THE XJ40… AT 40

Introduced 40 years ago, the XJ40 was a long time coming but, when it finally did, it breathed new life into a struggling brand

Sir William Lyons had steered Jaguar Cars through some difficult years and by the 1960s the brand was a world-leader. However, Jaguar was still a small company in a cut-throat business and Lyons knew that, for Jaguar to survive, he would require the safety of a larger car manufacturer. 

Lyons had known and respected Sir George Harriman, Chairman of the British Motor Corporation (BMC), for many years. Consequently, he spoke at length with Harriman and an agreement was reached where Jaguar would become part of BMC to form British Motor Holdings (BMH) but would remain independent within the organisation. Harriman kept his word and Jaguar was able to make progress with developing new models under the BMH banner. One of the most important programmes was XJ6 – the code for a new flagship saloon which would replace the unwieldly range of saloons that formed the basis of the range. Work progressed on XJ6 but was interrupted by the takeover of BMH by Leyland Motors to form British Leyland, which came into being on 14 May 1968. Leyland had already acquired Standard-Triumph and Rover and were in a strong market position. The XJ6 was well-advanced and ready for production at the time of the takeover and the model was introduced on 26 September 1968 by Sir William Lyons at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London ahead of the Earl’s Court Motor Show.