X81 XJ12: The Bizarre Car Jaguar Were Forced To Build, Then Cancelled After A Year

[@cornishrider]

The Jaguar Dealership I worked at in Cornwall bought a batch of new old stock XJ40's several years after production (1997 ish) they were all odd spec including XJR, XJ12 and LWB Majestic. Suffice to say there was a healthy discount and our customers snapped them up in no time, real bargains!

[@martinboulden3540]

Was that down in Newlyn ?

[@Treviscoe]

@@martinboulden3540 I'm guessing Falmouth (Riders).

[@cornishrider]

It was Riders Jaguar Falmouth

[@jimmorrison8225]

Bloody marvelous

[@earldominguez3938]

I LOVE MY XJ6 MAJESTIC JAGUAR..will keep it .always .inteL may and ..

[@markpirateuk]

Having briefly owned a double six, I did chuckle at the 16 mpg the trip computer reported. I averaged 12mpg! I still think the XJ is one of the best looking saloon cars ever made, my last 4.2 was actually very reliable and had 250k on the clock when I sold it!

[@fastdays_1]

For me it's the opposite: I really like these squared headlights while I don't like the 4 rounds. The XJ40 was born with the squared headlights and that's how it should be: with the 4 rounds it seems like an afterthought.

[@almal378]

I think that the later XJR 4.0 looks much better with square headlights than the 3.6 with quad round lights and is the best looking of all XJ40s. Incidentally, I feel the same way about the Bentley Mulsanne/Eight/Turbo R.

[@seandog94]

it actually got the 40 moniker as an homage to volvo 140/240 where they stole the headlight design from

[@ThePaulv12]

Yeah the 4 headlight front on these is hideous IMO.

[@igordewit7357]

Yep...square lights,best looking XJ model EVER,in my opinion. Shame about the digital 80s crap dash ..but still wanna buy one. Red one,with a tan interior;✋😁Sold!!

[@fastdays_1]

@@igordewit7357 the XJ with the square headlights had the analogue dash from 1990 onwards, so you can enjoy the car without the crappy digital dash..

[@paul1978g]

"Grace, Space & Pace". This lovely thing certainly lived up to that mantra. Incidentally, that same glorious 6.0 V12 found it's way into the later XJS, and frankly it's the best version of XJS they ever made. Significantly better from a reliability standpoint, and usefully more potent than the 5.3. There are quite a few days when I miss working for Jaguar, and seeing this takes me back to where I started.

[@wads80z]

Not a lot of space inside an XJS! A Clio has more room for driver & passenger 😂

[@klwthe3rd]

I never realized the 6.0 liter V12 was that much better than the 5.3 V12. Why is that?

[@ProjektAgnetha]

"Just enough room for a glass of port and a pork pie" - absolutely spot on social commentary!

[@guybutler6406]

I love that line.

[@zounds010]

did you know this wasn't the first V12 XJ40? In 1990, Lister started offering a V12 conversion for the XJ40. You could get the same engine options they offered for the XJ-S (from a 450 bhp 5.3, a 6.0, 7.0 NA and a 7.0 with superchargers and 600 bhp). There's a test report in Jaguar Quarterly, vol 2 nr 3 which shows the Lister prototype/demo car, a standard-looking quad-headlamp XJ40 with Lister wheels and a V12 badge as the only indicators this was something special. It had the 7.0 litre NA engine (500bhp, 500 lbft), and a 5-speed manual from Getrag.

[@Fred8000W]

Had one for 4 years. Loved every minute of it. Great straight 6, fantastic interior, beautiful white and gold exterior. They have a great presence on the road even still. Must disagree wutb the headlights comments. The square fit the shape of the front so very well.

[@laowhy86]

Lights look great! Was the 6 enough power?

[@Fred8000W]

@@laowhy86 in 1999 is was enough to see of the GTIs, and today it'll be nothing like modern turbos, but it never felt short on power, sound, or soul

[@bigbeardjags1276]

@@laowhy86 the 3.6 i had a few about 135mph with pedal in the floor, but still more than enough power, the v12 is simply immense

[@yeahme8367]

@@laowhy86 omg amazing seeing you here

[@bjarneanmarkrud8187]

I think the square headlights have aged rather well, and i'm saying this as a x300 owner! with some bilstein b6 dampers and a rear sway bar this would probably make a great drivers car!

[@imnotahealthandsafetyperso4889]

When your mot is out fancy selling your x300 😂

[@bjarneanmarkrud8187]

​@@imnotahealthandsafetyperso4889 its an XJR6, so as long as i'm allowed to drive it in my city, i'm not selling it ;)

[@imnotahealthandsafetyperso4889]

@@bjarneanmarkrud8187 with our governments should think there be stoped within the next year most parts of London is going that way lol

[@smokesgtp]

I always liked the square lights on this body.

