What do I need to look for to be sure my 1996 is in fact an X300 or is it synonomous with XJ6, or is there a difference?

 

"X300" is an engineering designation used by Jaguar.

The XJ6 name remained the same over the years even when the cars themselves became very different. Since model year designations vary from country-to-country and Jaguar sometimes produced new models while the old model still being in production, confusion over which model was being discussed naturally ensued. To clarify exactly what model is being discussed the engineering designation is often used.

If you have a 95-96-97 (in USA-speak) XJ6, you do indeed have an "X300" Jaguar.

The same basic car with the V12 engine has an engineering designation of "X305". There were different designations for long versus short wheelbase as well. Later, when the same baisc car was updated and fitted with a V8, the designation became "X308".

There have been a few dozen "X---" models within the Jaguar line up over the years but only a few are commonly used or known by the public.The first common usage of the "X" terminology was to differentiate the old Ser III XJ6 from the new (1988 model year in the USA) XJ6, with the newer car being known as the "XJ40".

The same sort of thing occurs with American cars. For example, Oldsmobile slapped the name "Cutlass" on umpteen very different cars. The basic chassis platform designation (A-body, G-body, N-body, etc) is sometimes used to clarify exactly what kind of "Cutlass" is in question.

Cheers


DD

 

Hey Doug! Thank you for clearing that up for me. I have had people tell me I have an X300 here and around the area I live in but I never really understood why. Now, thanks to you, I actually understand. Thanks! Poor Boy