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The XJ didn't meet with instant approval from chauffeur-driven buyers, who stuck with the 420 even though the two cars were of similar dimensions; Motor magazine pointed out that "the back space is not really in the Financial Times-reading class". But the critics were happy that even the old XK engine was more than sophisticated enough: "it takes on a new lease of life and feels rather smoother than it used to in the S-series cars and sometimes one can't help wondering why anyone thinks the engine needs replacing just because it is about 25 years old in basic design", sniffed Motor. But the straight-sixes were not quite enough for real luxury-seekers, so in 1972, the XJ12 was launched. "With hindsight a fuel-extravagant V12 was not a good idea in the 1970s, but it was an era of conspicuous consumption", says Eric Dymock. The 5343cc V12 delivered 269 bhp, did a top speed of 139 mph, accelerated from 0-60 mph in 7.4 seconds - and returned an average of 11.4 mpg, if you were lucky. The fuel crisis was still another year away, and until it struck, the XJ12 enjoyed a waiting list longer than almost every car on the market. And addressing another criticism of the range, 1972 also brought the introduction of the first long-wheelbase model, with an extra four inches between the axles.
The XJ doesn't, as yet, have quite the same collectors' appeal as, say, an original Mk 2 or S-Type, perhaps because it is not so different in appearance to today's cars. However, as prices of the older Jaguars increase, many enthusiasts are looking for more affordable alternatives, and hence the status of these is rising accordingly too. The XJ, because of its high maintenance and restoration costs versus relatively low purchase prices, has been popular amongst DIY restorers rather than commercial concerns, so the quality of many 'restored' XJs varies wildly. When buying an older Jaguar, it's a good idea to join the owners' club and look for a car with known history and provenance. A troublesome XJ can redefine your understanding of the word 'troublesome', and is the reason why rough examples are almost ludicrously cheap.
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