[@rossbrumby1957]

I had an 88 sovereign 3.6 and then a 90 xj6 4.0 and the lights on the sovereign looked way more modern and better. Hated the garbage ford style tibbe keys on the xj6- and the plastic clips kept breaking on the door lock linkages which wasn't an issue on the older model.

[@phil955i]

True story: I used to do a fair bit of work for Lucas in Birmingham as a contractor throughout the 90s & they'd very often have cars in the workshop before they were officially released. Being a petrol head I'd always have a bit of a sniff around them & in the early 90s they had a pre-production XJ40 V12 in the workshop. When I looked inside I noticed a big red emergency stop button on the centre console. When I questioned it they told me that someone had it out on test & on the approach to a roundabout it had gone full throttle & kicked down, it was as much as he could do to hold it back on the brakes before scrabbling to turn the ignition key off. So they fitted the button until they could diagnose the cause. Eventually they traced it to house burglar alarms causing radio interference with the Lucas ECU. I also remember seeing rows of their instrument clusters under test in climatic cycling chambers.

[@notroll1279]

That sounds reassuring!

[@asdreww]

Hey, that's super cool. Any more stories? :D

[@phil955i]

@@asdreww they also had a drive in chamber, brick built in the 1950s, about the size of a house garage, inside it they could simulate Arctic or desert temperatures (minus 40 to plus 70 degrees C). They'd park cars in there & test ignition components by seeing if the car would start at those extremes of temperature. I would have to don an Arctic suit & go in there at minus 40 to make adjustments as I worked for the company that supplied all their climatic testing equipment at the time.

[@20PhantoM07]

You sound interesting and I suspect you also own a Triumph.. A man of culture!

[@phil955i]

@@20PhantoM07 ha ha no, an old Mercedes. But I wouldn't mind a 2000 or 2500, or even a Stag 👍

[@64bakes]

I've always loved these cars and am a bit of a fan of the square headlights, although unpopular with most people which I can understand. I think my Dad used to have either a very late Series 2 or early Series 3 XJ12. He bought it at an auction in the early Eighties with one cylinder head warped from overheating, so was sold as a non runner, but in otherwise very good condition. Managed to find a second hand replacement head for sale in the local classifieds and fitted it. Still one of his favourite cars to this day. Sadly on his wages back then, he had to let it go as he couldn't afford to run the thing!

[@raistaparta]

I always liked these square headlights. They seemed to give the Jaguar a meaner look, especially with the tinted tail lights.

[@lewis72]

Sovereign & Daimler had square lamps, the twin lamps was on the poverty XJ6 & Jaguar XJ12.

[@jfv65]

@@lewis72 so, basically buy the Daimler and swap in the 4 headlight setup of the Jag. Rhatcqay you'd have all the Daimler posh and snobbery but also the nicer quad headline front.

[@alanhunter2009]

Owned the Jag version for 12 years, purchasing it at 18 months old. Probably my favourite car but had to sell it because I changed my job and needed something more reliable. Water ingress, self-levelling suspension needed constant topping up, radiator leak, air con broken, oil leak etc. etc. The person that bought it had intended to do it up but after seeing it on a ramp for over a year, it disappeared from his driveway. I reckon a lost cause.

[@sotirisbakaimis3276]

Old Jag.....and I like the headlights!!! There is a gigantic amount of style & elegance in this model!!!

[@ImmortanDan]

I sort of recoiled when I realized that this video was uploaded 3 days ago. I just dipped back into looking at the old Jags, and stumbled on this channel pretty much by accident. That said, you're doing a great job reviewing these!

[@X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X]

The XJ40/81 is one of my favourite XJs. Its clean looks make the proportions shine.

[@jonathanwright9269]

Rectangular headlights every time for me personally.....round ones look like they put a panel in front of the rectangular lights with two holes in it. XJ40 model is really growing on me. Good video btw.

[@iantownsend500]

I’ve watched that Clarkson XJ 12 videos so many times. Both the 5.3 & the 6.0 litre. The 5.3 rides like it’s on a cloud & the 6 litre as Clarkson said is a proper sports saloon

[@BibtheBoulder]

The thing I like most about the XJ range (until its reincarnation in 2010) is the fact they have character. Something generally missing from German cars....

