I wish modern cars had half of the elegance and beauty of the cars of that era. Nowadays every vehicle looks, more or less, the same. Thank you Iain Tyrrell for such wonderful videos.
Not untrue but if you look at all cars of the era, they all followed similar trends, safety regulations, fashion, aero developments all become copied amongst the manufacturer’s. Jaguar were one of those that beat their own path and were criticised at the time for looking backwards unlike Mercedes, Audi and others who were more futuristic with some design elements. This is so with the evolution of early coachbuilding onto motorised and adapted carriages through automotive design in every era. Somebody hit Son a great idea or solution and somebody else is inspired to improve or adapt it. As time progresses, regulations and safety regulations as well as environmental considerations have added new challenges. It makes it really hard to design a car to look superb in the mass market and still stand out from the competition, most try too hard and look awful within a couple of years. Ford copied many Mercedes features on their 1970s car particularly with what they claimed were tail lights that were cleaned by air flow, a feature Merc had started on the S Class and then all their ranges. Jaguar stayed true to their design heritage for longer than other manufacturers apart from Rolls/Bentley. Frankly I celebrate that, not everybody did back then and it led them down a blind alley even up to now where most of the models since then have been with a couple of exceptions, pretty disastrous from a styling point of view. The recent, especially the S Type and the horrid X Type and current line ups apart from The F Type are bland, unadventurous and have no road presence to distinguish them from the pack nowadays. Even the current XJ which was a brave attempt, is now ancient and is crying out forma trailblazing and exciting design departure. My guess is they’ll have to kill that sector for cost savings. A real shame considering what an amazing manufacturer they have been since they evolved from a motorbike sidecar manufacturer!
Probably the talent in car design today is just as good as it was back then, the problem is now there are so many regulations requiring bits to be rounded, lights put in a certain place, certain things need to be a particular height etc. Plus wind tunnel testing and Christ knows what else. It's just no longer possible to make a pure work of art.
Always loved the XJ12 . Drove one a few years ago. Thanks for the video. Not sure if my low mileage '95 LS400 would compare on the elegance stakes but it would be just as quiet, if not quieter. Almost silent despite it's age. Happy to swap it for the Double six regardless.
@@grandmastarflash The problem is not so much the regulations and requirements to meet, the problem in car design (as in many many other branches of industrial production) is how the marketing and, even much worse, the controlling branch of any car manufacturer constantly commits lots of intrusive interference in the process of developing and prototyping. That in combination with the impertinently anti-technical personell in politics and legislation when it comes to environmental constraints makes cars to badge-engineered abominations of some sort these days. Bring back engineers into development and ban controllers into small lightless cubicles where they can count their beans afterwards, let the slightly off-railed geniuses like André Lefèbvre and Flaminio Bertoni (Citroën DS) do their work uninhibited and let the cocain-saturated marketing branch do nothing else than bloody sell what the engineers thought out and built before, and You get back a market full of very good, very distinguished and very different cars.
The Jaguar V12 cars are eerily quiet, almost ghostly. Even a Tesla is noisier in the cabin. The cars were masterpieces of design, elegance, refinement and pace.
Have worked on Jaguars for 45+ years and still learn something new everyday! That injector trick is simply ace. Our factory training always warned against applying too much voltage obviously, but that defib-type jolt makes complete sense. Also glad to hear you mention how fiddly those XJC quarter windows can be! Would love to see more Jag love on your channel! Cheers
Lovely comment, thankyou. We don’t really make a song and dance about the stuff we produce(d) in this country and mores the pity. William Lyons design and Harry Mundy engine - what’s not to like? Two of the greatest car men that ever graced the face of this planet. My favourite would be the ‘80s Jag V12 with the pepper pot alloys 😁
@@abuhamza1970 - Actually the Jaguar V12 engine started out with the same unusual (for UK) over square 3.5" bore and 2.8" stroke as the 1950 - 2000 Buick/Olds/Rover all aluminum V8... 10:37 combustion chamber in piston top or cylinder bore was found to be inferior design in USA by mid 1960's... dropped by Ford and Chevy...
Decades ago had an injector flooding the engine of my '79 Cadillac Seville (still have it) with fuel. Only 1 MPG !!! 20 gallons gone in 20 miles! Called Cadillac and they wanted $150 for a new injector, and the engine has 8 injectors: 8 x $150 = $1200... back when a dollar was worth something... so that idea left me... I removed the injector and blew compressed air through it backwards while a helper touched 12 volts to it... that fixed it and it is still fine now...
