1986 JAGUAR XJ 2.9L 5MT RWD (150 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Jaguar finally decided to replace its aging first-generation XJ, which has been in production for almost two decades since 1968.

Even though its predecessor’s career was divided into three series, those were mostly upgrades on the original 1968 model. But the 1986 XJ was a completely new chapter. Its development began in the early ’70s, but due to the 1973 oil crisis, the XJ40 project was delayed. Then, the second oil crisis happened, and the project was postponed again until 1986, when it was finally unveiled.

Initially, the British carmaker tried to have the car designed by Pininfarina, but due to development costs, it turned the Italian car design studio down and penned-it in-house. That led to more of an evolution than a revolution in the vehicle’s look. It still sported the same low greenhouse and a svelte silhouette. At the front, depending on the market and trim level, Jaguar installed either a pair of rectangular headlights or twin round lamps that were flanking the chromed grille between them. The car’s profile showed an arched beltline that descended towards the rear end.

Inside, Jaguar installed its best interior and granted the car access to its best materials in the storage. Strangely, even though it was its flagship model, it featured wool upholstery for the base trim levels, while leather upholstery was offered as an option. The low seating position was similar to the one in a sports car. Yet, the rear passengers’ headroom was enough only for shorter adults or children. There was not enough legroom either, and that’s why Jaguar also introduced a long-wheelbase version for the XJ.

Under the hood, the carmaker installed either inline-six or V12 powerplants mated with a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic. Power went to the rear wheels only.