1986 Jaguar Sovereign V12 Sedan

Description

Most cars are at their best right from the outset, the purity of the original design gradually lost as manufacturers mess about in their efforts to keep sales moving. However, few would disagree that Jaguar's final incarnation of the original XJ series was a triumph. From the shape - gracefully reinterpreted by Pininfarina - to the engineering changes under the skin, the new Jaguar was a better car in every way. First announced in March 1979, the Series 3 XJ6/XJ12 brought with it not only more modern styling with greater glass area, but significant improvements to build quality. Bosch fuel injection (made under licence by Lucas) was added to both six-cylinder and V12 engines, while the range of options, including a sunroof and cruise control, added to the XJ's appeal. In an effort to improve fuel economy, Jaguar's engineers redesigned the cylinder head design of the V12 in 1981, the revised HE models producing more power (between 285 and 299 horsepower depending on the market) with better mileage. All HE 12-cylinder Jaguars used GM's bulletproof 3-speed 400 transmission with a Salisbury Power-Lok limited-slip differential while the braking system was via Girling ventilated discs front and rear. Further revisions in 1984 saw the arrival of the Sovereign, outwardly distinguishable by new 'Pepper Pot' alloy rims, and a long list of standard features that included air conditioning, trip computer, remote exterior mirrors, power front seats, rear headrests, cruise control, headlamps wiper/washers and a high end sound system. As one might expect, the XJ12 had towering performance, with a top speed of nearly 250 km/h and a standing quarter-mile time of 16.2 seconds - not bad for an automatic luxury saloon with a dry weight of 1770 kgs. Although production of the six-cylinder Series III ceased in 1987, the V12 models continued on for another five years and in total around 10,500 were made all told. The Series 3 XJ12 is a classic British luxury saloon that can be enjoyed every day, with no shortage of spares or specialists able to work on them, and can be immensely rewarding cars to own.