Jaguar XJ6 saloons (from 1968)

The XJ6 of 1968 was destined to survive for 18 years. It was a replacement for both the large Mark X and the Mark II saloons. It was low and sleek and exceptionally well refined. The 4.2 litre engine was essentially the same as the Mark X unit, but a new 2.8 litre engine was also offered. Most XJ6s were fitted with automatic transmission, although a manual gearbox was offered.

It was updated in 1974 as the series II. Identifiable by the lower grille and higher bumpers. The series III came out in the 1979. The design work was done by Pininfarina. By this time overall build quality was something of an issue. Things improved however, in 1980 and by 1986, when the series came to an end, quality was back at the original high level.

Specification
Jaguar XJ6 (4.2 litre)

Engine
Straight 6, 4235 cc

Power
245 bhp @ 5500 rpm

Transmission
3-speed automatic

Chassis
Unitary construction

Suspension
Independent front and rear

Brakes
Girling disc

Top speed
193 km/h

Acceleration
0-96 km/h: 10.1 s