How many of us XJ12's are left?
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The USA market XJ12s were highly equipped, and trimmed to a high standard, virtually (if not literally) the same as the VDP cars ...but perhaps even slightly higher.
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DD
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From: Scottsdale, AZ, USA
Interesting! And a bit overdone for a car with already a lot of glitz and glam. Even the antenna nut was done up, lol!
Credit where due, as the grille is indeed a Vanden Plas (USA)/Daimler (UK) type. But... the boot trim is not. Gotcha!
It seems that in the USA the Vanden Plas models offered optional premium audio and heated seats, whereas the XJ12 came standard with them. Also the design of the upholstery is slightly different between the two.
Gold color was used originally for the growler on the grille on 1995 model XJ12s, and the V12 symbols on the door pillars. The last-gen V12 XJS from 1994-1995 also had the large growler in gold.
I have lots of "interesting" trivia in my head about these cars. Don't we all.
I added genuine ruby/gold growler wheel caps on my car, but the gold tint has since faded away.
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From: London
Don't know how many, but here's my stock:
- Coupé, V12, flatheads, 1973
- Coupé, V12, flatheads, 1976
- XJV12, S3, flatheads, 1979
- XJV12, S3, flatheads, 1981
- XJV12, S3, HE, 1986
- Daimler DoubleSix LWB 1996 (X330)
- Jaguar XJ12, 1996 (X300)
- Daimler DoubleSix 1994 (XJ40)
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Besides badging, how does the 1996 XJ12 differ from the '96 Double Six?
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From: Scottsdale, AZ, USA
In the USA, I believe the XJ12 is equivalent to the Daimler Double Six (obviously to me!), with the exception of the adjustable rear bucket seats that were not available here. In markets outside the USA, the Daimler is considered the top of the line. The XJ12 is not necessarily the top. But there were a lot more combinations available. For instance, a USA version XJ6 trim (which is not the most basic trim) could be had with a V12 engine in an XJ12. There was a mix of trim combinations, long and short wheelbase, left and right-hand drive. "Model year" standards are different, as are VIN decodes. V12 models were sold well into 1997, but not in the USA.
In some non-USA markets, XJ12s could be had with a Sportspack suspension and 16x8" wheels (of the same styles), and the Powr-Lok differential. I'd like that one.
Even though the USA XJ12 is essentially a Daimler Double Six, it does not have the Daimler fluted grille and boot trim. But the USA Vanden Plas six does, like the Daimler Six!
The USA 1995 XJ12s like mine have black grille vanes, which I really like as a unique characteristic for that model. For 1997, ALL USA XJ6 models have them. I'm a bit annoyed by that. I don't know if the black grille vanes were used in any other markets. But I'd like to know...
Maybe we will see some direct comparisons with photos from Ahmedalalousi's collection.
In some non-USA markets, XJ12s could be had with a Sportspack suspension and 16x8" wheels (of the same styles), and the Powr-Lok differential. I'd like that one.
Even though the USA XJ12 is essentially a Daimler Double Six, it does not have the Daimler fluted grille and boot trim. But the USA Vanden Plas six does, like the Daimler Six!
The USA 1995 XJ12s like mine have black grille vanes, which I really like as a unique characteristic for that model. For 1997, ALL USA XJ6 models have them. I'm a bit annoyed by that. I don't know if the black grille vanes were used in any other markets. But I'd like to know...
Maybe we will see some direct comparisons with photos from Ahmedalalousi's collection.
Last edited by SleekJag12; Jul 24, 2019 at 12:35 AM.
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Speaking of differences, I would like to know what the difference is between a USA 1996 XJ12 and a USA 1996 XJ12 Sovereign! 1 of 19 has one of these 19 Sovereigns. Were they made for the USA market? Maybe your car has the fluted grille and boot trim?
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This is interesting. I take it that the Sovereign had the firmer texture leather and no rear picnic trays? Was it standard or long wheelbase?
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Same grill/trunk trim non fluted, has table trays and is long wheel base. Not sure about the leather seems the same. As far as I can tell no difference between the XJ12's and the Sovereigns. But I've been wrong before.
What I'm not wrong about is how a 1996 XJ12 looks going down the road. Even non car people immediately recognize "it's a Jag". Other than maybe the F-Type the rest of the current line up kinda blends in with the masses. I had a newer XJL come up behind me. I recognized the grill in my rear view mirror (only because I'm a jag freak) as it came up behind me. As it passed it could have been any one of a half dozen models/brands on the road. Too bad, allot of money to blend in. And that's what Tata needs to address. Nobody buys a Jag to blend in. At least not me!
How about you?
What I'm not wrong about is how a 1996 XJ12 looks going down the road. Even non car people immediately recognize "it's a Jag". Other than maybe the F-Type the rest of the current line up kinda blends in with the masses. I had a newer XJL come up behind me. I recognized the grill in my rear view mirror (only because I'm a jag freak) as it came up behind me. As it passed it could have been any one of a half dozen models/brands on the road. Too bad, allot of money to blend in. And that's what Tata needs to address. Nobody buys a Jag to blend in. At least not me!
How about you?
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Seems that even though the X305 was limited production, it had a lot of varying characteristics according to destination market. Just like any other worldwide vehicle!
There's no mistaking an old Jaguar! Some people are surprised that cars like these are still out there. Many dismiss it as old-fashioned. Many just want to get past in their funny looking four cylinder turbo-toy. After all, a car is just an appliance. Get where you need to go, as fast as possible. Driving is such a time-waster.
Of course none of that applies to us. We are content to watch the hurried and hassled masses try to get to the next red light first. Just at the right moment, the Jaguar will slip past... We know it's about the journey, not the destination. And I'm glad to say there are still some out there who realize that.
There's no mistaking an old Jaguar! Some people are surprised that cars like these are still out there. Many dismiss it as old-fashioned. Many just want to get past in their funny looking four cylinder turbo-toy. After all, a car is just an appliance. Get where you need to go, as fast as possible. Driving is such a time-waster.
Of course none of that applies to us. We are content to watch the hurried and hassled masses try to get to the next red light first. Just at the right moment, the Jaguar will slip past... We know it's about the journey, not the destination. And I'm glad to say there are still some out there who realize that.
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I just bought a 1995 XJ12. I confess that I am more interested in the engine than I am in the car, but I am impressed by how nice the car is. Mine is a high milage rust free car, a bit used looking on the inside. I need to find out more about the V12 and that is what this is about for me.
