1978 Jaguar XJ12L

In 1968 Jaguar introduced their XJ6 - and although introduced with the XK six-cylinder engine, it had always been Jaguar's intention that its flagship saloon would accommodate the new all-alloy V12 engine that had made its introduction in the E-Type sports car, and that happened in July of 1972. The 5.3-liter V12 engine offered 272 horsepower and had a top speed of 145 mph. The performance and luxury found in the 12-cylinder Jaguar rivaled that of many more expensive European sports cars. Though the two-door coupe was aimed at the lucrative USA market, the coupe was never approved by the USA authorities.

In 1974, Jaguar introduced the long-wheelbase XJ12L sedan. The XJ12L rested on a large 112.8-inch wheelbase, had a three-speed automatic gearbox, and had disc brakes in the front and the rear.

In 1997, Jaguar would adopt the fuel-injected engine for the United States market. The overhead-cam 12-cylinder engine displaced 326 cubic-inches and offered 244 horsepower. The 1978 model would continue with no significant changes. It was priced at $23,900 for the XJ12L sedan while the XJ6L sedan sold for $19,000. During 1978, Jaguar sold 3,284 examples of the XJ12L in the United States.

By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2013