[@nicolasansom2681]

I had a 4litre Sovereign XJ40 and it made me feel like a million dollars

[@TheDarkPhoenix23]

Not a bad video, but a few points to clarify. 1.) The V12 was done at the behest of Ford management to make the existing XJ40 car relevant in the luxury car market, as it was surpassed by all of it's rivals at the time. 2.) The round headlights were found on all US cars until the 90 model year due to headlight legislation at the time, and lower spec cars with the exception being the "sport" model XJ40. 3.) XJ40 was in fact created to not accept a V configured engine. This was largely due in part to rumors at the time of having the Rover 3.5 V8 thrust on them, to which Jaguar wanted no parts of such a "common" engine in their machines. 4.) Since the car you're driving is either a 93 or 94, the self leveling system was gone by then. They were problematic as they were tied into the braking system and used the mineral oil used in the braking system to level the rear shocks. If you were unfortunate enough to spring a leak, you were also unfortunate enough to lose your brakes. 5.) The slab sidedness of the car was in vogue at the time the car was created (the 70's). The car was due to be the replacement for the Series II Jaguar, but after some testing it was determined that a longer gestation period was needed, with more of a focus on quality. Hence the welcoming of Series lll; a Series ll tweaked by Pininfarina. I've always found it odd that these were the ugly step child of the Jaguar purists for so long, as they were appropriate for their time. Since they were not collectible for so long, they were often crushed when they started to show their "aches and pains" so to speak. I'm fortunate to have a 94 XJ40 Vanden Plas (US car obviously) and it garners looks wherever I take it. It's the very last real Jaguar (Ford bought Jag in 89 - "Ford originally paid $2.5 billion for Jaguar, in 1989, and $3.3 billion for Land Rover, in 1999") and the last to have any input from the founder himself, William Lyons. It's replacement, the X300 was a retro inspired Ford design with XJ40/81 running gear and interiors, so they couldn't have been all that bad.

[@bikerylon]

Re 4. point. Brakes and suspension fliud system was separetaed on 1990MY.

[@BillyBoy444]

I actually prefer the square headlights on an XJ40 because the twin ones look a bit like some aftermarket add on...... the XJ12 of that model had sports suspension and so drove a bit sharper than the Daimler Double Six version...... that car you tested seems to have XJ12 wheels fitted as the Daimler ones were different.... Clarkson's 1993 review of the XJ12 is still on KZbin somewhere.

[@canyellafina7162]

Exactly! The twin headlights are badly finished. The bezels aren't well designed. When the car paint is light it's less noticeable but when it's dark, the "aftermarket" feeling you mention is much more noticeable.

[@saymyname218]

And the square lights were only fitted on the high end Jags.

[@canyellafina7162]

0:46 Jim Randle (Jaguar's engineering director) was the man who "lied" to British Leyland to avoid installing the Buick-Rover V8. He left Jaguar in 1991 due to discrepancies with Ford's new management. Also, he was not a fan of the V12 installation but of a turbocharged version of the AJ6. Rest in peace. (1938 - † 2019)

[@garethhanna9173]

The XJ40 has managed the XJS trick of being almost universally hated as a travesty of design compared to its predecessors to today being a bit of a classic. There's a definite hint of 80's bad boy about them and they have a lovely stance on the road, relatively simple mechanicals means they are easy to keep on the road and Ford made sure the late models were built like tanks.

[@91drunkenmonkey]

For and built like tanks ?? Really ???....easy mechanics??? Really???

[@alexandrecouture2462]

@@91drunkenmonkey It was not a Ford at all, but Ford did work with Jag to fix quite a few bugs and problems of the early XJ40 to make it a more reliable car.

[@alexandrecouture2462]

I love my 91 XJ40 Sovereign, with its rectangle headlights. Yes it is a bit of an odd duck, but it makes it original and completely unlike anything else on the road.

[@garethhanna9173]

@@91drunkenmonkey having run 2 late model XJ40 Daimlers yes, any competent mechanic can work on them.

[@garethhanna9173]

@@alexandrecouture2462 it was built under Ford ownership. I had a '89 Daimler that rusted badly and had rubbish electrics, my '94 didn't have rust anywhere and aircraft grade electrics, it was more than fixing a few bugs.

[@raistaparta]

I saw one of these regularly around town when I was a kid and never realized how rare it was. It always fascinated me though.

[@africanotomotiv]

I couldn't help but notice the Jimny which kept bombing into the frame from 7:30. Splendid video James. Thank you.

[@milesborg9812]

Owned a gorgeous sage green Daimler 4.0 (sov XJ40) 1991 in great condition a few years back. Loved the thing. Had to sell as I had trouble storing it (it's quite a long car)! I didn't mind the square headlights. I can confirm the boot was huge!

