Production years: 1973 - 1979

1973 brought about the XJ Series 2 models with the need to amend the design primarily for safety regulations in the USA. Front bumpers were raised which meant changing the radiator grille and lighting. Side impact bars were fitted to the doors and the bulkhead was sealed off from the cabin area. A new dashboard and other trim changes saw the range also expand with another new engine configuration 3.4 litres plus the 4.2 and 5.3 litre engines, plus Jaguar and Daimler models, long and short wheelbases, Vanden Plas and even a beautifully styled two-door pillarless coupe models.

Model Summary

Model Type:

XJ Saloons

Production Dates:

1973 - 1979

Engine Range:

3.4 Litre Series Saloon

4.2 Litre Series 2 Saloon

5.3 Litre Series 2 Saloon

0 - 60 mph:

3.4 Litre Series Saloon - 10.9 seconds

4.2 Litre Series 2 Saloon - 8.9 seconds

5.3 Litre Series 2 Saloon - 7.8 seconds (Note All these specs are for Fuel Injected models)

Top Speed:

3.4 Litre Series Saloon - 117 mph

4.2 Litre Series 2 Saloon - 125 mph

5.3 Litre Series 2 Saloon - 147 mph

Daimler Sovereign Series 2 4 2 Litre Saloon
Xj Series 2 3 4 4 2 Litre Saloon

Series 2 Technical Specifications

Technical Information

Engine Statistics

  3.4 Litre Series Saloon
Engine (cc) 3442
Bore and Stroke (mm) 83 x 106
Compression Ratio 8.8:1
BHP 161
@ RPM 5000
Torque (lb ft) 189
@ RPM 3500
Fuelling 2x SU carbs
  4.2 Litre Series 2 Saloon
Engine (cc) 4235
Bore and Stroke (mm) 92.7 x 106
Compression Ratio 8:1 (7:1/9:1 optional)
BHP 170
@ RPM 4500
Torque (lb ft) 231
@ RPM 3500
Fuelling 2x SU carbs
  5.3 Litre Series 2 Saloon
Engine (cc) 5343
Bore and Stroke (mm) 90 x 70
Compression Ratio 9:1
BHP 285
@ RPM 5750
Torque (lb ft) 294
@ RPM 3500
Fuelling 4x Stromberg carbs, later fuel-injection

Engine Performance

  3.4 Litre Series Saloon
Top Speed 117 mph
0 - 60 mph 10.9 seconds
Fuel Consumption 16.7 mpg
  4.2 Litre Series 2 Saloon
Top Speed 125 mph
0 - 60 mph 8.9 seconds
Fuel Consumption 15 mpg
  5.3 Litre Series 2 Saloon
Top Speed 147 mph
0 - 60 mph 7.8 seconds (Note All these specs are for Fuel Injected models)
Fuel Consumption 13.2 mpg

Model Specifications

  3.4 Litre Series Saloon
Transmission 4-speed all synchro BW 3-speed auto
Wheel Size (in) 15, steel/chrome
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 2 Saloon
Transmission 4-speed all synchro BW 3-speed auto
Wheel Size (in) 15, steel/chrome
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 2 Saloon
Transmission BW 3-speed auto Later GM 3-speed auto
Wheel Size (in) 15, steel/chrome
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

  3.4 Litre Series 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) 32
  4.2 Litre Series 2 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) 33 (34 long-wheelbase)
  5.3 Litre Series 2 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

  • Under-bumper fog/spot lights (standard on Vanden Plas)
  • Halogen headlights
  • Air conditioning (standard on Vanden Plas and on other Daimler V12s from 1975
  • Rear seat belts (standard on Vanden Plas from 1975)
  • Drivers door mirror (standard on Vanden Plas)
  • Mud flaps
  • Witter tow bar

3.4 Litre Series Saloon

  • Heated rear screen
  • Overdrive for manual gearbox
  • Automatic transmission
  • Electrically operated windows
  • Laminated windscreen
  • Sundym tinted glass
  • Radio and/or radio/cassette system with electric aerial
  • Wing mirrors
  • Front seat headrests
  • Leather upholstery

4.2 Litre Series 2 Saloon

  • Overdrive for manual gearbox
  • Automatic transmission
  • Sundym tinted glass (standard on Vandem Plas and all models from 1978)
  • Radio and/or radio/cassette system with electric aerial (standard on Vanden Plas)
  • Kent alloy wheels
  • Whitewall tyres
  • Rear seat headrests (only on Vanden Plas)
  • Limited-slip differential
  • Cloth upholstery

5.3 Litre Series 2 Saloon

  • Sundym tinted glass (standard on Vanden Plas anf all V12s from 1976)
  • Choice of two radio and radio/cassette systems with electric aerial (standard on Vanden Plas and from 1976 on DD6 coupe)
  • Kent alloy wheels
  • Whitewall tyres
  • Rear seat headrests (only on Vanden Plas)
  • Limited-slip differential
  • Cloth upholstery

Chassis Numbers

Model Driver Side Chassis No. Commenced Number made
Jaguar XJ6 3.4l RHD 3A1001 5004
Jaguar XJ6 3.4l LHD 3A50001 1486
Jaguar XJ6 4.2l RHD 2N1001 7463
Jaguar XJ6 4.2l LHD 2N50001 4907
Jaguar XJ6L 4.2l RHD 2T1001 26236
Jaguar XJ6L 4.2l LHD 2T50001 24676
Jaguar XJ12 5.3l RHD 2R1001 4157
Jaguar XJ12 5.3l LHD 2R50001 10069
Jaguar XJ6C 4.2l RHD 2J1001 2606
Jaguar XJ6C 4.2l LHD 2J50001 3899
Jaguar XJ12C 5.3l RHD 2G1001 604
JaguarXJ12C 5.3l LHD 2G50001 1269
Daimler Sovereign 3.4 RHD 3B1001 2341
Daimler Sovereign 3.4 LHD 3B50001 inc in RHD
Daimler Sovereign VDP 4.2 RHD 3C1001 883
Daimler Sovereign VDP 4.2 LHD 3C50001 inc in RHD

Club Events

Series 2 News

Xj Series 2 3 4 4 2 Litre Saloon
Daimler Sovereign Series 2 4 2 Litre Saloon

Model Contacts

Keith Parrington

XJ Series Forum Co-ordinator

[email protected]

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