🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Jaguar

Model:

XJ6

Model Series:

XJ Series I, II, and III

Model Years Covered:

1968-1979

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Luxury Executive Sedan

Brand Perception:

Synonymous with British luxury, performance, and craftsmanship

Key Competitors:

Mercedes-Benz S-Class, BMW E3, Rover P6, Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow (in spirit)

Design:

Timeless elegance, distinctive quad headlights, flowing lines

Engine Performance:

Smooth, powerful inline-six and V12 engines offering refined performance

Ride Quality:

Exceptional ride comfort due to advanced suspension design

Interior Appointments:

Luxurious materials, wood veneers, leather upholstery

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Scope:

Comprehensive Service and Repair

Estimated Pages:

500-700 (typical for this era of comprehensive manuals)

Type:

Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Likely Print Replica or Digital Scan (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

XK Inline-6 (2.8L, 3.4L, 4.2L), V12 (5.3L - later models)

Fuel System:

Carbureted (SU, Zenith Stromberg), Fuel Injection (Lucas)

Ignition System:

Distributor, Coil, Spark Plugs, Electronic Ignition (later models)

Cooling System:

Radiator, Fan, Water Pump, Thermostat, Hoses

Exhaust System:

Manifolds, Pipes, Mufflers, Catalytic Converters (later models)

Transmission:

Manual (Moss Box, Getrag), Automatic (BorgWarner, GM Turbo Hydramatic)

Clutch:

Hydraulic Clutch System (where applicable)

Drivetrain:

Rear Wheel Drive, Driveshaft, Differential, Axles

Suspension:

Independent Front Suspension (Double Wishbone), Live Rear Axle with Watt's Linkage (Series I), Independent Rear Suspension (IRS) (Series II/III)

Steering:

Power Steering (Burman, Marles), Steering Column, Linkages

Brakes:

Disc Brakes (front and rear), Girling/Dunlop systems, Brake Booster, Master Cylinder, Hydraulic Lines

Electrical System:

Wiring Diagrams, Battery, Alternator, Starter Motor, Lighting, Gauges, Switches

Body And Chassis:

Unibody Construction, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Sealing, Trim

Climate Control:

Heating System, Ventilation, Air Conditioning (optional)

Interior:

Seats, Dashboard, Upholstery, Carpeting, Interior Trim

General Maintenance:

Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Lubrication, Spark Plug Service, Coolant Checks

Engine Overhaul:

Engine Disassembly, Reassembly, Component Machining Specifications, Gasket Replacement

Transmission Repair:

Manual and Automatic Transmission Overhaul, Clutch Replacement, Fluid Changes

Brake Service:

Disc Pad/Shoe Replacement, Rotor/Drum Machining, Caliper Rebuild, Bleeding Procedure

Suspension And Steering Repair:

Component Replacement, Alignment Specifications, Bushing Replacement

Electrical Troubleshooting:

Fault Diagnosis, Wiring Harness Repair, Component Testing

Bodywork And Trim:

Minor Panel Repairs, Weatherstrip Replacement, Interior Trim Installation

Tune Up Procedures:

Ignition Timing, Carburetor Adjustment, Idle Speed Control

Diagnostic Charts:

Symptom-based troubleshooting guides

Torque Specifications:

Detailed torque values for critical fasteners

Depth:

Comprehensive Rebuild and Overhaul

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Quality:

High-resolution scans for clarity (if digital)

Paper Type:

Durable, high-quality paper stock to withstand workshop use (if printed)

Binding:

Stapled, perfect bound, or spiral bound for lay-flat use (depending on format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Family:

Jaguar XK Inline-6

Displacements:

2.8L (2792cc), 3.4L (3442cc), 4.2L (4235cc)

Engine Configuration:

Inline-6, Dual Overhead Camshaft (DOHC)

Horsepower Range:

Approx. 180-245 bhp (depending on displacement and tuning)

Torque Range:

Approx. 200-270 lb-ft (depending on displacement and tuning)

Carburetion:

Twin SU HD6/HIF6 or Zenith Stromberg CD carburetors

Injection Option:

Lucas Fuel Injection (on some later 4.2L models)

Compression Ratio:

Typically 8.0:1 or 8.5:1 (varies by model)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-speed Manual (often with Overdrive)

Transmission Type:

3-speed Automatic (BorgWarner Model 8 or GM Turbo Hydramatic 400)

Overdrive:

Available on manual transmissions (Laycock de Normanville overdrive)

Manual Fluid:

GL-4 Gear Oil (e.g., Hypoid 80W-90)

Automatic Fluid:

Dexron III (or equivalent ATF)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Approx. 110-112 inches (varies slightly by series)

Overall Length:

Approx. 195-200 inches

Overall Width:

Approx. 68-70 inches

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3700-4200 lbs

🛡️ Safety Features

Historical Safety:

No standardized crash test ratings as per modern standards; designed with crumple zones and safety cage

Braking System:

Four-wheel disc brakes, often with dual-circuit system for redundancy

Seat Belts:

Lap and shoulder belts (front), lap belts (rear) standard on most models

Steering Column:

Collapsible steering column design

Head Restraints:

Optional or standard on later models

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Period-correct AM/FM radio, optional 8-track player or cassette deck

Cruise Control:

Optional on many models

None:

N/A - Vehicles of this era predated modern digital connectivity

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically 3,000-5,000 miles or 6 months

Tune Up Interval:

10,000-15,000 miles (includes spark plugs, ignition timing, carb/FI checks)

Coolant Flush:

Every 2 years or 24,000 miles

Engine Oil:

API SF/CD 20W-50 or 10W-30 (depending on climate and specific engine)

Coolant:

Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze (50/50 mix with distilled water)

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 (typically)

Power Steering Fluid:

Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) or specific power steering fluid

Engine Wear:

Oil leaks from rear main seal, timing chain wear, potential for carburetors needing adjustment/rebuild

Electrical Faults:

Aging wiring harnesses, Lucas components (often referred to as 'Prince of Darkness'), ignition switch issues

Suspension Wear:

Bushes and ball joints wearing, especially on IRS models

Rust:

Common areas include wheel arches, sills, boot floor, and front valance due to age and material construction.

Cooling System:

Radiator efficiency, thermostat sticking, hose degradation

Carburetor Tuning:

SU carburetors require regular adjustment (jet height, mixture) and cleaning of dashpots.

📚 Vehicle History

Foundation:

Jaguar Cars, founded by Sir William Lyons, renowned for sporting saloons and luxury GT cars

Series I:

1968-1972: Launched as a successor to the Mark 2. Introduced the long-wheelbase option. Primarily 2.8L and 4.2L engines. Independent Rear Suspension debuted on some later Series I models.

Series Ii:

1973-1979: Significant styling updates including raised bumpers to meet US regulations, revised interior, introduction of the 4.2L 'H'-engine and the 5.3L V12 engine. Independent Rear Suspension (IRS) became standard.

Series Iii:

1979-1992 (overlaps end of product coverage): Further refinements, including introduction of the new 3.4L AJ6 engine for some markets and minor styling tweaks. The manual covers the earliest Series III models.

Manufacturing Location:

Coventry, England

Key Variants:

XJ6 (inline-6), XJ12 (V12), XJ-S (Coupe variant, not covered by this manual)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Journalism:

Consistently praised for its blend of luxury, performance, and value for money in its class during its production run.

Classic Car Status:

Highly regarded as a classic luxury car, representing a significant era of automotive design and engineering.