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Jaguar XJ6
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1968 - 1987 |
Country: |
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Engine: |
6 cyl. |
Capacity: |
2791/4235/3442 cc |
Power: |
180-245 bhp |
Transmission: |
4/5 spd. man 3 spd. auto |
Top Speed: |
199 km/h |
Number Built: |
79,000 |
Collectability: |
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The XJ6 was launched in 1968 with a design that boasted
ride comfort, quietness and great road-handling.
It was
a front-engined, rear-wheel drive, coil-sprung saloon
and had a ride that was softer and quieter than a Rolls
Royce.
In the beginning it was powered with the familiar XK 6-cylinder
engine with the V-12 arriving in 1972. Most of the XJ6's
were auto, all had power steering and a few had a short-stroke
2.8 liter engine.
Like its predecessors this car was comparatively
cheap to buy, being half the price of its nearest competitor,
the Mercedes.
By the time the Series 3 emerged quality was being questioned.
Consumers lost confidence and sales plummeted. In 1980
John Egan arrested flagging sales with a huge drive to
improve quality.
In 1984 Jaguar went public and in North
America the XJ6 broke all sales records resulting in huge
profits that allowed the development of its successor.
Today they have seen a resurgance in popularity, and
represent great value when looking for a prestige classic
automobile. |