Production years: 1968 - 1973

A complete change in format for Jaguar after the expansion of model ranges through the 1960s. The gamble was to produce a single model to meet the global market demands for a Jaguar saloon and this car was the XJ6 introduced in 1968. Mechanically it still utilised the XK twin cam engine with twin carburettors and retained the well established independent rear suspension. Front suspension was enhanced as was the steering and Dunlop even produced special tyres for the car. Stylistically the car still retained that Jaguar appeal with the four headlight treatment but now with a less prominent radiator grille. A revised rear treatment incorporated a Coke bottle ‘kick’ over the rear wheel arches and a tapering rear end. Internally the car was also new but yet again retained much of the appeal and layout of earlier Jaguar models.

Introduced with the standard 4.2 litre XK engine from the 420, there was also a new configuration of 2.8 litres to meet the demands of tax conscious markets. This engine was never used in any other models because of inherent problems with holing pistons. Launched as a Jaguar model only, by 1969 a Daimler derivative became available, badged engineered into the brand as the Sovereign. Later longer wheelbase models were also offered and in 1972 the new Jaguar V12 engine (first seen in the E-type Series 3) was also fitted to the XJ, creating the XJ12, both in Jaguar and Daimler Double Six versions, both long and short wheelbases. At the same time, now the business was part of the British Leyland combine, the Vanden Plas Coachworks in London hand finished Daimlers to create the most expensive Jaguar model of that period, the Daimler Double Six Vanden Plas.

Model Summary

Model Type:

XJ Saloons

Production Dates:

1968 - 1973

Engine Range:

2.8 Litre Series 1 Saloon

4.2 Litre Series 1 Saloon

5.3 Litre Series 1 Saloon

0 - 60 mph:

2.8 Litre Series 1 Saloon - 11 seconds

4.2 Litre Series 1 Saloon - 8.8 seconds

5.3 Litre Series 1 Saloon - 7.4 seconds

Top Speed:

2.8 Litre Series 1 Saloon - 117 mph

4.2 Litre Series 1 Saloon - 124 mph

5.3 Litre Series 1 Saloon - 145 mph

Series 1 Technical Specifications

Technical Information

Engine Statistics

  2.8 Litre Series 1 Saloon
Engine (cc) 2792
Bore and Stroke (mm) 83 x 86
Compression Ratio 9:1 (7:1/8:1 optional)
BHP 180
@ RPM 6000
Torque (lb ft) 182
@ RPM 3750
Fuelling 2x SU carbs
  4.2 Litre Series 1 Saloon
Engine (cc) 4235
Bore and Stroke (mm) 92.7 x 106
Compression Ratio 9:1 (7:1/8:1 optional)
BHP 245
@ RPM 5500
Torque (lb ft) 283
@ RPM 3750
Fuelling 2x SU carbs
  5.3 Litre Series 1 Saloon
Engine (cc) 5343
Bore and Stroke (mm) 90 x 70
Compression Ratio 9:1
BHP 253
@ RPM 6000
Torque (lb ft) 302
@ RPM 3500
Fuelling 4x Stromberg carbs

Engine Performance

  2.8 Litre Series 1 Saloon
Top Speed 117 mph
0 - 60 mph 11 seconds
Fuel Consumption 16-20 mpg
  4.2 Litre Series 1 Saloon
Top Speed 124 mph
0 - 60 mph 8.8 seconds
Fuel Consumption 15.3 mpg
  5.3 Litre Series 1 Saloon
Top Speed 145 mph
0 - 60 mph 7.4 seconds
Fuel Consumption 15.7 mpg

