・Very Rare V12 equipped 'XJ81 

・All original parts 

・Low-mileage 
・1 of just 886 RHD V12's built

The XJ40 project was first conceived around 1972 and after one of the longest gestation periods in British motoring, was finally released in October 1986 in either 2.9 or 3.6 flavours of Jaguar's AJ6 engine, first introduced in XJS in 1983. 

It wasn’t until 1993 that a V12-powered version was introduced. The model also required a stronger transmission than the six-cylinder cars, so the four-speed GM 4L80-E was chosen, marking one of the rare occasions that Ford (who owned Jaguar at the time) used a GM product.

The conception of the V12 powered XJ40, codenamed 'XJ81' is a story in itself. During the design of the XJ40 under cash strapped British Leyland, the motoring giant was keen to fit Jaguar's new saloon with the tried and tested Rover V8. The XJ40's chief engineer Jim Randle (also responsible for the iconic 'J Gate' transmission) recoiled in horror and went on to make sure the engine bay was too narrow to accommodate a V engine. 

Jim was reported to of said something at the time to the effect of 'I'm not letting them (insert profanity here!) put that engine in my car!'

This of course spelt trouble when the demand for a V12 stayed strong, contrary to Jaguar's predictions of a shrinking market for large capacity engines in the increasingly fuel efficient focused 1980s. This meant that the outgoing Series 3 model (a design essentially unchanged from the Series 1 of 1968) was kept in production until 1992, while the engine bay on the XJ40 was redesigned in haste to be equipped with Jaguar's legendary V12, now in 6.0 format.

Production only lasted until June 1994, which means the XJ81 had one of the shortest production runs of any of Jaguar's models.

 

This particular XJ81 vehicle was produced on the 18th of March 1994 and dispatched on the 28th March 1994 to Perrys Jaguar of Huddersfield where it stayed on the showroom display for over a year until its first registration on the 4th of August 1995 - not uncommon for the last of the line XJ40s, as most customers had placed orders for the new X300.

In its first year, it only covered 1499 miles, and around 11400 in total over the subsequent eight years under its first owner.

Interestingly, the car was once owned by Prince Jalawi Al Saud of the Saudi Royal Family. Serviced whilst in his Highness's possession at legendary London Jaguar dealers R A Creamer & Son with invoice supplied by Michael Quinn, grandson Jaguar founder Sir William Lyons. R.A Creamers were no strangers to dealing with the upper echelons of society and were well known for being HRH Queen Elizabeth's personal Jaguar dealer, along with the rest of the monarchy. 

At some point it was exported to The Netherlands for around 7 years before its return to the UK 

In the current ownership of a Jaguar Enthusiasts Club member, since 22nd of June 2017, bought with the mileage of 41,396, the current owner has always kept it clean, and has only taken it out on special occasions. 

This original example has not had any restoration work carried out, only regular servicing and is a very well maintained example, as a result of its life as part of various high profile personal collections.

This low mileage Jaguar XJ12 comes with the current V5, all the previous MOT certificates (apart from a short period during its time in The Netherlands). All services stamped accordingly, all service invoices have been collected over the years, including those from R.A. Creamer & Son, and of course a Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust certificate, drivers handbook and vehicle care manual. 

It was also featured in the Vol 36, No3, of Jaguar Enthusiast magazine, from March 2020

Inside, it's all business as usual in typical Jaguar style. Supple Doeskin leather, lashings of walnut interior trim, 'Mulberry' red wool carpeting, power-adjustable front seats, automatic air conditioning and a subtle badge on the passenger airbag cover letting you know of the massive powerplant up front. 

All the instruments are in good working condition, with all dials being clear, visible and scratch free. 

We can report that the interior is in very good condition, and everything works as it should. There is only a small crack on the plastic to the left of the steering wheel. 

The seats are all in good condition, with only the driver's seat showing some creases, with no scuffs or rips as we can tell. The leather featured in the XJ40's was made of a much higher quality than the later cars, still being made in house at Jaguar at the time which has in no doubt helped it's preservation.

The XJ12 is beautifully presented in Flamenco Red Metallic paintwork with 16 inch 'Twenty spoke' Alloy wheels.

The paint is in excellent condition with a deep shine and crisp lines all around the body. There are only a few small lacquer chips on the body, around the headlights and on the door sills around the front wheels. The only noticeable marks we could see were on the driver's door edge, where the door closes, 2 small scratches situated on the bonnet by the logo, one scuff under the front bumper's lip, and some imperfections by the tailgate handle. These small imperfections can be seen in the gallery.

The original alloys are fitted with new tires, with only one wheel showing some cosmetic signs of wear. The spare wheel also features a new tire. 

Many associate a twelve-cylinder engine with pure performance - and although the 6.0 unit can hustle its way down a B road, that's rather missing the point. The turbine-smooth unit is legendary for its simply uncanny silence and incredible refinement, and is at its happiest when cruising along in creamy comfort. 

The engine bay is very tidy, with all hoses appearing to be in good condition, with only some cosmetic wear to the V12's engine cover.

Underneath, the car has received new bushes and is reported to feel tight and taut. All the paperwork supporting the careful maintenance is present and accounted for.

The XJ81 was a rare beast even when it was new - just 886 cars were RHD out of the 4089 made, making it one of the rarest XJ's out there. If Ford and Jaguar had used their heads, it very well may of been a car that never existed, but we're very glad it did.

The sharp, muscular, yet quintessentially Jaguar styling of the XJ40 has aged very well and the fitment of that legendary V12 sets off its character perfectly. It certainly stacks up as a very smart investment that’s all wrapped up in a package that can easily be used as a more left field mode of everyday transport, should you so desire. 

Comprehensive history, Royal provenance, V12 power - does the Jaguar saloon experience get any better? 

No, we don’t think so either. 

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