[@darrenwilson8042]

"gearbox is in sport mode lets see what she'll do......." 6mpg is my guess lol

[@NewtonInDaHouseYo]

That’s a beautiful interior spec. Very nice!

[@markscars1069]

I owned one as my second ever car back in 1999 to around 2001 and I bought it after selling a Fiat Cinq Sporting. Swapped a 1.1 litre for a six litre. It was magnificent. That car (L858 BPB) took me all over Europe and it’s one of only two cars I ever regret selling. Worst issues I had were the rear suspension for which we removed the self levelling, and the header tanks, which always split. Plus the oil level used to move around and you had to be careful that you didn’t overfill it. But at 120mph around the A99 down in Munich, it was imperious. And oh yes, the cruise control. They fail sometimes. The rubber grommet on the throttle body degrades and disappears and the throttle is engineered to close (i.e. the grommet forces the throttle to hold open when you set the cruise).

[@fredericksaxton3991]

I bought a S3 Daimler Double Six. Best and most comfortable car I ever had. 2 years later in 1995 I bought a rear ended 1991 XJ40 Sport, which was the Top of the range in those days, not the entry level cars the S5 X300 series cars became. I had the back end repaired and did 200,000 miles on it, I sold it to a friend who had it a further 7 years. That was bright red with square headlights. FABULOUS Car...!

[@alanwilliams1223]

During the mid 90's I owned a G Reg 5.3 V12 Jaguar 3 Series. Boy did it drink petrol, 10-15mpg.

[@jphaesen3860]

Hey Jay, you confirm to the letter a story I heard from a quality engineer of Girling brakes in 1988 who visited me at the rear axes plant of Volvo in Belgium. He had worked for Jaguar and also informed us that, instead of using 3D-measurement, mechanics had to just test pistons if they would slide into the cylinders to obtain a decent set to assemble an engine. But still, I look upon these cars as timeless icons. Good to see you keep the memory alive.

[@edword7195]

the square lights were not just Daimler but also on the range toping Jaguar xj40 sovereigns

[@andrewward1887]

I worked for a jaguar dealer from 91 to 2004 they were good cars ,the V12 sedan was a great touring cars I commute 300 miles a week in a 1990 xj6 drives like a champ.

[@paulredding5864]

Beautiful car and overall design now looks better to me. Had to smile when you put your foot down, was thinking "half a gallon, one gallon" as she pulled away 😎

[@E7DMG]

I owned and ran a 93 V12 6.0L. Bought ex lease with 75k and ran it up to 145k over 3 years - fantastic car had a TWR body kit in Racing green.

[@richardhunt1384]

A Harry Metcalf conversation then to a manual box allowing you to make full use of that fantastic engine. Plus the rather rare Vauxhall Carlton Estate you drive past (7:10- 7:13) is quite interesting as well.

[@neilwalsh4058]

Best looking XJ for me was the 40, although I do like a top spec V12 series. Had a few 40's & a series 3 XJ12 when they were available for a grand or less in most cases, and was offered a tidy clean Jaguar version of the 6 litre XJ40 for about £1100 around 15 years ago. Think Micks optimistic valuing this at 20k but that might be because I had them at gutter money back in the day.

[@phil955i]

Ha ha yes I bought a series 3 XJ6 for a grand in 1991, it was only 10 years old at the time

[@judgementalTX]

I've seen lower miles go for 8k at auction recently. 20k is top money for a series 1 or 2 XJ12, DD6

[@peterodonnell5820]

I never had a saloon model after a 1966 Mark II 3.8 but I did own two V12 XJS' in 200 to 2005 as everyday cars. The first was a 5.3 facelift model from 1990 and the second was from two years later and had the 6.0 litre engine with the four speed gearbox. The difference between the two cars was really marked, the build quality was much better on the later car and the four speed box made driving lots of fun in all circumstances - you can't beat a V12 for smooth torque at any speed. I didn't test the claimed 147 mph top speed but I did 125 - 130 on sneaky late night runs in the country and it just ate up the road. Of course running costs can be hair raising, I agree with the comment in the video that the V12 engine is pretty solid but the ancillary systems like ABS and air conditioning did need work. I had them both serviced every 9000 miles by non-dealer specialists and a bill of less than £800 felt like a win. I averaged 13.5 mpg on the 5.3 litre and 14mpg on the 6.0 litre but owning them was a great experience, especially the 6.0 litre model.

[@zoerandall-rea4459]

Hi Jay, great review mate. My husband has a 4 L, straight 6 XJ40. Had for many years now. Fab motor. Thanks again.