@@allanmacbadger5692 how do you mean? Harry always seems like such a class act to me, plus he led me to Iain’s incredible knowledge, workshop and channel. I thoroughly enjoy watching them both.
Yes, these 2 are a lovely cuppa coffee and remembering all the cars I could not buy then, I felt the same on jay Leno when he did a review of a 1964 Bonneville, took me back to my youth.
This sums up the “grace, space and pace” mantra, I love an old xj. this shape was probably the best, the colour scheme and even vinyl roof look fab. A beautiful beast
agree with everything in your comment, with one exception : the vinyl roof (a Jaguar is no longer a Jaguar when it tries to look like a Cadillac Eldorado)
I have to agree as well including the vinyl roof. I’d love a really nice v12 XJC and there is one currently for sale for $70k. It’s a lot although I seem them only continuing to rise so paying overs now doesn’t bother me. What bothers me is that this beautifully fully restored Jag was originally carriage brown with a black vinyl roof. It’s now sage green and no vinyl. It bothers me so much I can’t even consider it. Have to wait for another example that’s original and clean.
Another excellent 'teaching' experience from Tyrrell’s Classic Workshop. I recall a close mate lending me a Jag V12 saloon in white, dark blue interior, vinyl roof with those lovely alloys found on the XJS in the mid 1990s. I had to drive it from London to the midlands for him... my god it pulled like the Star Ship Enterprise, what a beautiful car! Supremely effortless and so smooth. Funnily enough what I wasn't expecting was it was like a red rag to a bull, whenever some sales rep or pimply teenager 'whatever' in his then current hot Ford or modified 'rice burner' etc etc sniffed the bumper and saw the V12 BADGE they thought they'd take me on. The best bit was when I came to a round-about when exiting north, I can still hear Capt. Kirk in my minds eye saying to Hikaru Sulu something like 'Warp factor five please' and with a light press of the pedal and a subtle but slight lift of the bonnet I was circling Alpha Centauri our closest star system. Ok a slight exaggeration, but I blew everyone away.
WOW! I am impressed, having and/or currently owned 3 Jags myself -- '89XJS V12 Coupe (sold many years ago, to my eternal regret!); '03 XK8 4.2 V8 Convertible; '14 XK 5.0 Coupe.
These videos are as relaxing as a head massage , imagine owning one of these in an age of Allegros, Vivas, Cortinas and rusty Italian stuff, owning a Jag really set you apart in the 70's.
I worked at the dealership in the late 80s, I was 21, and totally fell for the brand. The smell and so refined, I love Jags. Thanks for your video, good memories.
Iain. You've made my day! l've been desperate for you to feature this jewel since l first glimpsed it . l trained on these (body/paint) and remember seeing the series 1 Double Six VDP retailing for over £10k ! 1973 . In my humble opinion the finest car ever ! I had 3 XJ 6's and 1 XJS V12 . I called that one the elastic band ! Thank you so much !
I like the fact that it has the larger outboard headlights. In the states we only got the series 1/2/3 with same size high and low lenses, but I've seen a few converted back to this style and I definitely it to be better look.
@@cosgraham534 "Euro" headlight conversions on pre-85 cars are a popular modification over here. I think '85 was the first year flush headlamps without sealed beams became legal over here.
Fantastic video as always. As Iain Tyrrell so eloquently explains with his such knowledgeable commentary, the 1970's XJ Series were so refined, whilst combining a super ride and pretty good handling - magic Jaguar engineering. Shame BL didn't do them any favours at the time - so Mercedes went onto make a mint in the US market during this time, whilst Jaguar's reputation (for reliability and customer service) took a dive. Many thanks for demonstrating this so well Iain. Cheers.
The V12 also didn't do them any favours. Their oil issues were notorious and a lot were taken of the road as you can't sell a car with an oil leak in Queensland post 1980. There are still common interstate but the only ones I ever see are the 4.2. MB's are still very common, especially the 280 & 450 models. Guess they don't leak like Jags. My brother almost bought an1985 XJS in 1991 till he was informed it could never be registered unless the engine was rebuilt due to oil leaks. It only had 36k on the clock. The car-yard was planning to scrap it.
@@2DogsVlogs Oil leak can be dealt with by a new crank seal upgrade. Not a weekend job but it can be done. I know because I've had it done. No more oil leaks.
