1974 Jaguar XJ6L Series 2 4.2 Sedan

Originally launched in 1968, the Jaguar XJ6 continued Coventry's tradition of offering graceful styling - the car has been hailed as one of the most beautiful saloons ever made - with superb ride, handling and refinement. In September 1973 the original XJ6 was updated to become the Series 2, with a number of detail changes taking place to the dashboard, bumpers and grille. Mechanical changes were few - ventilated front disc brakes and a revised master cylinder improved braking and the automatic transmission was replaced by a lighter Borg Warner Model 65 unit. Other changes included a new climate control system and fibre optic illumination for the switchgear. In 1975 the longer wheelbase platform became standard, ensuring plenty of legroom for rear seat passengers and - in an era when plastics increasingly predominated interior architecture - the XJ retained the old world atmosphere of fine leather and rich timber veneers. Pre-dating the days of electronics, the XJ6 Series 2 is one of the last classic Jaguar saloons an owner can easily work on and the tough XK engine will give years of reliable service. The Series 2 XJ6 combines the classic styling of the original model, with chrome bumpers and hubcaps, with a number of useful improvements.