[@danieleregoli812]

Very interesting conversation, since I both own a 3.6 XJ40, as well as a V8 Rover P6, so both lovely cars to drive, and honestly I do not at all find the straight 6 any less enticing or sexy than the V8. Jag's straight six is a JOY to have under the bonnet when you drive, and also quite punchy and responsive as well as very refined and smooth....and these I suspect are the very reasons why it took them so long to install the V12 in the made-to-be-narrow bonnet of the XJ40. Really, It's not clear to me how one could 'miss' the 12 cylinder when the six was already such an excellent choice, and so sublime, especially in the later 4.0 guise... as well as more reliable, easier to maintain and CONSIDERABLY LESS thirsty than the 6litre V12.

[@varmastiko2908]

It must have been a numbers thing only, for those customers who had to have the 'best' despite it making no clear difference. What the 6.0 V12 did do though, was to allow a 155 mph top speed which until then had been a German monopoly.

[@danieleregoli812]

@@varmastiko2908 True, I agree, it was very much both a prestige, as well as a 'numbers' thing, because in actual fact the straight six was overall a much better option for 99.9% of the customers. Indeed all V12 models have a special aura about them.

[@TheEarlofK]

I did not know that this model existed, a true rarity, although I did know about the Series 3 being kept-on with the V12 engine. My father bought one of the first Jaguar XJ6s, and even then I was curious about the 'dimpled grill' version, soon discovering in the annual Daily Express 'Motor Show guide' that it was a Daimler; it was then regarded as the ultimate one-upmanship, bought by Barristers and Surgeons to differentiate themselves from the Jaguar-owning hoi polloi.

[@leeevernden]

That is a particularly good looking example, I agree they don't feel as special as the series 3 but I bet they are easier to live with, any late model XJ40 is a very refined car compared to the early ones thanks mainly to Fords influence.

[@piercehawke8021]

One of the best things that happened to Aston Martin, Jaguar and Land Rover; was when Ford did own them and, said corporation apparently fixed a LOT of especially reliability issues on at least those models just prior to the Dearborn era

[@johnparry4861]

Love the optional nodding dog in the rear parcel shelf. Subjective I know, but personally I prefer thee large single headlights. It really suits the elegance of the Damilar model.

[@rokmulec498]

Packs quite a punch with the gearbox in sport mode. Awesome car this Jag, in spite of ageing badly. Nice sound. Thanks for this video.

[@skelejp9982]

Engine sure sounds great ! Thank You for another interesting review. These XJs are so low, there is no other Super Sedan Brand that offers that kind of unique driving experience.

[@CUTproductionsLtd]

I agree with others, the square headlights are elegant and much better than the odd quad round ones, which sit strangely in such a squared off design, they weren't meant for. I think these fine cars are just beginning to exit the scrap curve and will appreciate more in the surviving prices. I had a 4.0 litre Sovereign, red with cream leather/red piping and electric sunroof, when it was just around 6-7 years old and there was rust developing even then. That was easily sorted though and the AJ6 straight DOHC was almost bullet proof and silky smooth, not losing a quart of oil or water, between services in the 250K miles I took it to - much better than the XK engine of the 1992 XJ6 I had before it. You really turned heads in those days and they drove much finer than the contemporary Rolls I tried. I think they have aged much better than the S-Type or the later X300 since there is little conspicuously retro about them. They sure look classy gliding along now to me and those seats are pure quality, and were just as nice to sit in, and I badly am hankering for another but it would break my heart to have a knackered old one that I see around, when I so fondly remember mine which was quite new at the time. I used to take mine for servicing to Creamers of Kensington, where the Queen Mother had her cars serviced and they put Jaguar Brown's Lane cloths over the wings and then gave you a day hotel/luxury sauna pass whilst you waited, as it were - very pricey but worth it!

[@markdolman9056]

I exchanged a year old xjs 4.0 for and xj12 brand new, it cost 47k and I sold it 2 years later for 13k with only 8k miles on it. The most deprecating car I have ever owned but I loved it. The things you do when you are young and buy with your ❤️

[@comeberza]

I comment in three quarter of your videos saying I want the car, but I truly do. The selection of cars featured in the channel is amazing and the mini series very well chosen

[@MaxamilionB]

My first own car was a XJ12/XJ81, i still have it and for me it aged so well, the morocco red makes it even better looking for me. I you also have one, keep it!

[@paulie-Gualtieri.]

Excellent I've always loved the XJ40 great cars in the right hands.

[@tommorides8086]

Proper Browns Lane Jaguar.