@@2DogsVlogs the M116 and M117 mercedes v8 engines are bulletproof. Only certain M116 engines, with a single-row timing chain, can be troublesome but there's a workaround for that.
I had to comment on this................in the early 80’s, my boss had a Daimler Sovereign, which I believe was a 4.2 straight six. It was almost identical body style to the one in your video. It was chocolate brown with a dark brown vinyl roof...........absolutely beautiful. My work mate, at the same company, couldn’t be left out so bought a Jag XJ6, which was I believe, exactly the same engine/ car, without all the trim. Anyhow, I was fortunate enough to drive the Jag back from Oxford to South Lincolnshire, whilst returning form my mates parents house in Bournemouth, not a 5 minute journey in those days. I still remember how luxurious and smooth that car was. The cockpit was/is a classic, how could you not appreciate and love the lines of these beauties!! Thank you for bringing that memory back sir!!
I had a ride regularly as a boy in my grandfathers 4.2 of the same period. The view down the bonnet as the front of the car lifted on launch was amazing. His business partner had the coupe in black, both Daimler’s. Great memories.
I have to be honest I’m not a car person. But this channel is so good. I’ve learnt so much from Iain, the information, stories and history are fascinating. Thank you! Keep up the amazing work!
I remember seeinng these occasionally - as a kid riding around town on my bike. Even then, in my early teens, the "Double-Six" badge had a cachet of dreamy, exotic sophistication. Thanks for reminding me of those days, Ian - and for being (easily) my #1 fave TH-cam channel. Spot on.
‘Van den Plas’ is not pronounced as ‘van den Pla’ but with an active ‘s’, as in ‘was’. Just a minor remark from a dutch viewer… Enjoying all your videos. Thanks.
I own two 6.0 litres a `95 XJ 12 SWB and a `95 XJS cvt. I keep thinking I will sell one of them as I own a 2007 XJ8L and a 4X4 Cherokee I've owned over twenty plus years. However, whenever I take one of the V12s out for a drive I fall in love all over again. Perhaps I am just lucky but I've owned a 1988 XJ40 and a `67 XK-E type and all of my Jaguars have been reliable. Most issues with these cars can be traced to really simple maintenance issues such as making certain the main ground cable has good clean contacts that are free from galvanic corrosion and that the thermostats have "jiggle pins" to bleed air in the cooling system. Thank you for the presentation it was most enjoyable.
I just sold my Daimler Double Six Vanden Plas after many years of enjoyment and reliable motoring. Wonderful car. Mine was 1974 build on carburettors...
Well they’re pretty cheap for what they are - save up and you can have one! The problem isn’t the purchase price of course - it’s the maintenance. I have one (a double six, but not the vdp), and I spend at least 10 times as much time fixing it as I do driving it. Lots of fun either way though.
@@jackroutledge352 If memory serves me right, you're lucky to get 3 MPG out of a double six? Dad spent years restoring his, which was a bronze colour. I adored the smell of it inside. It started my love for Jaguar and while I could get one, you're correct that the running costs make it a hard ask for me to take on, as it would be my only car.
"It's just bringing everything out of its slumber". Sounds like me on most mornings now! I had a pre-loved Series 1 4.2 XJ6 here in OZ in the late 70's, and it was my first experience of how a saloon car could ride if engineered correctly. It wasn't the most reliable of cars and I sold it to a friend who later stripped it down and fixed all the niggles. I still have the Jaguar lust from all those years ago.
I read somewhere - and I don't know if it's true but I can believe it - that the engine was capable of being revved well beyond 8,000 rpm without shattering, and would have if Jaguar hadn't fitted softer springs to aid fuel economy and low-rpm smoothness, that bounced at around 7,500 rpm if you removed the rev limiting rotor. However that would have meant valve-to-piston contact, which would lead to another kind of explosion!
I have a Series 1 Daimler VDP Double Six in Coral with the chrome wheels and in pre fuel injection 4 x 175 Strombergs configuration. The car was brought over from the UK by an Australian Naval Officer Roy Edgar who had in turn bought from another Australian Naval Officer on course at Dartmoth RNC Alec Miroz in about 1975. I acquired the car in 1992 off Roy in absolutely mint condition. The car is my daily driver, reliable, smooth, agile, and rust free (we are in Australia). I cannot but echo your obvious enthusiasm for the V12 XJ Saloons, they are simply an outstanding vehicle.
