Production years: 1979 - 1992

By 1977 Jaguar needed to refresh the XJ so for the first time in their history, they went to an outside styling house Pininfarina to re-design the basic structure which entailed new lighting, impact absorbing bumpers, a larger glass area, flush mounted door handles and more changes to the interior - the Series 3 model was born. Produced in all engine sizes, Daimler and Jaguar but now only in long wheelbase form, the Series 3 revitalised sales while Jaguar was working on the design of an entirely new car for its replacement.

The 6-cylinder XJ6 Series 3 remained in production until 1987, the V12 Jaguar until 1991 and the Daimler Double Six until 1992, after which nearly three quarters of a million XJs had been produced.

Model Summary

Model Type:

XJ Saloons

Production Dates:

1979 - 1992

Engine Range:

3.4 Litre Series 3 Saloon

4.2 Litre Series 3 Saloon

5.3 Litre Series 3 Saloon

0 - 60 mph:

3.4 Litre Series 3 Saloon - 10.9 seconds

4.2 Litre Series 3 Saloon - 10.5 seconds

5.3 Litre Series 3 Saloon - 7.8 seconds (note all specs are for pre HE models)

Top Speed:

3.4 Litre Series 3 Saloon - 117 mph

4.2 Litre Series 3 Saloon - 128 mph

5.3 Litre Series 3 Saloon - 147 mph

Jaguar Xj6 Series 3 3 4 4 2 5 3 Litre Saloon

Series 3 Technical Specifications

Technical Information

Engine Statistics

	3.4 Litre Series 3 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 3 Saloon
Engine (cc)	4235
Bore and Stroke (mm)	97.07 x 106
Compression Ratio	8:1
BHP	200
@ RPM	5000
Torque (lb ft)	236
@ RPM	2750
Fuelling	Fuel-injection

	5.3 Litre Series 3 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	Fuel-injection

Engine Performance

	3.4 Litre Series 3 Saloon
Top Speed	117 mph
0 - 60 mph	10.9 seconds
Fuel Consumption	16.7 mpg

	4.2 Litre Series 3 Saloon
Top Speed	128 mph
0 - 60 mph	10.5 seconds
Fuel Consumption	15.7 mpg

	5.3 Litre Series 3 Saloon
Top Speed	147 mph
0 - 60 mph	7.8 seconds (note all specs are for pre HE models)
Fuel Consumption	13.2 mpg

Model Specifications

	3.4 Litre Series 3 Saloon
Transmission	5-speed all synchro
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 3 Saloon
Transmission	5-speed all synchro BW 3-speed auto
Wheel Size (in)	15, steel Later alloys
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 3 Saloon
Transmission	GM 3-speed auto BW 3-speed auto
Wheel Size (in)	15, steel or alloys
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 3 Saloon
Length (in)	194.75
Width (in)	69.25
Height (in)	54
Wheelbase (in)	112.75
Front Track (in)	58
Rear Track (in)	58.5
Weight (Cwt)	34

	4.2 Litre Series 3 Saloon
Length (in)	194.75
Width (in)	69.25
Height (in)	54
Wheelbase (in)	112.75
Front Track (in)	58
Rear Track (in)	58.5
Weight (Cwt)	35.4

	5.3 Litre Series 3 Saloon
Length (in)	194.75
Width (in)	69.25
Height (in)	54
Wheelbase (in)	112.75
Front Track (in)	58
Rear Track (in)	58.5
Weight (Cwt)	36

Optional Extras

All Models

Under-bumper fog/spot lights
Halogen headlights
Air-conditioning (standard on Vanden Plas from 1975)
Rear seat belts (standard on Vanden Plas from 1975)
Sundym tinted glass (standard on Vanden Plas and all V12s from 1976 and all models from 1978)
Drivers door mirror (standard on Vanden Plas)
Mud flaps
Witter tow bar

3.4 Litre Series 3 Saloon

Heated rear screem
Overdrive for manual gearbox
Automatic transmission
Electrically operated windows
Rear seat belts
Laminated windscreen
Radio and/or radio/cassette system with electric aerial
Wing mirrors
Front seat headrests
Leather upholstery

4.2 Litre Series 3 Saloon

Overdrive for manual gearbox
Automatic transmission
Radio and/or radio/cassette system with electric aerial (standard on Vanden Plas)
Kent alloy wheels
Whitewalll tyres
Rear seat headrests (only on Vanden Plas)
Limited-slip differential
Cloth upholstery

5.3 Litre Series 3 Saloon

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
Limited-slip differential
Cloth upholstery