.

[@novaestrella2571]

I owned an XJS 5.3 ltr, V12, 12 cilinders, champagne colour, convertible. An amazing car, always a smooth ride and it let me down only once because of a broken handbrake. A very thirsty piece of automotive art though.

[@matthewjenkins1161]

Great review of a lovely example. One anorakie detail I'd note about the AJ6 engine, is that it debuted in original 3.6 litre form in the XJS in 1984, 2 years before the XJ40 was launched. Both cars would have received the upgraded 4 litre around the same time, when it replaced production of the earlier 3.6.

[@Car-van-bike-Guides]

3.6 manual very good on fuel

[@troysanchez776]

It said "make economies, not sacrifices" in the early magazine ads. Your praise brings truth to the advertising 😀

[@rbnhd1144]

Wow that is a beauty Steph, nice review dear.

[@andrewnichols1023]

The early xjs’s had lots of gremlins, but the face life version with a 4 speed gearbox instead of a 3 speed was a fantastic car, it was in production for such a long time, they sorted out most of the issues. I love the wood trim added to the dash cluster in the later cars, it’s 70s styling with a modern twist, it’s such a sorted car in its later years.

[@davidhinkson8856]

I've always liked the XJ-S from the time I saw it on the Ian Ogilvy version of "The Saint" TV show when I was a child. This later version is a lot cleaner and prettier in terms of the styling, though.

[@robertamoyaw1979]

I love this Lady's presentation! She is Spot On ! All my questions are always answered 🤓

[@rocklover7437]

Flying buttresses..Lancia Monte Carlo although they added glass to the later ones .I owned one

[@idriveaclassic]

Oh lovely! Lucky you ☺️

[@tarekmirdad]

Excellent presentation. I enjoyed very much.

[@scottishcarenthusiastsandtrain]

Excellent review Steph, a really good looking car, if it was not for the dreaded Ultra Low Emission Zone coming into force in Edinburgh next year I would have one of these.

[@martinclapton2724]

Lovely car, always preferred the earlier model in looks terms but this car I could easily warm too . Always liked the Jaguar AJ 6 / 16 engines too

[@sevesellors2831]

Had the pleasure of a drive in the XJS and an XJ6 both beautiful unbeatable for the money. Great review too!

[@ThomasDoubting5]

Good lord absolutely beautiful .the late xjs look awesome in red .

[@donaljamescaddye3805]

Still has the wow factor - beautiful shape and attention to detail- when that car goes down the street every pair of eyes is on it deservedly so !

[@coldhell3580]

I’ve got a pre-facelift v12. Love it.

[@DonC1965]

Beautiful car and great video.

[@davidperry3234]

What ever you choose I'll be watching mate love the working man honesty keep up the good work 👍

[@paullacey2999]

I loved the XJ-S as a kid.Still a big imposing car😍

[@paco6096]

I love this car

[@idriveaclassic]

My favourite of the year so far by a long shot

[@bloodybrit]

A dream car for me and you drove past where my first real job was, the driving centre where I took my test, Greenhams BMX track (long gone) where I spent much of my youth in the 80s. Had you turned right out of the car park and crossed the A4 you would have got a better driving road with more of a country feel. Great video, want an XJS anyway, but now feeling homesick as I am stuck on the wrong side of the pond.

[@stevenward6453]

Why do old cars look so good great vids Steph

[@bathroomjon1]

Great vid - lovely car - cheers Steph

[@johnmiller4973]

The Maserati with flying butteresses was the Merak

[@idriveaclassic]

Yeah there should be a pic pop up as I continue chatting 😊

[@johnmiller4973]

​@@idriveaclassicthe Merak also has a V8 powered companion called the Bora... Same body but V8 engine

[@classiccars1994]

The XJS has always been an underrated and under valued car, but finally it is starting to get the recognition it deserves. All variants are great cars, but ultimately for me the original incarnation of the XJ-S is the prettiest of all, with cleaner lines and a more pure design .

[@jimcrabtree5205]

I had a drive of a late XJS last year. such a lovely old thing. Great Video steph. The only good thing about the ULEZ is all the cars like this that are coming up for sale

[@Phuc_Yhou]

My wife had a 93 4.0 sport , dark blue metallic, cream leather with lattice wheels 20 years ago, 2 years and 30k of trouble free motoring , only major fault was the battery drain from the boot light switch, cheap fix when I finally found it.

[@Pmjs]

I enjoyed watching this video on the lovely XJS, one of my favourite Jaguar's.

