Comparing the Jaguar XJ6 to its predecessors, the 420
and 420G |
| Years |
1966-1968 (420)
1966-1970 (420G)
1968-1973 (XJ6 Series 1) |
| Notes |
In 1968 the Series 1 XJ6 was launched, bringing to Jaguar a
whole new philosophy of "one model fits all". After its introduction all other
models save the E Type sports car were phased out, and effectively replaced by the XJ6
which was available initially with either a 4.2, or 2.8 liter version of the XK engine.
The first contemporary model to disappear was the 340, followed by the 240, the
"S" type, and the 420 Jaguar. The Daimler version of the 420, the Sovereign
lasted until 1969 because there was no Daimler badged version of the XJ6 available at the
launch, and the final survivor of the old range, the 420G
(MK X) disappeared from production in 1970. The E Type sports car stopped
production after the 1974 model year, and was replaced by the XJS, which was itself based
on the XJ6.
The following tables show the leading dimensions of the 420,
the 420G and the XJ6 and it will be seen that the XJ6 was
slightly larger than the 420 but significantly smaller and lighter than the 420G
Notes:
comparisons below are made with the 4.2 liter version of the XJ6. It was
also made available with the 2.8 liter engine to fill the gap left by the cheaper, smaller
Jaguar models.
Two sets of length and wheelbase figures are given for the XJ6. In late
1972, for the 1973 model year a long wheelbase version was made available, to provide more
rear seat legroom, and this modification proved so popular that the original wheelbase
version only lasted until November 1974, which by this time was the XJ6 Series 2 model.
The long wheelbase version had a wheelbase of 112.75 inches and a length of 16 feet
2 3/4 inches. (Still over 7 inches less than the massive 420G model) |
| Description |
All these models were 4 door sedans (saloons) |
| Engines |
| Model |
Engine |
Bore/Stroke |
Power |
| 420G |
4235cc 6 cyl twin overhead camshaft |
92 x 106 mm |
265 bhp @ 5550 rpm |
| 420 |
4235cc 6 cyl twin overhead camshaft |
92 x 106 mm |
245 bhp @ 5550 rpm |
| XJ6/XJ6L |
4235cc 6 cyl twin overhead camshaft |
92 x 106 mm |
180 bhp @ 5550 rpm
Note: same engine and state of tune as the 420, but perhaps more honest power reporting. |
|
| Carburetors |
| 420G |
Triple SU HD8 |
| 420/XJ6 |
Twin SU HD8 |
|
| Brakes |
4 wheel discs, vacuum assisted. (all 3 models). XJ6 upgraded
to 3 pot front calipers |
| Weight |
420G
420
XJ6
XJ6L |
4032 pounds
3700 pounds
3810 pounds
3970 pounds |
|
| Length |
| 420G |
16 feet 10 inches |
|
| 420 |
15 feet 7 1/2 inches |
|
| XJ6 |
15 feet 9 1/2 inches |
|
| XJ6L |
16 feet 2 1/2 inches |
|
|
| Height |
| 420G |
4 feet 6 1/2 inches |
|
| 420 |
4 feet 8 1/4 inches |
|
| XJ6/XJ6L |
4 feet 6 1/2 inches |
|
|
| Width |
| 420G |
6 feet 4 inches |
|
| 420 |
5 feet 7 inches |
|
| XJ6/XJ6L |
5 feet 9 inches |
|
|
| Top speed |
| 420G |
122 mph |
| 420 |
123 mph |
| XJ6 (4.2) |
124 mph |
|
| Wheelbase |
| 420G |
120 inches |
| 420 |
107.375 inches |
| XJ6 |
108.75 inches |
| XJ6L |
112.75 inches |
|
| Transmission |
4-speed manual. Overdrive optional. Also available, Borg
Warner 3 speed automatic. |
| Suspension |
| Front - all models |
Independent. Coil springs, wishbones and anti-roll bar |
| Rear -- all models |
Independent, lower wishbones, radius arms and coil springs. |
|