Tyrrell’s Classic Workshop is on par if not better than Harry’s Garage: the composed attitude of Tyrell and his downy voice makes his videos a blessing!
Very enjoyable, my Dad had 4 xj6 ‘s through the 70’s , the last two both had climate control, one was R reg and the other S reg. All of them had the chrome pressed steel wheels. They also had a cassette recorder with a microphone on a lead in the glove box, presumably for dictation. I used to sit in it and record the top 20 on a Sunday evening as the recording was superior to my recorder indoors. I clearly remember he had a Daimler double six loan car when one of them was being serviced, I thought that was really special. I think my favourite was the first one, a 1971 4.2 swb series 1, black with red leather interior and a full sunroof. It had the early instruments across the dashboard. Fabulous cars.
I had one of these in the 1980s, WPE111M, in metallic blue it had 4 strombergs and did about 8mpg.The roof on the vanden Plas was ever flex not vinyl. Loved this.
I had the distinct pleasure to own a 1973 LWB VDP version while living in Sydney 1998-2000. It had only 48k miles when I bought it from the original owner, an 80yr. old accountant on the Northern Beaches area who drove it the two miles to work and back. EVEN though I am American, I have owned numerous British cars since learning to drive, my first was a 1966 Austin Healey and my last was a 1994 LWB Range Rover, bought in 2000; it was my daily driver for 12yrs. I've owned a slew of Rover and Rover cars and have driven everything from Jaguar XKE six and v12s, Lotus Europas, Minis, TR6's and on and on. I go to this length of citing these cars because the Daimler was in a class all by itself. First, it was in pristine condition mechanically and cosmetically (BRG, black interior. The most amazing thing about this car? That it had balanced handling that came alive at high speed. I use to take the approach ramp from Neutral Bay to the Sydney Harbour Bridge doing 80mph around the curved section of the ramp. I could easily 'steer' the car using the throttle to gently bring the rear end of the car in or out at speed around that curve. Driving at 100mph on freeways was a stroll. I paid AUD$10k, which with the lowest exchange rate ever meant I spent just under USD$5k. I regrettably sold it for AUD$5k when I left Sydney, a decision I soo regret even to this day. No experience of climbing into a car, driving it, owning it, has ever equaled it.
@Cool Ties Thanks !!! Many people, including me some years ago, thought it was more of a French pronunciation, where they never pronounce the last few letters of any word.
@@darthvincor things you need to know ; in Brussels a majority spoke dutch (flemish). Even dutch speaking parents gave french sounding names to their children, because nobility spoke french. In this case, the founder was a blacksmith...not exactly a baron. One of his sons was called Willy, a very atypical name for a french speaking person. Guillaume opened other workshops...in other flemish towns, not in the french speaking part of Belgium, Wallonia. Did I mention the family roots are Dutch (as in 'from the Netherlands')?. It's pretty safe to pronounce the 's'... :) but if you're more comfy saying 'pla', please do.
I am a similar age to you Iain and growing up as a car mad teenager in the '70's this car was widely regarded as the best saloon in the world. It was my dream car as a youngster, by 1984 I had saved like crazy and was able to buy a 1979(Treg) model in metallic Gold. I can vouch for the claimed 150mph top speed. This car was nothing short of a masterpiece. My car was identical to this so thank you, it was lovely to watch this trip down memory lane.
Fun fact ref.paint work.The very reason modern day showrooms dont have the smell they had in the 70,s and 80,s is because they were cellulose .Modern paints are better but dont give that lovely new smell that was so much of the showroom experience.
Dad had dreamed of owning a Jag for years and it finally arrived on 31st July 1975. It looked lovely, even in mustard yellow with green velour interior, but good old Brtiish Leyland didn't bother too much with detail at the time and the rear axle was squint. One wheel was half an inch in front of the other, so it wore out a set of rear tyres in weeks and the car hopped as it tried to straighten itself on the road. The dealers didn't offer to fix it, they solved the problem by providing replacement tyres free when needed. Good old British Leyland, great designs, thrown together.
Had that engine in 5.3 XJS, 100 mph in 1st only 3 speed auto but thats all it needed.. Worked in Jaguar Radford engine plant when the 12s were in production. What an engine, unreal.
