Thanks to Doug Dwyer for this guide to help owners determine exactly which model of "XJ6" that they own.



Jaguar has sold the XJ6 in various forms over a period of decades, with the “XJ6” model name being applied to several significantly different cars. To clarify which basic design platform is being discussed the engineering designation, rather than model name, is often used.

This practice became commonplace in the 80s-90s because Jaguar, for a period of time, was simultaneously building two very different cars and marketing both as “XJ6”. This is further confused by country-to-country differences in model year designations. Of the two, the Series III XJ6 is the older model, the final iteration of the Series I-II-III lineup originally dating back to 1968. Production of the Series III XJ6 continued until April 1987.

(Many Jag enthusiasts don't acknowledge these 1987-built Series III XJ6s, erroneously believing production ended in 1986. Parts vendors often make the same mistake. One table in Jaguar's own JDHT archives also incorrectly states that Series III XJ6 production ended in October 1986.)

The 'new' XJ6 carried an internal engineering designation of “XJ40” ...which became a convenient (but still confusing) way to differentiate between an 'old' XJ6 and a 'new' XJ6.

The XJ40 version of the XJ6 went on sale for most markets in 1986 and is often considered a 1986 or 1987 model year car. It was introduced to the North American market in mid-1987. These North American deliveries will carry a 1988 VIN identifier.

XJ40 production ended in 1994 yet the XJ6 nameplate again continued on within the 'X300' platform. In the North American market these are 1995-96-97 model year cars. A few years later, in the 2000s, the XJ6 nameplate was revived for certain markets. These are 'X350' cars.

If a car falls into the 80s-90s confusion zone there are numerous ways to identify it but a quick method is to look at the last six digits of the VIN.

A Series III XJ6 (built 1979-1987) will have a VIN ranging from 300001 to 477823. (Note that the Series III body style continued on, with the V12 engine only, until 1992 and VIN 486xxx)

The 'XJ40' models had a VIN sequence starting with 500515

The 'X300' models had a VIN sequence starting with 720001

There are many visual differences in the Series III, XJ40, and X300 body types. The tail lights are a very quick identifier..



Series III

XJ40

X300

 

you can also look at this Production Chart by Jaguar World Magazine by Paul Skilleter

 

Good info that shows production of the different models by calendar year....but doesn't really answer the question "What type of XJ6 do I have?"

Cheers
DD

 

what do you mean by Type?

 

The 'type' of XJ6. Series III type versus XJ40 type versus X300 type.

Cheers
DD

 

In the European market, the aluminium bodied X350 (2003-2009) also had an XJ6 variant with a 3.0 litre engine.

Graham

 

Right, as mentioned in the write-up. I didn't elaborate, though, because I felt it was chronologically well outside of the 'confusion zone'.

Cheers
DD

 

 

Hello

There is a 1974 XJ Sovereign for sale at a local auction that is a bit of a basket case. Therefore has me very interested.

The bonnet does not open, therefore I cannot see what size the motor is, but I do have the following information found on the old rego sticker

Chassis No: 2S3200BW
ENG No: 8L7254S

Is there some way of finding out if this is a 4.2l motor or the 2.8?
Is there some way of finding out if it was carb or fuel injected, as well and long or short wheel base

Cheers
Steve

 

i have owned mine for 30 years and I am already sick and tired of Jaguars. haha!

My next car is a 1950 MG.

 

Jose, kindly tell the house why you are already sick and tired of Jaguar cars and why going for 1950 MG

 

love hate relationship I guess. I need a new old car.

 

A TC? The only new car I ever bought was a 53 TD!!!! I had a ball with it. Chasing Porche on the autobahn. never caught any!!!!

 

Looking for a fuel additive for the AJ6 motor. Like to boost octane without buying premium fuel.
Thanks