Jaguar Car Club of Victoria

Many motoring writers and journalists have waxed lyrical about this car or that car but from the release in 1968 of the Jaguar 4.2 (later dubbed the Series I) a new set of superlatives had to be found.

Truly a modern day classic, this series of Jaguar was to have an 18 year production life. With 1972 a long wheel base version was launched however the major change was under the bonnet.

A new 5.3l/ V12 was unveiled and this led many of the aforesaid scribes to proclaim the series 1 V12 powered Jaguar 'the Best Car in the World'.

The power, smoothness, strength and safety were just some of its qualities. Road holding and driver/ passenger comfort set new standard of excellence which probably remain as yardsticks even now.

The Series 2 of 1973 ushered in subtle changes in style which further enhanced a beautiful package. For some time Sir William Lyons and his team of designers and engineers had been contemplating the viability of a 2 door coupe version. A Series 1 prototype somehow founds its way to Australia and at least one Series 2 Prototype is also here.

Finally in 1975 the car was released with either the 4.2l or the 5.3l/ V12 motor. After 2 years, production was halted. The XJC whilst not in the '1930 Penny class' had become a real collections piece with the 5.3l commanding a large premium.

The Series 3 (1979) suffered the BMC/ Leyland disease which could have proved terminal but for the resilience and strength of Sir William's old company. A slightly redesigned body and having the serious maintenance problems addressed saw the Marque survive.