Was lucky enough to have done my apprenticeship with a Jaguar specialist and spent countless hour after work hours playing with jags , my boss has a Daimler double six , and I’ve owned many series 2s &3s , my favourite being a series 2 XJ 4.2 coupe Fantastic channel , probably one of the best on TH-cam
My dad purchased what seemed to me as a kid a nearly new Jaguar 420G in dark blue over light, lots of chrome, low mileage and beautiful inside and out. This would have been after the first oil shock & nobody wanted big motors with a thirst. I recall wood & leather everywhere. Picnic tables in the back. And it went, too. Dad would sometimes take just me out for a Sunday drive, because I liked being around machines & tools. I think he sold it a few years later when he emigrated to the US, where he’s buried. He liked special cars. We also had a TVR Tuscan, V8 in a fibreglass body in green. Intoxicating.
So refreshing to enjoy a knowledgeable, intelligent,interesting,really nice guy talk about cars, so much better then the brash opinionated drivel we have endured on our TV screens in recent years, well done Iain, and thank you.
Dear sir, your channel is an exquisite pleasure. You sound like an Oxford professor of Automobilia (which you rightfully are) and to sip my tea while watching these lovely cars being described in that wonderful English accent is most therapeutic.
Ah, the cars of my youth...used to love seeing a Daimler Double-Six gliding down the road as a teenager... this one still looking beautifully elegant in 2020. Thanks for another informative video Iain, much appreciated.
Amazing example of this model. Back in the day my uncle had a Jaguar and I loved staying with my aunt and uncle for the summers because I got to ride in it. I think it is probably the most beautiful sedan ever designed. The hood lines, the rear fenders, it's just beautiful from every angle.
He saw all sorts of "specials" go down the line too. Tacky gold plated models with sheep skin/rug seats destined for Saudi Arabia and even one with tartan seats which one of the Bay City Rollers had ordered!
@@thomaswykes3647 My Dad was an experimental driver for BL. He was test driving this car on a test track (possibly Edge Hill). He told me that during the test, he was trying to destroy the break pads during heavy rain. Anyways, he had to abort the test as lighting was getting struck on the test track!
@@CoreyjGrieve I was 3 wondering when bod was on again. Now Its 2021... I'm saying sod off to the media show.. and now have a 1995 x300 xj6 sovereign. Happy days!!
Thanks for the memories. I bought one of these at a British car show in Michigan in 1995 and really did not know what I had gotten myself into. It was a 1978 XJ-12L and RHD! Jaguar Heritage tracked it to being imported to the US via the British embassy in the US. Loads of fun driving around in a RHD car, lots of stares. I must admit a bugger to work on. Having restored a few Mustangs and Falcons, I was unprepared for the scarcity and cost of parts, doing the brake job (and quad rear shocks) cost a fortune. The dual fuel tank system and plumbing in the trunk still gives me palpitations (I used only one tank and did manual calculations to figure when to fill up). Refurbished the leather with a product called Wooleys that did a great job. But my new wife blanched at all the seats in the living room during refurbishing and that led to its sale. Great stuff!
In the past I have owned and driven a 1976 XJ12C (5.3L with the Turbo400 transmission) and a 1994 XJ12 (6.0L with the 4L80E transmission) and they were both really wonderful cars to drive. I recall in the mid-2000's driving the 1994 XJ12 four door saloon across the USA and it was a real pleasure to use it for long road trips like that. A friend has a V12 XJS with a Tremec 5 speed transmission and being able to drive one f these V12 engines with a manual transmission behind it is a real revelation.
Sampson Boat Co. , Tyrrells classic cars, and great race from Aarava today it was a great day on youtube. Now just waiting for Leno's garage later 2nite Lexus LS400s are some of the most reliable nice cars ever. Yota knew what they are doing in the 90s
I can't believe it, 40 years later and I'm learning about this amazing car which was totally off my radar screen. And I grew up in a town where there should have been a few of them. What a great history lesson. Now I want to go back in time so I can go crazy when I see one, like I did when I saw the Espada, or Dino.
I’ve had one parked in the backyard for the last 20 years and everytime I open the door it’s still has that brand new leather scent. Leaving it for my nephew for when he gets his license. Just needs a nice new paint job, interior is immaculate
It’s great to watch , isn’t it ?! I had a Mercedes CLK that had a technically similar pillar less window design , with the wavy rear window retraction , but this was a 2004 car ! In a 1970’s jag , just magnificent!
Well that is very interesting about the metallic paint - I remember those Blue Mink or Silver Fords of the late sixties used to go dull in a year or two, I never knew why. Just another nugget of (shiny!) gold from this great channel.
