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

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

Model Contacts

Keith Parrington

XJ Series Forum Co-ordinator

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