The 1987-1994 Jaguar
XJ6, the oft-postponed successor to the original XJ sedan line, was
developed as Project XJ40. It was introduced to Europe in 1986, as a
1988 U.S. model in early 1987.
Basically the same successful concept with squarer styling; simplified design for more consistent, higher-quality assembly; standard antilock brakes; and a wholly new drivetrain. The last combined the "AJ6" 3.6-liter 24-valve inline six (first test-marketed in the European XJ-S) and a new four-speed ZF automatic transmission with a unique "J-gate" selector providing manual-override capability.
As quiet and smooth-riding as any previous XJ6, but lackluster performance prompted higher compression for 1988, producing small gains in horsepower and torque. Performance further improved via a stroked 4.0-liter replacement for 1990, when a revamped instrument panel appeared with analog minor gauges instead of vacuum-fluorescent bar-graphs.
Always sold in America in base and ritzy Vanden Plas forms, joined for 1990 by an in-between Sovereign model with Euro-style square headlamps (also applied to the V-P) and a new top-line Majestic with Daimler-style fluted grille. European offerings included 2.9- and later 3.4-liter entry-level models (with available with manual transmission) as well as derivative Daimlers, but there would be no new-generation XJ12 until 1993. Reason: the XJ40 was deliberately designed not to accept the Jaguar V-12, one result of a political dispute during the waning days of Leyland ownership.
Pluses of the 1987-1994 Jaguar XJ6:
Length, inches: 196.4
Wheelbase, inches: 113.0
Weight, pounds: 3,905-4,015
Price, new: $43,500-59,400
Engines for the 1987-1994 Jaguar XJ6:
Want more information about classic cars? See:
 1990 Jaguar XJ6 sedan. See more pictures of classic cars. |
Basically the same successful concept with squarer styling; simplified design for more consistent, higher-quality assembly; standard antilock brakes; and a wholly new drivetrain. The last combined the "AJ6" 3.6-liter 24-valve inline six (first test-marketed in the European XJ-S) and a new four-speed ZF automatic transmission with a unique "J-gate" selector providing manual-override capability.
As quiet and smooth-riding as any previous XJ6, but lackluster performance prompted higher compression for 1988, producing small gains in horsepower and torque. Performance further improved via a stroked 4.0-liter replacement for 1990, when a revamped instrument panel appeared with analog minor gauges instead of vacuum-fluorescent bar-graphs.
Always sold in America in base and ritzy Vanden Plas forms, joined for 1990 by an in-between Sovereign model with Euro-style square headlamps (also applied to the V-P) and a new top-line Majestic with Daimler-style fluted grille. European offerings included 2.9- and later 3.4-liter entry-level models (with available with manual transmission) as well as derivative Daimlers, but there would be no new-generation XJ12 until 1993. Reason: the XJ40 was deliberately designed not to accept the Jaguar V-12, one result of a political dispute during the waning days of Leyland ownership.
Pluses of the 1987-1994 Jaguar XJ6:
-
Smooth and quiet
- Few peers for ride comfort
- All the expected modern amenities
- Wood-and-leather opulence
- ABS brakes
- Best-built Jag sedan ever
- Still current
- 3.6-liter relatively torqueless at low rpm
- 4.0-liter not as refined as it might be
- Handling not that sporty
- Not that roomy for size
- Quirky details
- Iffy collector's investment now
- 1987: 17,539
- 1988: 15,944
- 1989: 14,509
- 1990: 14,013
Length, inches: 196.4
Wheelbase, inches: 113.0
Weight, pounds: 3,905-4,015
Price, new: $43,500-59,400
Engines for the 1987-1994 Jaguar XJ6:
| Type | Size | Horsepower | Years |
| dohc I-6 | 3590 (219 cid) | 189/195 | 1987-1989 |
| dohc I-6 | 3980 (243 cid) | 223 | 1990 |
Want more information about classic cars? See:
- Classic Cars
- Jaguar Sports Cars
- Muscle Cars
- Sports Cars
- Consumer Guide Auto
- Consumer Guide Auto Used Car Search