[@donaldtucker4914]

Had the Jaguarr V12 in Morocco red for five years. 15mpg average but utterly sublime to drive, completely reliable to own. Often regret selling her but with current petrol prices I'm starting to regret it less. With some irony, I used it several times to drive to meetings my employer was having about our environmental policy and response to climate change!

[@cornishrider]

Lovely Alloys, those are Forged were also part of the rare Sports Pack option (inc different suspension) you could order, a manual XJ6 4.0 Sports Pack was a rare and fine car, once drove one that was optioned up to virtually Sovereign spec, the buyer came out of a BMW e34 535 manual and was delighted!

[@alexandrecouture2462]

Great video! I have a 91 Sovereign XJ6 XJ40 and I love it! Its first owner had it from 1991 to 2017, so he must have liked it too.

[@bond0666]

I've got an xj40, f reg, and it's one of most reliable cars ever, and totally comfortable

[@richardprice7763]

I always liked the black rear light housings on these XJ40 Daimlers compared to the reddish pink ones on the Jaguars...

[@omostim2385]

We had an xj40 vanden plas and later a x308 xjr. I think I’ve only seen xj40 v12 once and it wasn’t running. I didn’t realize how rare they were and all of the extra engineering that went into putting a v12 in it. There was a v12 version of the x300 also which I think is pretty rare

[@klwthe3rd]

They are super rare! If you find one, buy it! I know i will.

[@paolofabregar7389]

xj40 vanden owner here thank you for making this video! i really enjoy seeing this car on youtube

[@thejamesieboy]

I never liked the round lights on the XJ40 style XJ's, they look like an after thought. On the early series 1,,and 3 they work as the bonnet is sculptured to accentuate them, on the XJ0 it just looks like a piece of metal or plastic with two holes drilled to make a round light version. I am saying that with my first XJ40 being a round light one, my other two both being Daimlers had the square ones. I have also had a X300 and currently a Daimler X308 with again round lights that look good as the bonnet was redesigned to be more like the older series ones. I really like the styling of the XJ40 and often tempted to go back to one.

[@KarlHamilton]

Agreed

[@jayhkjay]

This brought back fond memories. I owned a couple of these Daimler Double Sixes... a 1993 and a 1994... back in the early-mid 2000s. They were cheap cars to buy back then here in Hong Kong... I got the 1993 for only HKD 15k (about UKP 1500 at today's exchange rate), and the 1994 with only around 40,000km on the clock in excellent condition was only HKD 20k (UKP 2k)! I exported the early one to New Zealand, and ended up losing a bit on it after the shipping, while I sold on the 1994 for a 50% profit... ignoring the continuous expensive bills to keep it on the road. For a luxury car that doesn't cost an arm and a leg to keep on the road, my preference now is for Mercedes S series.

[@DomDOMT]

Seems like a bittersweet tho. I just came in as I am looking to import a Jag to Hong Kong but Environment Department is doing shit. Anyway how much are the bills needed to upkeep these V12s? Can I bore the engines for engine head swap?

[@danielarsenault8930]

I love the XJ81, I have had one in the best color, Morocco Red metallic for 23 years and its ticked over 103,000 miles now and it I can still drive it hard and it rewards it. I think you would have a hard time getting more than $12,000 USD for one in the US so maybe they are more valuable in the UK. Personally I think it gives you 95% of the Bentley / Rolls Royce Experience for what is about a quarter of the price at the going rate all in all its the bargain super sedan of the 90s IMHO to buy, but yes you need deep pockets to keep them running at top nick if you don't do your own work. There is nothing like that jet turbine feel of the V12 though.

[@almal378]

Morocco Red is fantastic.

[@robertmills6772]

Wonderfully done! And I've always been keen on those 80s and 90s Jaguars.

[@areyouundoingthatorwhat9181]

My pal let's me keep a couple of my cars in his showroom,about a year ago while there getting my Capri out he had one of these in metallic red with cream trim in the showroom between two of my cars,A 6.0 litre,with 20K miles and absolutely properly immaculate( he mentioned that the spotless condition was as it arrived not even needing a valet!),I'm sure but not positive that it was on an M plate,though.I don't really take pictures of cars,even exotics but I have a couple of the Daimler,it was that stunning! He took me for a blast up the nearest dual carriageway in it and,the way it seemed to effortlessly hustle up to stupid speed with little sensation of anything happening is strangely odd! It was sold retail to another motor trader from the west country with an apparent massive Jag obsession before he had even advertised it and from what I gather the guy was a hoarder of jaguar Daimler stuff with a large collection.

[@DavidE-rr9vx]

Great video. I've got the Jag version and it's fantastic car. Comfortable with very respectable performance even for today. The economy is just the same as a petrol Range Rover, but you don't buy one and watch the fuel consumption. Just drive it and enjoy it while we still can.