Model Specifications

  2.8 Litre Series 1 Saloon
Transmission 4-speed all synchro BW 3-speed auto
Wheel Size (in) 15, steel
Suspension (Front) Ind semi trailing wishbones, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Suspension (Rear) Ind lower wishbones/upper driveshaft link, radius arms, coil springs
Brakes 4-wheel disc, rear inboard
  4.2 Litre Series 1 Saloon
Transmission 4-speed all synchro BW 3-speed auto
Wheel Size (in) 15, steel
Suspension (Front) Ind semi trailing wishbones, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Suspension (Rear) Ind lower wishbones/upper driveshaft link, radius arms, coil springs
Brakes 4-wheel disc, rear inboard
  5.3 Litre Series 1 Saloon
Transmission BW 3-speed auto
Wheel Size (in) 15, Steel/Chrome Alloys optional
Suspension (Front) Ind semi trailing wishbones, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Suspension (Rear) Ind lower wishbones/upper driveshaft link, radius arms, coil springs
Brakes 4-wheel disc, rear inboard

Model Dimensions

  2.8 Litre Series 1 Saloon
Length (in) 189.5
Width (in) 69.25
Height (in) 54
Wheelbase (in) 108.75
Front Track (in) 58
Rear Track (in) 58.5
Weight (Cwt) 32
  4.2 Litre Series 1 Saloon
Length (in) 189.5 (194.75 long-wheelbase)
Width (in) 69.25
Height (in) 54
Wheelbase (in) 108.75 (112.5 long-wheelbase)
Front Track (in) 58
Rear Track (in) 58.5
Weight (Cwt) 33 (34 long-wheelbase)
  5.3 Litre Series 1 Saloon
Length (in) 189.5 (194.75 long-wheelbase)
Width (in) 69.25
Height (in) 54
Wheelbase (in) 108.75 (112.75 long-wheelbase)
Front Track (in) 58
Rear Track (in) 58.5
Weight (Cwt) 35 (36 long-wheelbase)

Optional Extras

All Models

  • Flush fitting fog/spot lights (standard on Vanden Plas)
  • Laminated windscreen (standard on Vanden Plas)
  • Sundym tinted glass (standard on Vanden Plas)
  • Front seat headrests (from 1969) (standard on Vanden Plas)
  • Witter tow bar

2.8 Litre Series 1 Saloon

  • Heated rear screen
  • Overdrive for manual geabox
  • Automatic transmission
  • Power-assisted steering
  • Electrically operated windows
  • Front seat belts, or front and rear
  • Two choices of radio equipment
  • Chrome wheel rimbellishers
  • Wing mirrors
  • Mud flaps (de luxe saloons)

4.2 Litre Series 1 Saloon

  • Heated rear screen (standard from 1972)
  • Overdrive for manual geabox
  • Automatic transmission
  • Electrically operated windows
  • Air-conditioning
  • Front seat belts, front and/or rear
  • Two choice of radio equipment or radio/cassette or cartridge unit
  • Philips radio/cassette and recorder with microphone
  • Electrically operated radio aerial
  • Wing mirrors
  • Mud flaps

5.3 Litre Series 1 Saloon

  • Air conditions (standard on Vanden Plas)
  • Front seat belts (standard on Vanden Plas) and/or rear
  • Two choice of radio equipment or radio/cassette or cartridge unit (standard on Vanden Plas)
  • Philips radio/cassette and recorder with microphone
  • Electrically operated radio aerial
  • Chrome-plated ventilated steel wheels
  • Wing mirrors (not Vanden Plas)
  • Passenger-side remote door mirror (Vanden Plas only)
  • Mud flaps

Chassis Numbers

Model Driver Side Chassis No. Commenced Number made
Jaguar XJ6 2.8 RHD 1G1001 13301
Jaguar XJ6 2.8 LHD 1G50001 6125
Jaguar XJ6 4.2 RHD 1L1001 33467
Jaguar XJ6 4.2 LHD 1L50001 25505
Jaguar XJ6L 4.2 RHD 2E1001 583
Jaguar XJ6L 4.2 LHD 2E50001 1
Jaguar XJ12 RHD 1P1001 720
Jaguar XJ12 LHD 1P50001 1762
Jaguar XJ12L RHD 2C1001 750
Jaguar XJ12L LHD 2C50001 3
Daimler Double Six RHD 2A1001
Daimler Double Six LHD 2A50001
P1110400
Xj12 Series 1 Saloon

Model Contacts

Keith Parrington

XJ Series Forum Co-ordinator

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