Thanks to Doug Dwyer for this guide to help owners determine exactly which model of "XJ6" that they own.



Jaguar has sold the XJ6 in various forms over a period of decades, with the “XJ6” model name being applied to several significantly different cars. To clarify which basic design platform is being discussed the engineering designation, rather than model name, is often used.

This practice became commonplace in the 80s-90s because Jaguar, for a period of time, was simultaneously building two very different cars and marketing both as “XJ6”. This is further confused by country-to-country differences in model year designations. Of the two, the Series III XJ6 is the older model, the final iteration of the Series I-II-III lineup originally dating back to 1968. Production of the Series III XJ6 continued until April 1987.

(Many Jag enthusiasts don't acknowledge these 1987-built Series III XJ6s, erroneously believing production ended in 1986. Parts vendors often make the same mistake. One table in Jaguar's own JDHT archives also incorrectly states that Series III XJ6 production ended in October 1986.)

The 'new' XJ6 carried an internal engineering designation of “XJ40” ...which became a convenient (but still confusing) way to differentiate between an 'old' XJ6 and a 'new' XJ6.

The XJ40 version of the XJ6 went on sale for most markets in 1986 and is often considered a 1986 or 1987 model year car. It was introduced to the North American market in mid-1987. These North American deliveries will carry a 1988 VIN identifier.

XJ40 production ended in 1994 yet the XJ6 nameplate again continued on within the 'X300' platform. In the North American market these are 1995-96-97 model year cars. A few years later, in the 2000s, the XJ6 nameplate was revived for certain markets. These are 'X350' cars.

If a car falls into the 80s-90s confusion zone there are numerous ways to identify it but a quick method is to look at the last six digits of the VIN.

A Series III XJ6 (built 1979-1987) will have a VIN ranging from 300001 to 477823. (Note that the Series III body style continued on, with the V12 engine only, until 1992 and VIN 486xxx)

The 'XJ40' models had a VIN sequence starting with 500515

The 'X300' models had a VIN sequence starting with 720001

There are many visual differences in the Series III, XJ40, and X300 body types. The tail lights are a very quick identifier..



Series III

XJ40

X300

 

And what about the XJ81? Does it name only the V12s or all cars of the 1993 and 94 model years?

 

Only the V12s carried the XJ81 designation.

Cheers
DD

 

Thanks!

 

"To put it simply"
Thank you very much!