Whilst being fashionably ‘teased’ by Jaguar over the impending launch of the new XJ saloon and fretting over how good the car will have to be to usurp the German class-rulers let us cast our minds back to 1968.
That is when Jaguar launched the Series 1 XJ6 which was the finest luxury saloon car in the world period. No arguments or counter-points. This was the best car that Jaguar had ever produced and the world went all slack-jawed over the car’s looks, performance, ride dynamics and affordability.
Its feline shape was about as close as Jaguar’s designers, under the strict captaincy of Bill Lyons, could get to the famous ‘leaping-cat’ profile and it looked gorgeous from every angle. Judging by the teaser videos of the new car the only leaping-cat we are likely to see will be the boot-lid badge as seen on the XF.
Modernists will say this is a good thing of course and that it’s about time Jaguar moved on from its retro designs (funny how Porsche have got away with the 911 after all these years). Our money is on Jaguar returning one day to its cat-like ways because there are only so many times you can re-invent a Lexus.
Project XJ4 as it was known back in 1963 only needed one point of reference for inspiration and it was right on its own doorstep.
During the previous four years Jaguar had launched the Mk2, Mk X, E-Type, S-Type and Daimler V8 250 to world acclaim so the gene pool was well stocked to spawn the XJ6. Refinement was paramount and when the press finally got to test the car they eulogised over the silent, cosseting ride and more often than not hailed the car as ‘the best in the world’.
With prices starting at 1797 GBP the XJ6 was a stonking bargain too. The equivalent ‘competition’ from Merc and BMW would set you back almost twice that amount. Long waiting lists of prospective buyers soon built up and Jaguar realised it had an absolute winner on its hands.
However, industrial disputes and economic troubles in the early 70’s saw Jaguar rationalise its range of cars but the XJ has remained a key player for the company right to this very day.
Great things are expected of the X351.
If however you fancy a trip down memory lane we know of a 1970 Series 1 4.2 XJ6 that is for sale with less than 10,000 miles on the clock – that’s right less than 10k! The car is maroon with a light tan interior and is totally original having been looked after by its last owner since 1987. To find out more about this stunning XJ6 give us a call on ++44 1474 854490 or send an email to sales@thecarspy.net.
Click here for a slideshow of images.
The Car Spy 
