What definitively identifies a Majestic model XJ40?

According to Jaguar Heritage VIN decode, the fifth position in the VIN should be an "M":

http://www.jaguarheritage.com/Conten...is_numbers.pdf

However, on XJ40.com the "Majestic Register" thread indicates that the "M" character should be in the seventh position.

https://www.xj40.com/viewtopic.php?f=19&t=956


In both cases there are examples of cars with the "M" in the fifth or seventh position that are being called Majestics, and some are LWB as well as SWB.

The very early cars apparently had limited color choices, and were mostly (all?) LWB, but later Majestics ran the gamut of available colors and were sometimes SWB.

So I'm wondering if the "M" VIN position may have varied through the years as well, perhaps in the seventh position in earlier model years, and in the fifth position in later years?

.

 

This might be yet another case of confusion caused by the different "VIN" systems. USA (perhaps all of North America?) cars required a different VIN system and Jaguar happily complied.

Jaguar literature seldom, if ever, acknowledges this important distinction. Odd, given that USA was the biggest market and Jaguar itself assigned the VINs.

Cheers
DD

 

That very well could be the case...

The original early Majestics were apparently most (all?) hand worked custom bodied cars with extended rear seating like a later LWB car, and also had the roof line modified to add some headroom.

I think later Majestics then were less custom, but just essentially trim levels? Not certain.

I'll post to XJ40.com as well to see what they say.

.

 

I believe Majestics in the US are identified by the fluted grill and boot emblem as per the Daimlers’ in the ROW

 

I own a 1990 MY USA spec. Majestic. My car was built during November '89 and the "M" in the VIN is in the fourth position: "SAJM". It is short a wheelbase Daimler in overall specification in regency red with magnolia leather and red carpets. It really is quite the sophisticated ride!

 

Jaguar built two models of the XJ40 named "Majestic", the earlier type was sold only in the USA and came (IIRC) in two versions one red and one black cherry metallic (later). These were very high-spec luxury versions of the Jaguar Vanden plas and used the standard wheelbase Jaguar XJ40 body.

The later Majestic was a coachbuilt car with a lengthened body and a raised roofline. These are the cars with the VIN identifier 'M' in the 7th position.

This is the VIN of a 4 litre Sovereign Majestic (long wheelbase) automatic with right hand drive.


On the LWB Majestic, the 5th letter in the VIN indicates the trim level where F=XJ6, H=Sovereign (and XJ12), K=Daimler (VDP) and DD6 and P=XJR. The link above from Jaguar would suggest that the earlier standard wheelbase Majestic trim level sold in the USA used an 'M' in this 5th letter (trim level) position.




.

 

Thanks, my 1994 XJ12 was manufactured in April 1993 but was apparently sold and registered as a 1994 model here in the USA.

It isn't marked anywhere as a "Majestic", and the rear badge simply says "XJ12". And the car isn't a LWB and doesn't have any other higher end features like contrasting colored carpets, two tone leather, etc. So perhaps the car isn't a Majestic.

https://www.jaguarforums.com/g/album/10004431

The VIN is SAJMW1340RC680824

As noted above, according to Jaguar Heritage the fifth letter would indicate a Majestic if an "M", and posts on XJ40 say it would be indicated by an "M" in the seventh position.

My VIN has an "M" but is in the fourth position. So maybe that means something, or nothing? Hard to say.

According to the Jaguar Heritage VIN decode above:

 All models have VINs in the same range of numbers
 Years of construction
o 1986-1994 – Jaguar/Daimler XJ40
o 1994-1997 – Jaguar/Daimler X300
o 1997-2001 – Jaguar/Daimler X308
 X330 code used for long wheelbase models
 VIN construction:
o First three letters
 SAJ = all Jaguars. All Daimlers from April 1987
 SAD = Daimler, until April 1987 (replaced by SAJ)
o Fourth letter
 J = Jaguar
 D = Daimler
o Fifth letter
 F = XJ40 and X300 – XJ6
 H = XJ40 and X300 – Sovereign and XJ12
 J = X300 only – XJ6 Executive
 K = XJ40 – Vanden Plas, Sovereign V12, Daimler Double-Six
 K = X300 – Vanden Plas, Daimler Six, Daimler Double-Six
 M = XJ40 only – Majestic
 P = XJ40 and X300 – XJR, XJ Sport


.... which doesn't seem to match my VIN at all, regardless of the question about "Majestic".

I've sent a VIN build history request to Jaguar Heritage, so maybe that will help clear up any confusion.

.

 

It appears the chart you listed doesn't take into account the USA VIN format. Not unusual. I've never found any Jaguar literature that explains (or even mentions) this important distinction. Odd, considering that the USA is/was Jaguar's biggest market and Jaguar itself assigned the VINs at time of manufacture.

On some of the older Jags, not sure about XJ40s, the 'born with' VIN is stamped on a ledge in the engine bay, right at the top of the firewall. Take a look around....maybe your XJ40 was similarly stamped. If you find the 'born with' VIN then it should coincide with the chart you show in your posting.

Years and years ago a popular Jag vendor was selling some really beautiful Series III VIN decoder charts, published by Jaguar. Series III enthusiasts gleefully bought them up....and then found out it wasn't applicable to USA cars!

Cheers
DD

 

Congratulations on the XJ12 Al! In the USA, all 1994-1996 XJ12s (including the XJ81) have the M in the fourth position. I am SAJMX (1995 X305). The M meaning V12 engine. The M in the fourth position is not a reference to any Majestic version in the USA during this time period. It was not used then.

This 1989 Vanden Plas Majestic is for sale in my area on CL. The seller was kind enough to post the VIN, which starts with SAJMY. So in this case, the M does NOT mean V12 engine. The M stands for Majestic in the USA back in 1989 and 90. All (few) that I've seen in the USA were red like this one.

I remember a USA VIN decoder for the X300 series, but I can't remember where I saw it. There should be like USA decoders for other model year USA versions somewhere!

XJ40 Wikipedia link with info about Majestics:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaguar_XJ_(XJ40)







It looks to be a lovely example.

 

OK, I found my "born on" UK VIN stamped on the right hand fender: SAJJMWLS4RP680824 That lines up with the Jaguar Heritage decode much better.

That gives me an "M" in the fifth position, but who knows what that really means. Perhaps Jaguar used the "Majestic" VIN location coded with an "M" for all XJ12?

Perhaps some other XJ81 owners can check to see if they have an "M" in the fifth position of their UK VIN to see.


.