Jaguar XJ40

Many Jaguar enthusiasts will not call this particular model a true Jaguar. If you’re a Jaguar enthusiast I’m sure you know the model that I’m talking about is the Jaguar XJ40. The XJ40 featured many characteristics that were actually quite far from the classic Jaguar identity such as the square headlamps for the Daimler and Sovereign models (the low spec XJ6 models came with round lights) and not to mention it’s design itself which was quite boxy though it still maintained it’s sleekness. The XJ40 came in Jaguar as well as Daimler variants. The production years were from late 1986 up to 1994.

Being the model that succeeded the popular Jaguar Series III, the XJ40 certainly had a lot to live up to. It was initially introduced with a 2.9 litre and a 3.6 litre engine codenamed the AJ6 (it was a different design compared to the classic XK engines) and later they were replaced by the 3.2 litre and the 4 litre engines respectively. All these engines were inline six engines but there was also a rare 6 litre V12 engine available. I’ve personally driven a 4 litre and I must say it’s probably the best engine for the XJ40 as it has that ‘Jaguar’ roar whereas the other engines are a little underpowered.

As for the interior, the initial models right up to 1990 came with a digital display dashboard but was later changed to analogue meters as the digital displays were failure prone and were indeed very pricey to replace. Basically if you want to purchase one, it’s got to be done with a lot of care as many of these models tend to be not well maintained as this car is definitely not for the faint-hearted. The best models to purchase are the post-1990 models where it’s new parent company had done lost of quality improvements. Even my opposite neighbour who owns an ‘87 Sovereign has given up on the car after spending tonnes of money on it and now the car is literally sleeping being protected by a cover.

On a personal note, this is a car I don’t mind owning but of course if possible I’d like the Daimler variant. In Malaysia, you’ll be able to get good cars just below the RM 20k mark with some homework of course. And not forgetting, as an owner you need to maintain the car as well as pay the high road tax if it does not already qualify for the Classic road tax. Like I said, Jaguars are not for the faint-hearted.

 Below are three videos on the Jaguar XJ40 developments: