The Jaguar XJS V12 Is the Cheapest V12 Sports Car On Earth

It's basically James May on wheels.

That's Jag for you, they can't design a trip computer that rolls over automatically, but they made sure to put that ashtray in the back for the kids.

"Your car is always broken!" "It's a JAAAAG!" "Okay. That was nice!"

I have an 86 XJS Coupe. Replaced the 3 speed with a 4 speed auto. That change made a huge difference in driving pleasure. Improved the acceleration and maintained the whisper quiet character of the car. It's truly a pleasure to drive. Love it.

Rear seat design for children who smoke.

Context of the times: Performance: The Jag V12 in the S3 XKE/E-Type propelled the car to 60mph in 6.8 seconds. That was very quick in the early 1970’s. Faster than anything from Mercedes or BMW! The XJS was a little slower (early 7s) – it was a much bigger and heavier car – but still very quick for the 1970s and even the 80s, without even needing to take its’ size and weight into account. Normally-aspirated Porsche 944s didn’t break 8 secs. A big, heavy, luxury GT did 0-60 a second faster than a leading sports car with 50-50 weight distribution did up to a decade and a half after it was introduced. Hot hatchbacks didn’t break 8 secs until the late 80s using turbochargers. The reason the XJS was able to continue well into the 90s was that its’ performance was still competitive. You could still beat most sporting cars at the lights without embarrassment. Exceptions were surprisingly few. BHP: By the time the XJS was introduced in 1975, big-block American V8s were lucky to make more than 200 Brake-hp! The Porsche 928 debuted in Europe with 240bhp and the US with 219bhp. Normally-aspirated 911s still made less than 300bhp until the 2000s. The BMW V12 in the 8-series (1990-99) made less than 300bhp, except in the 850CSi, which made a whopping 375bhp. Ferrari V12s didn't make 400hp+ until the 90s. Same for Mercedes (1991, although detuned to 389hp in 1993)! Lamborghini V12s were the only notable exception. The explosion in horsepower figures started slowly in the 90s but didn't go ballistic until the 2000s. I humbly suggest that your perceptions have been spoiled by modern cars and a few exceptional older super cars.

"It's no E-Type, but I would argue no car ever was." Well, I would argue there was one. The Jaguar E-Type.

This is hands down one of the best looking cars he's ever reviewed... Doug is smoking.

"The engine successfully converts petrol into noise"... Lol

Two weeks later- HOOVIES GARAGE- I bought the cheapest Jaguar XJS in the USA sight unseen

I've owned one for 10 years now. Amazingly, very few issues. I know how to work on it when anything comes up. You must be a do-it-yourselfer to own one of these. There's an excellent support forum and extensive experience among the members to help with anything. Mine's very dependable, starts right up. With minor exhaust mods it really purrrrrrs. Can drive it aggressively on twisty roads (which I always do), handles great and smooth at the same time. Will never sell it - it's a one-of-a-kind experience.

You failed to mention that the 3.6 and 4.0 liter 6 cylinder models are pretty reliable, a lot more than the V12, the last models from 1994-1996 build quality and reliability improved significantly and are very collectible!

Exterior design: 10 Interior design: Poor Performance: Shit "Want" factor: YES!!!

This is the magic of British cars of that time 60s, 70s and 80s. They might be not perfect like German but they are so classy. They took so much effort to give the posh feeling for the owner. They are like an English gentleman having his afternoon tea in a club.

I love that the car cover bag is so enormous, so the Jaguar owner can borrow things from friends.

These cars never had chrome wheels as standard. These were an after market addition. That is why the spare alloy wheel is not chrome. My uncle had one in white in the 1980s. It was originally called the ‘HE’ and then later badged as the V12.

Had one, loved it. It's a heavy car, the engine isn't about speed, it's about smooth and even delivery.

"We'll put in a V-12" "Yes!" "We'll put in a three speed automatic" "Okay, so-wait what?"

For those who don't know: They used v12s in luxury cars because they don't need to use much of the engine to go certain speeds, which causes a very smooth, quiet ride.

3:40 is it just me or does that look absolutely stunning