Automotive Segment:
Luxury Executive Sedan
Era Design:
Iconic British luxury design, representing the pinnacle of Jaguar engineering in its time.
Key Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz S-Class, BMW E3, Rover P6, Citroën DS.
Engine Excellence:
Renowned for the smooth and powerful 4.2-litre Jaguar XK engine.
Handling Ride:
Exceptional ride comfort and handling characteristics due to sophisticated independent suspension and power steering.
Interior Luxury:
Sumptuous interiors featuring Connolly leather, burr walnut wood veneers, and spacious accommodation.
Engine:
4.2 litre XK engine overhaul, tuning, lubrication, cooling system, fuel delivery (carburetors).
Fuel System:
Carburetor specifications (SU HD8, Zenith-Stromberg), fuel pumps, fuel lines, fuel tank servicing.
Transmission:
Manual and automatic gearbox (e.g., Moss, Borg-Warner Model 8, Borg-Warner Model 12) servicing, overhaul, fluid specifications.
Drivetrain:
Propeller shaft, universal joints, rear axle assembly (Salisbury type), differential servicing.
Suspension:
Front independent suspension (wishbones, coil springs, anti-roll bar), rear trailing arm and Watt's linkage suspension, shock absorbers, bushings.
Steering:
Power steering system (Burman recirculating ball), steering column, track rod ends, adjustment procedures.
Brakes:
Girling disc brakes (front and rear), brake fluid specifications, hydraulic system, handbrake mechanism, bleeding procedures.
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, generator/alternator, starter motor, ignition system, lighting, instrumentation, fuses, battery servicing.
Bodywork:
Body panel alignment, door mechanisms, window regulators, trim, interior fittings, rust prevention.
Heating Cooling:
HVAC system, heater matrix, blower motor, air conditioning (if fitted), radiator, water pump.
Wheels Tyres:
Wheel types, bolt patterns, tyre sizes, pressure recommendations, balancing and alignment procedures.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance tasks, lubrication points, fluid changes, filter replacements.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts for common problems, identification of faults, solutions.
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for component removal, overhaul, and reinstallation.
Adjustment:
Carburetor synchronization, ignition timing, valve clearance adjustment, brake adjustment.
Engine Rebuild:
Cylinder head removal/refitting, piston/connecting rod assembly, crankshaft bearing inspection, engine assembly.
Body Repair:
Procedures for door hinge adjustment, panel replacement, and trim installation.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering from basic servicing to complete engine and transmission rebuilds.
Diagnostic Level:
Includes electrical testing procedures, mechanical adjustments, and symptom-based troubleshooting.
Engine Type:
DOHC Inline 6-cylinder (XK engine)
Displacement:
4235 cc (4.2 Litres)
Bore X Stroke:
92.07 mm x 107.95 mm
Compression Ratio:
Various, typically 8.0:1 or 8.75:1 depending on variant and market.
Horsepower Output:
Approximately 245 bhp (gross) @ 5000 rpm (Series I), may vary slightly for Series II and specific markets.
Torque Output:
Approximately 378 Nm (279 lb-ft) @ 3000 rpm (Series I), may vary.
Carburetors:
Typically twin SU HD8 carburetors for Series I and early Series II. Later Series II models adopted Zenith-Stromberg 175 CDSE twin carburetors.
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Petrol (from mid-70s onwards, may require modifications or specific fuel grades for earlier models).
Oil Change:
Every 3,000 miles or 6 months (typical for the era).
Grease Points:
Regular lubrication of king pins, shackle pins, steering joints, and driveshaft splines as per manual's schedule.
Engine Oil:
API SE/SF or equivalent, SAE 20W-50 or 10W-40 depending on climate (consult specific manual version).
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze mixture, typically 50/50 with water.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid (non-silicone based).
Rust Prone Areas:
Wheel arches, sills, door bottoms, boot floor, and chassis outriggers are susceptible to corrosion.
Carburetor Issues:
SU and Zenith-Stromberg carburetors can require regular adjustment, float bowl sealing, and needle wear checks.
Electrical Gremlins:
Older wiring can degrade, leading to intermittent faults in lighting, ignition, and auxiliary systems.
Suspension Wear:
Bushings, ball joints, and tie rod ends are common wear items requiring periodic inspection and replacement.
Jaguar Legacy:
Built upon Jaguar's storied history of performance and luxury, particularly its success in motorsport with the XK engine.
Series I:
Launched in 1968, introducing the long-wheelbase XJ chassis which set a new standard for ride and handling.
Series Ii:
Introduced in 1973 with significant styling updates, including raised bumpers to meet US safety regulations, improved cabin ventilation, and revised mechanicals.
Daimler Variant:
Daimler models were often more luxuriously appointed than their Jaguar counterparts, featuring unique grille designs and higher levels of interior trim.
Manufacturing Location:
Coventry, England.
