Day 5: Series 3 XJ - 12 days of Jaguar-xj-mas

Launched at the end of March 1979, the Jaguar Series 3 was the second revision to the XJ design. Italian design house Pininfarina were commissioned in 1974 to style what was to become the series 3 XJ allowing the in-house Jaguar teams to concentrate on XJ-S and XJ40. The redesigned XJ did not depart from the original XJ design, instead enhancing it to become fit for purpose for the 1980s. Visually, most of the changes manifested above the car's waistline, with a narrower roof with less slope and for the first time on a XJ, curved glass. The A-pillar quarter glasses were dropped and the rack of the front and rear glass increased. Recessed letter-box style door handles replaced the more traditional grab-handle design. Further changes comprised remolded front bumper incorporating the front indicators with chrome capping and a revised front grille. At the rear, a new light cluster arrangement that incorporated the reversing lamps. Internal improvements made the XJ more contemporary with standard equipment levels improved across the range. The 4.2 XK straight six engine became fuel injected and was offered with a Rover derived 5 speed manual or 3 speed automatic. 5.3 V12s remained with the GM400 3 speed automatic transmission only. 1984 saw the UK launch of the Sovereign models denoted as Sovereign for the high specification 4.2 XK6 variant and Sovereign HE for the V12. More luxurious Daimler options comprised the 4.2 6 cylinder and Daimler Double Six V12 saloons.