Image of 1979 Jaguar Xjs, sourced from journal.classiccars.com , Image Link.

1979 Jaguar XJS: A Blend of British Elegance and Power

The 1979 Jaguar XJS is not merely a car; it's a statement of luxury and performance wrapped in a distinctly British package. Born from the storied halls of Jaguar Cars Ltd in Coventry, England, this grand tourer was introduced to the world as a successor to the legendary E-Type. With its sleek lines and powerful V12 engine, the XJS carved out its own niche in automotive history. Notably, it was during this era that the brand was under the ownership of British Leyland, which added an extra layer of intrigue to its story.

Design and Innovation

The exterior styling of the 1979 Jaguar XJS exudes a sense of sophistication and power. Its long hood and elegant fastback design were penned by the famed aerodynamicist Malcolm Sayer, with contributions from Sir William Lyons. The car's silhouette was both modern and timeless, making it an instant classic upon release. Inside, occupants were greeted with rich leather upholstery and polished wood trim, hallmarks of Jaguar's commitment to luxury. The use of high-quality materials ensured that every touchpoint conveyed opulence. Technology-wise, the XJS was ahead of its time with features like power steering, electric windows, and optional cruise control. Color options ranged from understated hues to more vibrant shades, with classics like Signal Red and British Racing Green being among the popular choices. The 1979 model year offered coupé body styles with options such as the standard or 'HE' (High Efficiency) versions later on. The HE models featured a Michael May-designed fireball combustion chamber which improved fuel efficiency significantly.

Historical Significance

The Jaguar XJS set itself apart through its blend of performance and grand touring comfort. It wasn't just a sports car; it was a vehicle designed for long-distance travel at high speed with all the creature comforts one could desire. This dual personality influenced future generations of luxury coupes, setting a benchmark for what a grand tourer could be.

Performance and Handling

Under the hood lay a 5.3-liter V12 engine that propelled the 1979 XJS from 0-60 mph in under 8 seconds—a remarkable feat for its time. With a top speed flirting with 150 mph, it was among the fastest production cars available. The XJS's handling characteristics were tuned more for comfort than outright agility, but it still managed to deliver a driving experience that was both engaging and refined. The sound of the V12 was unmistakably smooth and provided an auditory thrill to match its linear acceleration.

Ownership Experience

Owners of the 1979 Jaguar XJS cherished it for various reasons—some enjoyed its elegance as a daily driver while others reveled in its status as a showpiece or weekend cruiser. Maintenance could be challenging due to the complexity of the V12 engine, but many enthusiasts found joy in preserving this piece of automotive history.

Fun Facts

The XJS had its share of celebrity owners and appeared in numerous films and TV shows, further cementing its place in pop culture. While not known for breaking speed records, it did set standards for luxury GT cars. Criticisms often centered on reliability issues common to Jaguars of that era but did little to dampen enthusiasm among aficionados.

Collector's Information

Today, values for a well-maintained 1979 Jaguar XJS can vary widely based on condition, mileage, and provenance. Production numbers were relatively low compared to mass-market cars, adding to their rarity—approximately 19,000 units were produced during the first full production year (1976), with numbers varying each subsequent year. As for appreciation or depreciation trends, well-preserved examples have seen a gradual increase in value over time as they become recognized as emerging classics within collector circles. It's not uncommon for pristine models to fetch anywhere from $15,000 to $30,000 or more at auction or private sale.

Conclusion

The 1979 Jaguar XJS represents an era when luxury coupes were defined by their gracefulness on the road and their ability to cover great distances with ease and speed. Its legacy is one of British engineering prowess combined with timeless design—a true classic that continues to captivate enthusiasts around the world.

1979 Jaguar XJS Roll Bar Bushing. 1/2" high, with 1/2" hole. Each-BN 2Roll Bar Bushing. 1/2" high, with 1/2" hole. Each

1979 Jaguar XJS Spark plug wire boot. Exclusive Metro part-RP 1-KSpark plug wire boot. Exclusive Metro part. Fits on the distributor cap end. Note: looks similar to coil boot, but is physically smaller. Replaces OEM# CO 2609. Each.