The color was "moon dust", a metallic paint that failed quiet early in the life of the car. In an effort to keep it looking nice I ruined it. Within two years of purchase the car was repainted with a Dupont manufactured paint that was similar color, seemed to hold up better.
Enjoyed that Iain. I used to sell these beauties in the 70's. All XJ's were a fantastic ride ( except 2.8), but the Twelves were ultra special. We used to supply them to Captains of Industry - as you said mostly chauffer driven.
That rear number plate brought back some memories of my childhood in the late 70's early 80's, my Dad (BL/Austin worker @ Longbridge) always used the Patrick motors petrol station across the road from Longbridge Train Station. Remember going into the parts store next door owned by the same company, and they had a museum in Kings Norton, (Lifford lane?)where PMG displayed their cars.
Remember working at a garage in Mayfair (installing heating) and they had an E-Type in for a service. The mechanic servicing it must have been in his late 50s at that time. Anyway he started it up and everyone in the garage was just watching this beautiful machine and listening to the sound. Best thing he did though was sit a cup of water on the rocker cover. He reckoned that when the water stopped shaking, the carbs were in balance. Crazy, engine purring away, not a ripple in the water. Loved Jags ever since. Just wish I could afford one.
Another great vid, how on earth have you gotten the Coupe windows to work so smoothly/quickly? No doubt the result of great patience and skill, please share. And keep the great stories coming.
A dear friend of my father owned the Hand and Heart Public House in Holt, N. Wales many years ago and owned one of these fine machines. I remember traveling to the Farnborough Air Show in this car and being amazed by the power and refinement as a teenager. Awesome video - many thanks for posting.
You’ve made my day, simply seeing another video released by you. Lovely lovely car Iain, thankyou again for giving us the insight of your knowledge. 👍👍👍👍
Watching this video is a real treat. My father had a 1974 double-six VP, in burgundy. It really was a very smooth car to sit in while driving and was the best family car we ever had. I remember clearly. Nothing touches the beauty and elegance of this car.
Yessir, decades ago had an injector flooding the engine of my '79 Cadillac Seville (still have it) with fuel. Only 1 MPG !!! 20 gallons gone in 20 miles! Called Cadillac and they wanted $150 for a new injector, and the engine has 8 injectors: 8 x $150 = $1200... back when a dollar was worth something... so that idea left me... I removed the injector and blew compressed air through it backwards while a helper touched 12 volts to it... that fixed it and it is still fine now...
If you look in the background all the cars here (except the white Jalpa on the lift) have V12 engines. This car is very beautiful. This is sheer elegance and sophistication. I'm a big fan of all the cars here. All the little detail knowledge and history is deeply appreciated. Thank you.
Excellent. I have actually had the pleasure of driving one of these a few years ago, indeed being extremely rare. To my astonischment I had to take its width into account measuring at ~2 metres which I would not have guessed. Our Volvo S60 measures at ~1,90m. At first glance I projected the Jag about the same but it wasn't. 10 Cm is quite the difference for judging the opposite side of the car. This so much tells about the entire elegance of the design. And oh yes, it drives silky smooth, uncomparable even with any modern premium brand such as Mercedes. This Jag is more than effortless; actually gliding a carpet with hardly any audible effort coming from the engine bay, and it is extremely quiet. Quite the experience it was. The owner did not have any technical problems with it at all actually, other than regular maintainance. However, chrome had started to rust here and there a little, but that can be replaced.
My father had a Double Six two door coupe in 1977 ....... Such a wonderful car in metallic copper with XJS wheels. I was just 17 and had my first car which was a mighty 1200cc 1964 VW Beetle !!!!! ....... I remember Dad passing me on the old A3 at Wisley Lake, I was at full speed at around 65mph and he whistled by like a rocket. He later told me he was doing well over 100mph ........ Love you Dad .... R.I.S. ( rest in speed ) xxx
Thanks for the video, lovely. I have two Jags, a 1983 Series 3 XJ6, the standard model. Lovely automobile, so smooth and quiet, and in excellent condition, and I have a 1988 XJS V12 coupe, also a lovely auto. It is also in good condition. My only wish for these cars is that they would have had 4 speed automatic transmissions, it would have really helped in the general driving performance of the autos.
When Jags still had style and charm, like our esteemed presenter! I'd be really interetseted to see a *Bristol Blenheim or Brigand* featured and driven on a show such as this.
