1989 Jaguar XJ40 'TWR' Sports Saloon

Description

Introduced in October 1986, the long awaited replacement for the much-loved XJ6 was given the codename XJ40 and ushered in a new era at Jaguar. With its inception Jaguar finally laid the venerable XK engine to rest, after almost four decades of service. With the XJ40 Jaguar wanted to improve build and finish quality as well as keeping production costs under control. To this end 25% fewer body panels were required than in constructing its Series III predecessor, which also had the benefit of lowering weight and- thanks to better fit- lowering the new car's drag co-efficient. Retaining the familiar XJ6 moniker, the new model was powered by a new range of AJ6 engines (in 2.9 and 3.6-litre form, with a 4.0-litre debuting in 1989) featuring twin-overhead camshafts, four valves-per-cylinder and electronic fuel injection, to simultaneously provide more power and better fuel economy. Buyers could choose between a Getrag five-speed manual gearbox or ZF four-speed automatic transmission, which came with a distinctive J-gate lever to offer the driver a degree of manual control. Inside, the new Jaguar was beautifully finished and a big improvement in terms of space over the earlier XJ6s, with every feature one might reasonably expect to find in a luxury sedan of the time. For those after a more distinctive XJ40 experience, several factory-endorsed enhancements were made available through JaguarSport, a new tie-up between Jaguar and Tom Walkinshaw Racing. As well as creating the later XJR models, JaguarSport provided a range of accessories including bodykits, wheels, and modified power steering. With the XJ40 models yet to move into classic territory, now is certainly a great time to buy- with robust mechanicals and plenty of spares and specialists in Australia to look after them, the XJ40 is luxury motoring at a very affordable price.