Jaguar XJ6 Series I 4.2

Jaguar XJ6 Series I 4.2

The Jaguar XJ6, launched in September 1968, was Sir William Lyons' crowning achievement and arguably the finest sedan in the world upon its debut. Enzo Ferrari himself called it 'the most beautiful saloon car ever made.' The XJ6 replaced three separate models — the Mk2, S-Type, and 420 — with a single, unified design that combined Jaguar's traditional virtues of performance, luxury, and value in a thoroughly modern package. The ride quality was a revelation. The fully independent suspension, with anti-dive geometry at the front and a sophisticated rear setup using the drive shafts as upper links, delivered a ride that was simultaneously comfortable and controlled — drawing praise from journalists who said it rode better than a Rolls-Royce while handling like a sports car. The 4.2-litre XK engine provided effortless performance, while the interior offered sumptuous leather and walnut in the Jaguar tradition. The XJ6 went through three series: Series I (1968-73), Series II (1973-79) with raised bumpers and improved ventilation, and Series III (1979-92) with Pininfarina-refined styling. A V12 version joined in 1972. The Series I, with its pure Lyons lines and slim chrome bumpers, remains the most desirable.