[@phillipsharpe6459]

Just bought my first jaguar, a 2.0d xe portfolio, and i must admit i love it , wafts along well, sport mode is fast enough for me , and average of 43 mpg , £20 road tax ,what's not to like, 😁👍

[@worthlessdollar1]

It's always a joy to see an old Jag that's well looked after and still on the road. There's a hint of a Spitfire about them.

[@Stag2997]

I believe they were called The XJ81, Not the X81. The X300 generation was effectively a rebodied and improved XJ40. The V12 in those is similar but the interiors are that little bit nicer, even if they both look similar inside. Nice to see a V12 Jag being reviewed

[@TheMrFishnDucks]

Very interesting car. Nice video. Keep up the good work.

[@francis2811]

The Supercharged XJ is the most thrilling car I've ever driven!

[@johang7498]

Jaaaag-times, they're the best! After the launch of the more timeless or classic looking X300-models in 1994, the XJ40 suddenly looked very dated to me; only now can i see its distinctive charm.

[@daviddunmore8415]

I used to have an early 3.6 XJ40 Sovereign. Lovely care, but the 'self levelling' rear suspension was a pain in the rear!. The only other gripe was the weird Metric wheels. Lovely old thing though, but a tad thirty - Averaged 18/20mpg with a motorway cruising best of a shade over 24.

[@rbnootan101]

Great show, really enjoy these videos.

[@bentdog8917]

What a lovely old thing. Classy.

[@jamesstaggs4160]

The square headlights just don't work with this car. As an American fan of older Jags (the beautiful XJS 12 cylinder in particular) I'm glad they returned to the round versions.

[@charliegoodwin5345]

I’ve got a 40 w circles n honestly I prefer the squares for the xj40s. Don’t get me wrong I love my x308,and x300s but those black xj40s w squares are so badass

[@bensmithkent22]

Was this the same 6.0 that went in the xjrs 6.0. My uncle had a red g reg was the one on the stand at the 1989 motor show, became a non runner when he got bored of it. Some enthusiast snapped it up when he died along with his lwb new shape xj. I took his ex company car boggo xe diesel. Think I made a mistake there. This xjs was a very low thing with a subtle kit on it and much less chrome than the regular xjs. Only had a 3 speed auto.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Yes I believe so

[@grayfool]

Seems batter as a used buy than a new one in it's day. The looks were, shall we say, a little controversial at the time. Otherwise a very worthwhile update of the series 3.

[@LennonRamone]

It’s funny, I actually prefer the look of the flush headlights to the round ones, but each to his own 🤷‍♂️.

[@chrisbaker121924]

The square ones suit the car so much better.

[@imranhashmi6172]

Sir it is a pleasure to listen to your perfect enunciation. Keep it up.

[@howardlake6178]

When the XJ40 came out in 1986, at exactly the same time as the new 7 Series, both had 18 month waiting lists. Prior to the coming recession, their build slots were changing hands for 3 grand above list price. Always amused me when I saw the price of them both drop to around a grand 😂

[@stepha5926]

Now the e32 was *by FAR* greatest luxury car the world had ever seen in 1986. It was leagues ahead of everything, especially Jags.

[@skylined5534]

@@stepha5926 Especially the jags? How do especially? Looking at the Jag's dash vs the BMW looks nice but incredibly dated even at the time. I'm a big of bimmers, had a few myself but the interior look for the E32 isn't as pleasant looking, not by a long chalk.

[@exgtt2061]

Wow you tracked down a 6.0! Great vid Jay! This engine and gearbox found its way into the last XJS too

[@john1703]

The headlights are a matter of taste. A similar situation obtained with the 18/22 or Princess. The smaller engines had the four round lights. The first version of the V12 (71-75, also E-Type) needed to use 4 carburettors, with that horrid throttle linkage, because the earliest attempt at the fuel injection system did not work.

[@miked7121]

My parents had a ‘94 XJ12 that they bought new. I remember my Dad was going to get the inline 6 Vanden Plas but he didn’t like the fluted grill so they got the XJ12.

[@skylined5534]

Growing up this series of Jag/Daimler was a reasonably common site in the 80s and 90s but only now looking at them do I realise just how much presence these have and they're handsome old beasts to boot. Edit: 7:10 clean looking Carlton Estate in one of the best colours!

