Hello fellow jaguar enthusiasts

I have purchased a 1 owner Series 1 1973 XJ6 4.2L in british racing green that requires some restoration....but it's a solid runner.
Can anyone shed light on the following engine number. :
7L 71363 S
The "L" some say implies long stud block.... can someone confirm that ? I would like to know if it's long or short.

Also the "S" some say designates compression ?

However, I have the original "dealer order form " from 1973 (see picture below)

& the box "high compression engine " was ticked if that helps. Does "S " correlate with high compression, or is this about something else.
Regards
Peter

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it will be a long stud engine, I believe the changeover point was 1968. S means standard compression (9:1), L means Low compression (8:1).

 

Always interested in Series 1 XJs- especially the late 73 models. Can I ask is that the original engine number? Reason for asking is that my March 73 build engine is 7L62992-S and they sure did not build 9000 more series 1 between March and the last builds in July 73. There is another thread here somewhere about engine numbers and compression ratios. I have always thought the S was for standard 8:1 and H for high 9:1. I would love to be proved wrong on this.

 

I find it fascinating that you mention that the last builds were in July 1973.
I have many jags but the arena of series 1 xj6 is new to me & I am happy to learn.

I actually have a letter from jaguar cars advising the original owner that
" Sir, the motor car you have ordered has been completed for you, fully equiped to current specifications .... awaiting payment "
DATE : 15 JUNE 1973

So if what you say is right, about July being the last production run , my car must be among the very last few series 1 ever produced.