JAGUAR XJ12 SERIES I

4-door 5-seater saloon.

Truly a quart into a pint pot, though planned from the very beginning - Jaguar's brand new allow V12 in same hull and 'chassis' of XJ6 saloon. Not quite a push fit, but close. Original engine rated 253bhp with four carbs and gave 150mph top speed in sensational silence, but horrifying (12mpg) fuel consumption, still acceptable in pre-energy crisis times. Longer wheelbase (by 4ins) model, the XJ12L, from autumn 1972, and badge-engineered Daimler Double-Six to confuse the customer. In every respect, a great car.