20 July 2024 | General News
Although heavily based around its XJ40 predecessor, the X300 managed to look significantly different thanks to its more traditional bonnet line, which followed the shape of the quad headlamps and was reminiscent of the ‘Series’ XJ models. Combine that with a subtly more curvaceous overall look (as well as integrated body-coloured bumpers) and you had an XJ that managed to look both fresh and authentically Jaguar at the same time.
Just as important was Ford-owned Jaguar’s determination to ensure class-competitive build quality and reliability, with a major investment being made in new manufacturing techniques and the latest in body-welding robots to ensure impressive panel fit and all-round precision.
The X300’s adoption of Jaguar’s latest AJ16 six-cylinder engine also helped its image, with this development of the XJ40’s AJ6 unit being smoother, more refined and – as we were to find out later – more reliable than before.
The X300 was available in a choice of different trim levels, comprising the 3.2-litre XJ6, the Sovereign (available as a 3.4 or 4.0 model), the Sport (complete with wider, wheels and stiffer suspension) and – for the 1997 model year – the Executive. Part-way through the ’95 model year came various long-wheelbase versions, codenamed X330 and featuring an extra six inches of rear legroom and an inch more headroom.
It was the launch of the XJR that brought some welcome excitement to the X300 range, its 4.0-litre engine being mated to an Eaton M90 supercharger to boost power from 249bhp to 326bhp, with a mighty 378lb.ft of torque. A 6.0-litre V12 version of the X300 was also available, developing an impressive 318bhp. And as with all previous XJs, the X300 was offered in Daimler guise, known as the Daimler Six and Double-Six.
The X300 was relatively short-lived, with the very last car – now on display at the JDHT’s Gaydon-based Collections Centre – rolling off the line on July 2nd, 1997.
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