[@commandertopgun]

❤❤❤❤ this Jaguar xjs review,Idrivesclassic you have done a superb informative, telling, thought Provoking & inspiring review on a dream car of mine for decades & can now easily afford one, at present, unfortunately for me,I live in the Southern Caribbean & our laws will not permit cars vintage onto the islands ( politics ) lol, this car you review is epic, spectacular, incredibly Stunning & preserved. Thanks for sharing & just wanted you to know my Lady, you've done an excellent video on this jaguar.... I'd be in London for the Fallthid year, so who knows..cheers.

[@javelsaudades6537]

My favorite car and you’re so much fun! Thanks. Namaste!!!!

[@jeremyturner2301]

Love your review and the Maserati you speak of is the Merak or Bora. Whilst an XJS is a lovely thing, not too keen on the facelift version and feel the pre - HE/HE shape is preferable. For ultimate rarity, look up the XJS Lynx Eventer - an XJS sports estate.

[@phillryan1749]

The V12 had more plumbing than an oil refinery, frightened the life out of me, when considering maintenance. I had 10 years with a Mercedes 420 SEL before eventually buying a 97 XK8 convertible.

[@brighteyesvideos]

Nice. A few hiccups along the way, but I drive my 94' XJS Kingfisher-blue straight 6 as my daily driver here in Northern California. Such a pretty and fairly reliable car; easy to work on too.

[@Gurovski]

love the XJS, my fav is a very late 89/90 3.6 manual 🤩

[@HouseflyUK]

Watching whilst eating my lunch, I realised you are next to the Great West Road in Brentford! I used to live in Brentford! Lovely car as well... Always wanted to drive one.

[@HouseflyUK]

And driving around Isleworth where I took my driving test!

[@kw6766]

my dream car , always wanted one in white , a great video 👍

[@jameskrell4392]

The car that featured in the Comic Strip Presents film Supergrass. I nearly bought one once, loved it but a mate of mine who was a mechanic, he was more than a macanic he was a car whisperer, told me that it was very difficult to keep all those carbs balanced. I belived him and bought a BMW instead. As he was the only person I have ever known to rebuild a 1967 Mustang so he must have been right lol.

[@dave3jags]

You get a LIKE from me for not calling them Flying Buttresses. They are designed that way for spill effect aerodynamics rather than aesthetics.

[@peterward3965]

When that Jaguar hits 40 years old it will be allowed back into the ULEZ free of charge, as then classed as a classic car crazy isn't it. A shame owners having to give up their beloved cars.

[@idriveaclassic]

This is what infuriates me! There should be an amnesty for anyone with an old car in the area currently. Once that car dies, it’s then for them to move forwards with something new.

[@rocklover7437]

Classic cars carbon hit on the day it was made is so long ago and that's why they are environmentally friendly. I read they are phasing out half price clean burning LPG which i run in my 1979 Cadillac Coupe Deville and that's criminal .I would love to run even greener LNG but only 8 petrol stations in the UK sell it .Again criminal . It's obvious they want us all in electric cars or no cars .

[@peterward3965]

@@idriveaclassic I agree with you, a registration system as such.

[@simonhodgetts6530]

Shows the idiocy of ULEZ - you can drive a 40yr old 4litre gas guzzler in the zone, but not a 10yr old car with relatively modern emission controls………

[@peterward3965]

@@simonhodgetts6530 and it's a ulez cancer spreading through out the country, and will sadly get worse. Khan then wants to charge per mile for driving in the Capital, my neighbour told me as he works for TFL.

[@michaeltutty1540]

Fantastic, Steph. I have a feeling that we're I the owner, rather than selling that beauty I would have been calling "Location, Location, Location" or "Escape To The Country" and moving! With London property prices, a Londoner could sell and move to anywhere within an hour commute, and have two or three times the property as well as keeping the car. I remember when these were new. Loved them right off the bat. My dream would be one of the late 6 cylinder drop heads with the 5 speed manual. Preferably in light blue metallic with the dark blue top and interior. C'est Magnifique.

[@davmar5648]

Thanks for a great video Steph. Pity you couldn't open it up on the open road.. They were a great car especially with this engine.

[@easytiger2523]

You had me at arm rest. Don't ever change,

[@marculix]

Love this Jag! It is indeed the best car built ever!

[@louisxiiii]

The facelift was a big improvement. I've been looking for one to buy. I found a pre-facelift in the colors I wanted, and gave ti ta drive. The seats were not nearly as adjustable, the turn signal and cruise control stalks were ridiculously flimsy, the bumpers looked funny, and they had a cardboard box under the car to catch lal the fluids dripping out. I will say, the drum gauges were way cooler than the round dials on fake plastic of the facelift cars.

[@johndrake2729]

The XJ40 had that digital/analog mix on the dash when it first came out.

[@coenvandenberg863]

Lovely car, great video, I am still hoping for a Princess18/22 in the near future....