1983 Jaguar XJ12

The Jaguar XJ Series III was in production from 1979 until 1992. Styled by Pininfarina, it is a front-engine, rear wheel drive saloon range seating five adults.

Originally developed as a stopgap, the Jaguar XJ Series III became the most widely produced variant of the Series XJ range. It was deemed necessary to refresh the Series II, as the new XJ40 was further away from production than had been planned. Jaguar subcontracted the job to Pininfarina, which raised the rear of the roof, sharpened the lines up, and fitted impact absorbing rubber bumpers. Available initially as an XJ6, a Daimler Sovereign and a Sovereign Vanden Plas (plus corresponding XJ12 and Double Six variants), the range was revised during 1982 and 1983. The Vanden Plas name was dropped, Daimler specification increased to fill the gap and a new Jaguar was launched using the Sovereign name formerly used by Daimler. For 1985, in anticipation of the new XJ40, the Jaguar XJ12 was renamed the Sovereign V12. In 1986 all six cylinder models were discontinued, leaving a two model Jaguar XJ Series III range consisting of the Jaguar Sovereign V12 and the Daimler Double Six.

187505 Jaguar XJ Series IIIs were produced. The Jaguar XJ Series III was replaced by the XJ40 in 1986, in six cylinder form only. XJ12 models continued until 1991, while the similar Daimler Double Six was produced into 1992. Both models were replaced by the Jaguar and Daimler XJ81 – a V12 powered XJ40 launched in 1993 – which would wear familiar XJ12 and Double Six branding respectively.

Alternatives to the Jaguar XJ Series III then and now would include the Mercedes-Benz W126 S-class and BMW E23 7-series, though when new the base XJ6 competed in the class below in terms of price. The V8 variants of the Rover SD1, and possible even the Ford Granada 2.8i Ghia X, might therefore be considered as alternatives to an XJ6 3.4. Many considered the Daimler Double Six to be the finest car in the world – in which case there’s a case to be made for considering the Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit as a rival.