Jaguar XJS V12 Coupé 1986 - World Of Classic Cars -

Jaguar XJS V12 Coupé 1986

The Jaguar XJS was a luxury grand tourer produced from 1975 through to 1996 and replaced the E-Type. Although it never had quite the same sporting image, the XJS was a competent grand tourer, and actually more aerodynamic than the E-Type. The last XJS was produced on 4th April 1996; at that stage 115,413 had been produced during a 21 year production life. Originally, power came from the Jaguar V12 petrol engine with a choice of a manual or automatic transmission but the manual was soon dropped. V12 engined cars were unusual at the time with notable exceptions coming from Italian luxury sports car makers Lamborghini and Ferrari. The specifications of the XJS compared well with both Italian cars; it was able to accelerate to 60mph in 7.6 seconds and had a top speed of 143mph. From July 1981, the XJS received the new High-Efficiency engine for much better economy; as a by-product, power was increased to 295bhp. At the same time, the XJS received changes to its exterior and interior; new five-spoke alloy wheels, chrome inserts on the upper part of the bumpers and wood inserts on dashboard and door cappings.