1995 Jaguar XJS

Designer Malcolm Sayer penned a shape during the late 1960s that was known as project XJ27, evolving into the XJ-S with the help of Jaguar design team headed by Doug Thorpe. The production version was introduced on September 10th of 1975 and was initially powered by a twelve-cylinder engine paired with a manual or automatic transmission (the manual was quickly dropped). A new High-Efficiency V12 engine arrived in July of 1981 with its Fire Ball combustion chamber designed by Swiss Engineer Michael May. Corresponding with the mechanical improvement, exterior and interior changes were implemented including chrome inserts on the upper part of the bumpers, burled elm inserts on the interior, and new five-spoke alloy wheels. In 1983, a 3.6-liter AJ6 straight six-cylinder version was introduced along with a new convertible model dubbed the XJ-SC. While the coupe had rear seating, the convertible did not. Initially, the six-cylinder models were paired solely with a Getrag 265 five-speed manual transmission but from 1987 onwards, they could be mated to a four-speed ZF 4HP22 automatic.

The 1995 Jaguar XJS coupe and convertible wore styling that was first introduced in 1991 and would continue through 1996. These updates were introduced in May of 1991 under Ford Motor Company's new ownership, as a division of its Premier Auto Group. The previous models had the hyphen in their name, but from 1991 forward, the hyphen was dropped. Beneath the long and graceful bonnet was a new 4.0-liter version of the AJ6 straight-six engine. In May of 1992, the twelve-cylinder's capacity grew to 6.0 liters, and its power was now rated at 304 hp. This engine used a GM 4L80E with a fourth-gear overdrive, while the 4.0-liter version continued to use the electronic ZF4HP24E transmission. The previous inboard rear brakes were replaced by less complicated outboard brakes.

The coupe was joined by a convertible version in 1992, followed by a 2+2 convertible variant.

The 1995 Jaguar XJS upgraded 4-liter six-cylinder engine which saw an increase in horsepower to nearly 240 HP. The 12-cylinder powerplant was also upgraded, now delivering 300 horsepower. The 4.0- and 6.0-liter models were differentiated by having different headlight bezels, grille and grille. The 6.0 versions had color-keyed door mirrors while the 4.0-liter versions had chrome mirrors and headlight bezeled.

The wheelbase measured 98.4 inches, its length at 173.6 inches, stood 53.4 inches tall, and had a width of 68.9 inches. The coupe with the 4.0-liter engine was priced at $53,400 and the 6.0-liter V12 version at $72,355. The convertible with the 4-liter engine listed for $61,500 and the larger-engined version at $82,600.

Special 'celebration' versions were built in recognition of the 60th year of Jaguar Cars. These special edition cars had Jaguar embossed seats, a wooden steering wheel, and diamond-turned wheels.

A total of 27,406 examples of the Jaguar XJS were built between 1991 and 1996. It was superseded by the XK8.

by Daniel Vaughan | May 2013

As the successor of the iconic E-Type, the XJS had a profound reputation to uphold. The XJS made its debut in 1975 and made a grand statement as a GT (grand touring) car built to cross European countries with aplomb. With a 5.3 liter V-12 engine, achieving a top speed of 143 MPH could be done. The XJS retained this basic configuration and aesthetic appeal until its timely redesign in 1991.

All XJSs from this time are referred to as 'facelift' models. The rear side windows appeared enlarged (although the body glass aperture was actually the same size as the earlier car) and the buttresses stayed, as designer Geoff Lawson argued that they were part of the car's character. The car received a new 4-litre version of the AJ6. In 1992 a 4-litre convertible was added to the range. The V12's capacity was enlarged to 6 litres in May 1993 (227 kW (304 hp)).

At the same time the car benefited from a revision to the rear brakes, they were now fitted with outboard rear disc brakes, instead of the more complicated inboard items on previous models. With the introduction of the 6.0-litre V12, the transmission was also updated to a GM 4L80E with a 4th gear overdrive, whilst the automatic 4-litre models continued with the electronic ZF4HP24E transmission.

A 2+2 convertible was also introduced, as was a customized insignia line. At the same time the car received more aerodynamic front and rear bumpers. 1992 thru 1994 were the only years the 6-cylinder with 5-speed manual transmission XJS was exported to the United States. Exact production figures are unknown; though it is likely there are fewer than ten.

In April 1994 substantial revisions were made to the 4-litre AJ6 engine which became the 4-litre AJ16 with coil on plug ignition being amongst the most noticeable of the changes. In 1995, the final specification changes were made and the car was referred to as the Celebration model to celebrate the 60th year of the Jaguar company. Celebration cars are easily identifiable by the diamond turned wheels, Jaguar embossed seats and distinctive wooden steering wheel. These latest cars are the most desirable of all the later XJSs, especially the convertibles. The 6-litre V12 had all but disappeared by this time and was only available during the last year of production by special order. The car was discontinued in 1996, after 21 years in production. It was replaced by the XK8.

Built only for 5 years until 1996, these cars were known by enthusiasts as the 'Facelift' models. These cars were very refined and did away with controversial styling cues such as that rear window flying buttresses that some had pegged as the cause of poor rear visibility. Owners had the choice of 2 silky motors; the classic V-12, which in 1993 was enlarged to a full 6.0 liters and boasted 304 HP and the new 4.0 liter inline 6 cylinder engine, known internally as the AJ6. By 1995 internal designation had changed to the AJ16 with the revision of the inline 6 engine to include many refinements including coil on plug ignition.

History
Jaguar has an heir of exclusivity unrivaled by any other British car maker. Jaguars are easily identifiable by their timeless designs that evoke a deep emotion in any appreciative onlooker. Jaguar design is famous for having the sensuality of a Hollywood starlet and the strength a prowess of its feline namesake. As an automobile, a Jaguar is fast, smooth, refined in every manner and envelopes its occupants in pure luxury. 'Grace, Space, Pace' may have been a marketing catch phrase used for many years, but this ethos is what made Jaguar famous. Throughout the world Jaguar is recognized for stately luxury in fantastic British tradition.

Started prior to WWII by two motorcycle enthusiasts, William Lyons and William Walmsley, as the Swallow Sidecar company, its automotive offerings of the time were of extravagant design and wore a brand badge of SS. To avoid any notion of association (or perhaps to forget the atrocities of war), the SS brand was dropped in favor of the Jaguar name after WWII, which up until that time was used only as a model moniker.

Jaguar put itself in short company by producing well designed and top performing sports cars after WWII. The XK120 put Jaguar on the map as being the fastest production car of its day and today holds a special place in the hearts of collectors. Technological refinement in the subsequent XK140 and XK150 cars paved the way for the highly regarded E-type that took the sports car world by storm and still holds a status above all other period sports cars. It was called 'the most beautiful car I have ever seen' by none other than Enzo Ferrari himself, who is no stranger to elegant design. The Series III E-Type was to only offer a 5.3 liter V12 engine that was later used in the newly released XJS.