Then in 1972 came the XJ12 featuring the 5.3 ltr V12 motor that had been introduced in the series 3 E-Type. The XJ12 had some minor styling differences to the XJ6, notably the grille featured vertical slats and the use of V12 badges inside and out. The XJ12L followed soon and the car was promoted as the ‘fastest four door saloon in the world’ and ‘capable of 140 m.p.h.’ again demand outstripped supply and the press were suitably amazed and impressed. The ‘Double Six’ was the Daimler version of the XJ12. 

With the introduction of the Series 2 cars, XJs and Daimlers made between 1968 and 1973 are referred to as 'Series 1' models.  

In 1973 Jaguar had to bow to the U.S. safety regulations and re-design the XJ. This resulted in what became known as the ‘Series 2’ cars. The new XJ6, XJ12 and Daimler cars were all built on the long wheelbase platform after a small number of cars built on the original shorter wheel base. The exterior of the Series 2 had the smaller grille above and wider separate grille below the re-positioned bumper bar. The interior of the car was also changed with instruments, switch gear and controls in more ergonomic positions, also the heating and aircon was updated to be more effective. Series 2 production was problematic at times due to industrial unrest and ended in 1979. 

An interesting sidelight was the production of the XJC which has become the most desirable and valuable of the Series 2 cars. The XJC (or XJ Coupé) is a two-door derivative of the classic XJ saloon built on the short wheelbase platform and available in Jaguar or Daimler trim. Powered by the usual 4.2 or 5.3 motors some had manual transmissions with overdrive. It was produced only between April 1975 and November 1977 (a few cars are 1978 complianced) and, during this time, fewer than 10,500 XJCs rolled off the production line, making it the rarest of all production-series Jaguars.

The pillarless XJC appears to be much lower and sleeker than its four-door cousin, and its wider C-pillars give it a more purposeful look. (The C-pillars were thickened to minimise the body flexing caused by the absence of a B-pillar.) The distinctive vinyl roof followed a fashion trend of the 1970s and is seen on no other Jaguar model. British auto body customisers Lynx produced a number of convertible coupes for those who wanted a hood-down experience. Unfortunately the conversion added weight to the car and weather sealing problems. Also most would agree that Sir William's original design is hard to improve upon. Perhaps the most famous custom builds are the 'Broadspeed Coupes' for racing, however they were not ultimately successful despite being very quick and looking the business! 

Next time you see an XJC, take time to appreciate and admire the classic lines of this elegant vehicle. It was the last Jaguar which was personally designed by Sir William Lyons, the founder of Jaguar, and it was his favourite car. It is not hard to see why and not surprising that prices for XJCs in excellent condition are rising fast.

In 1979 the XJ was given a third life as the Series 3 model. An exterior re-design by Pininfarina gave the Jaguar more window space, better streamlining and a revised grille similar to the Series 1 V12. Also; flush door handles and a revised roof line helped to give a more modern look. Mechanically the biggest change was fuel injection of the venerable XK 4.2 ltr engine and the 5.3 ltr V12. It was also offered in 3.4 ltr form as an economy model. The interior was also upgraded with more woodgrain and from 1982 the first trip computers fitted to Jaguar cars. The 1983 Series 3 also saw the transfer of the name ‘Sovereign’ from Daimler models to the Jaguar model. There were Daimler ‘Vanden Plas’ and ‘Double Six’ models to be had as well. Production of the Series 3 continued until 1992. This model is widely seen as the most practical of the ‘classic’ XJ models to own.

From 1986 the XJ40 model was in production. This model introduced a whole new body design with a very squared off look. It also introduced a new family of engines as the legendary XK unit was replaced with the AJ6 engine in 3.6 ltr and later in 4.0 ltr capacity. The XJ40 was not designed with the V12 5.3 unit, however public demand meant that a small number of cars were built late in the run with this engine.

In 1994 the X-300 version of the XJ was introduced. Jaguar was now owned by Ford and this company tightened quality control and consistency of manufacturing. The body design returned to a more traditional rounded shape and the single rectangular XJ40 headlights were changed back to double round units. The AJ6 engine was upgraded to the AJ16 unit and the V12 now rated at 6.0 ltr capacity was available in limited numbers. Most excitingly the X-300 introduced the supercharged XJR variant which has become such a mainstay in the XJ line-up ever since.

In 1997 the X-308 was released. This incarnation of the XJ was the first to be powered by a V8 engine, the AJV8 in 4.0 ltr capacity. This earned the new name of XJ8 for the car. Very similar to the X-300 the new X-308 XJ8 did have subtle upgrades to body and interior. The XJR variant was also produced. Construction of this model ceased in 2003 when the X-350 appeared.

The X-350 was the swansong for the traditional shape of the XJ car first seen in 1968 when Sir William unveiled the Series 1. Larger and higher than the X-308 the new XJ sported either a 4.2 ltr or 3.5 ltr V8. However; there was also an XJ6 model using the 3.0 ltr V6 from the modern S-Type and the 2.7 ltr diesel. Body panels were made from aluminium and this lightweight construction translated to quicker performance. Both standard and long wheelbase versions were made. Interior luxury was taken to the next level in this car and the newest technology was available. 

It is interesting to note that Daimler variants of the XJ40, X-300, X-308 and X-350 were produced in very small numbers though not available in all countries. Sadly the Daimler badged XJs would disappear from production with the release of the X351.

The X-351 XJ was released in 2009, it mirrored the revolution in Jaguar styling begun with the medium size XF Saloon. A coupe style roofline, cats eye headlights and prominent squared grille was a complete departure from the past. The interior  included LCD displays for all instruments and video system. Leather was still in abundance and the tradition of attractive wood veneers still very evident along with more modern trim materials. Both standard and long wheelbase versions were made. Mechanically it began life with the 2.7 ltr (diesel) and 3.0 ltr 6-cylinder motors of its X-350 predecessor. Also a V8 5.0 ltr engine for the high-end variants was available in normal and supercharged versions.

The X-351 XJ was the last of a long and famous line of Jaguar cars and the XJ badge is now retired.So ends the XJ story as far as production is concerned, however the XJ story still lives, in the pleasure and pride of ownership, in the  joy of driving and with a ride that only an XJ of whatever vintage can give.