Jaguar Xj History: XJ6 Series 1 4.2-litre 1968

The Jaguar XJ exsisted before models like the XE, XF and all-electric I-Pace.Jaguar was viewed as a traditionalist auto creator; its models were regularly talked about in indistinguishable breath from noble men's clubs and meeting rooms. That is far less evident today, and the present line-up is described by fresh, current autos rather than walnut and the whiff of pipe smoke.

However, Jaguar obviously still has confidence in custom where enormous birthday celebrations are concerned, in light of the fact that to praise 50 long stretches of the XJ, it has amassed five ages from the last 50 years, from the first Series 1 directly through to the most recent XJR. We can hardly wait to meet the family.

We start with the Series 1 XJ having a place with none other than the late Jaguar originator Sir William Lyons, appreciating the smell of wood, cowhide and period glues as we move on board. The seating position is high and upright, yet it's agreeable and the view out is incredible.

After at first getting a handle on the Bakelite guiding wheel, we relax our grasp a bit when we understand exactly how thin the edge is. Yet, the directing itself is unnervingly light; you feel as though you're encouraging the S1 XJ through corners as opposed to driving it. The water driven set-up loyally conveys every last trace of street back to the driver, however, and we before long figure out how to confide in its precision.

The three-speed Borg Warner auto box is especially of now is the right time, defaulting to top apparatus effortlessly and demonstrating hesitant to kick down. Yet, the six-barrel motor's inclination is to sit at low revs and capitalize on its direct power conveyance, and there's sufficient snort to stay aware of present day activity.

The brakes additionally pass summon. The servo help is light by current models so they require more notice than a cutting edge set-up, yet with plates all round (in-board at the back) they're more than adroit at pulling the XJ up.

Ride is the place the Series 1 triumphs. It has a suppleness to it that has been missing from autos for quite a while. Corners and undulations in the street incite more roll and pitch than present day tastes would regard satisfactory, however this XJ holds a feeling of self-control. It's incredibly unwinding.