[@fantashi1782]

xj40 is my fav jag. its in between being old and modern at the same time. Every time i let some one new to drive it theyll be like “ i doesnt feel old “ its very quirky too, its a perfect sub 10 k car for me

[@nigel.w]

IMHO, a Jag should have a big six (preferably of the straight variety) or a twelve. Talking about putting the Rover V8 in a Jaaaaag is sacrilege. Jaguar engineers back then knew their stuff. And 16mpg from the 12 is not that bad. However, despite the lure of the 12, I'm not sure that the 4L six doesn't suit the car better. Of course, as a vehicle to keep, you'd want the 12. I always rather liked the XJ40 shape, but they are very rust-prone, and the pre-89 cars were unreliable, too. The X300 cars are significantly improved, but despite returning to a more classic XJ look, I still think there's just something about the XJ40 shape. Sadly, ULEZ means that for London residents and an increasing number of others, these classic Jags are no longer a viable ownership proposition, and an X350 is the only classic-shaped Jag that is viable. Of course, you also need a big garage to keep one of these in good shape. But I think ULEZ is going to bring about the premature demise of many of these Jags that are still ~10+ years away from historic classification.

[@Teeveepicksures]

In the 80's as a kid I thought the square headlights were ugly. Now they seem timeless. Absolutely classic lines that imo were the last beautiful Jags ever built.

[@dragonflyquyn898]

Drove a 1990 4.0 L Sovereign....comfortable fast and fuel ⛽️ efficient almost bulletproof 🤩

[@davekennedy6315]

What a beautiful, classy car. Always had a dream of getting one of these works of art, installing the Lister 7ltr V12, manual gearbox and then change the suspension, brakes etc. It would be like freeing the demon that lurks inside any Jag V12, Lister certainly saw (or maybe heard?) the demon and set it free. Hence why they had an XJS (Lister Le Mans) that could hit over 200mph. I always felt it was a little sad that Jaguar never released an unleashed model back then.

[@iainbagnall4825]

I'd have settled for a "leashed" one with a factory manual :(

[@akr01364]

A friend of mine here in the US has the Knowles WIlkins rehabbed version of the Jag of I believe near this iteration. When having it done before the pandemic his, similar to my 6'2" frame meant having a custom chair made that is about three inches lower to the floor than the standard car. It's the only steel body XJ I've been able to honestly drive.

[@aliengoth]

If you could combine xj40 performance with Series 3 handling and body you have a perfect car

[@bradfordbarrettluckotheIrish]

Outstanding review mate

[@philnewstead5388]

I owned the Jaguar version for about two years and loved it, it was an ex management car so despite being a Jaguar it had all the Daimler fittings with the exception of the picnic tables. I used to regularly get just over twenty to the gallon on a run but used to average about seventeen on a mixed driving cycle. I found the car terribly unreliable and my mates in the Jaguar used to say I had the most economical V12 in history as I used to drive to events but usually got recovered home. To be fair it may not have been the car's fault as 99% of the faults were electrical caused by corroded terminals under the bonnet and the suspicion was that the car had been steam cleaned under the bonnet at some time something that we have simply not done in the motor trade since the seventies for this very reason.

[@davidking9707]

That made a great noise when you gave it some beans. I had an X300 3.2. The J gate is wonderful to use.

[@5amH45lam]

Those headlights are _pure_ British Leyland! It's _nowhere near_ as pretty as the x308.

[@dhdove]

Earlier cruise control did work although it was a little vague. The problem was it was prone to breaking, usually due to air leaks on the bellows.

[@EdwardCheek]

I had an 07 and an 04 XJ and they both were extremely reliable and fun to drive. 13 MPG though

[@maximan4363]

The 205 1.9 is the best car I have ever owned - OMG driving that at 19 was amazing! Stuck to the road like glue, drank fuel like water if raced but happy to be driven in traffic. It was a little rocket! I still see a few on the road now but wouldn't buy one - I couldn't afford the insurance let alone the petrol! I've never been keen on Jags, even the new ones! I love MG's - such a great drive, feels so much faster than you are! If there was one car I could own it would be an Atom - OMG they are out of this world!

[@davidbrooks187]

Great video & very informative. The jagV12 is majestic 🇬🇧👍

[@SabotsLibres]

That V12 is best mated to a manual box (see Harry Metcalf's beautiful coupé...)

[@skaraborgcraft]

I remember driving a later XJ40 with the supercharged V8, and was pretty much impressed that such a huge chunk of car took off the way it did. Great fun for a big car.....still thisrty with a heavy foot, but normal for any car with this weight and HP.

[@whos-your-mate]

Cheers Mick 👍

[@klwthe3rd]

I want Mick's contact info so i can buy all these rare Jags!

[@scottstrails9369]

Had a few of these in the car job..great cars..there were a couple S3 V12 on run out brand new as late as 95/6