I'm wondering why you never see American market XJ12 series III for sale in the U.S. Its always former Canadian cars. Only XJ12 American cars you see are early series or later years. Although lots are for sale in Canada, most are closer to being parts car VS a really nice driven. Since the American market lacks nice examples and only so many in Canada. I believe the nicest sedan ever made in my opinion, will be very collectible.

 

Depending on which source you believe, anywhere from 6 to 40 Series III V12s were sold in the USA circa 1979-80 before Jaguar decided the USA market ....and Corporate Average Fuel Economy requirements ...wouldn't support two V12 offerings. The other being the XJS, of course.

At the time of the decision to pull the plug incoming inventory and unsold cars were re-routed to Canada.

In the minds of many, myself included, the Series III V12 is a real gem of a Jag.

Cheers
DD

 

I might add that the 'later years' cars you mentioned were all imported into the USA, mostly from Canada.... but I've seen a couple from Germany as well.




Cheers
DD

 

Its my favorite Jag. I did buy an XJ6 instead at one point. Besides the good looks, they also have the best drive of 80's era sedans. Saying this even with owning a Rolls Royce! My parents have both owned VDP's in the 80's. In Canada. I've always wondered why its rare in the U.S

 

It was the CAFE rules that prevented Jaguar from exporting to the U.S.. I was an apprentice mechanic at a Jaguar dealer in Edmonton, Alberta in the mid 80's. I learned of this then. The tariffs imposed by the U.S. government, made it prohibitive.


I agree, the series III V12 cars, ARE the definitive, sophisticated, performance luxury touring sedan. Available in Canada, through early 1992.


I've owned 7 of them. Currently have a nice black one.

 

I've only technically owned XJ12's, living at home and my parents each had a couple over a few years in the 80's. Did drive them. It was the start to being a Jaguar fan.


Compared to others like the Mercedes 420 and 560SEL, the Jag is just superior in every way. I own a 420SEL. Jag has more style inside and out. Handles better. Smoother power. Also own a Silver Spur. The Rolls is nicer inside. But its not a better drivers car. The rolls is a sit back enjoy while someone else is driving car. I like to drive. Plus the body style of the Rolls is very pedestrian. Jag wins in styling.


Porsche suspended the sales of the 930 (911 turbo) in the states from 1980 to 1986, probably for the same reasons as Jag with the XJ12. Americans bought them like crazy in Canada and imported them to the states. Today there is good supply of 930's in the U.S. I was hoping it was the same with the XJ12.