This video brought back many happy memories of my XJ12C, sadly sold before coming to Australia. It was always an experience to drive. Just getting into the driver's seat and breathing in the heady concoction of leather and petrol used to fill me with anticipation. I was once at a garage filling her up - a regular occurrence - when an old American gentleman approach me from another pump and said he'd once taken one of these to 145mph! I didn't doubt him but was only brave enough to take mine to 120mph - the engine wasn't stressed but it felt like the wing mirrors were going to fly off! 😂
my uncle was a chauffeur and drove these double six Vanden plas for a long time when I was around 8/9 years old in 1977. the car was awesome. so powerful. also fantastic handling, I would love to see a full review of the Lamborghini countach and test drive, also the original 1977 Aston Martin V8 Vantage which out accelerated the Countach, ferrari 365gt4BB, and Porsche 3litre Turbo of the day, your Knowledge and technical skill is amazing to watch, I look forward to seeing many more videos, also would love to see a modern classic review of a car I own myself, the Toyota celtica GT4 ST205, Japanese model with around 280 BHP. superb
Hello lain .Another superlative episode . I doubt you have time but "Driving with a Classic " presented by Adam who is a self taught mechanic, adores all Jaguars including V12's and showed us that trick with the injectors . Having driven many of these wonderful cars back in the day the Daimler Double Six VDP in Caramel (?) with pressed chrome steels is my absolute favourite and of course when the first V12 saloons were announced they were the fastest 4 door saloon in the world . Strangely Adam has an early V12 saloon on Strombergs and he prefers that set up ! Once again , many thanks for another packed 12 months of entertainment . Wishing you and Mrs.Tyrrell a peacful Christmas . ❤
growing up skint on a council estate my dad came home with a xj12 in pink! got it cheap off his mate! we loved it as kids! so smooth and luxurious. he couldn't afford to run it too long. always loved these cars since.
I had and enjoyed a XJ12L through two 12 cyl replacements, what a sweet engine, but finally did a GM 5.7 (360hp/410lbft) & 700r4 trans. Enjoyed this car another 13 years trouble free. One night, clear and cool sitting on the porch I heard the rust, it was eating the car, my heart was sad as I knew it's end was coming for me & I had enjoyed this ride for 23 years. Its photo still serves as the screen saver & the memories of long distance rides, day or night, sunny or inclimite weather are all vivid, the Brits had comfort and interior quality above all others in this luxury market...I still miss this car!
I wish modern cars had half of the elegance and beauty of the cars of that era. Nowadays every vehicle looks, more or less, the same. Thank you Iain Tyrrell for such wonderful videos.
Not untrue but if you look at all cars of the era, they all followed similar trends, safety regulations, fashion, aero developments all become copied amongst the manufacturer’s. Jaguar were one of those that beat their own path and were criticised at the time for looking backwards unlike Mercedes, Audi and others who were more futuristic with some design elements. This is so with the evolution of early coachbuilding onto motorised and adapted carriages through automotive design in every era.
Somebody hit Son a great idea or solution and somebody else is inspired to improve or adapt it. As time progresses, regulations and safety regulations as well as environmental considerations have added new challenges. It makes it really hard to design a car to look superb in the mass market and still stand out from the competition, most try too hard and look awful within a couple of years.
Ford copied many Mercedes features on their 1970s car particularly with what they claimed were tail lights that were cleaned by air flow, a feature Merc had started on the S Class and then all their ranges.
Jaguar stayed true to their design heritage for longer than other manufacturers apart from Rolls/Bentley.
Frankly I celebrate that, not everybody did back then and it led them down a blind alley even up to now where most of the models since then have been with a couple of exceptions, pretty disastrous from a styling point of view.
The recent, especially the S Type and the horrid X Type and current line ups apart from The F Type are bland, unadventurous and have no road presence to distinguish them from the pack nowadays. Even the current XJ which was a brave attempt, is now ancient and is crying out forma trailblazing and exciting design departure. My guess is they’ll have to kill that sector for cost savings.
A real shame considering what an amazing manufacturer they have been since they evolved from a motorbike sidecar manufacturer!
Probably the talent in car design today is just as good as it was back then, the problem is now there are so many regulations requiring bits to be rounded, lights put in a certain place, certain things need to be a particular height etc. Plus wind tunnel testing and Christ knows what else. It's just no longer possible to make a pure work of art.
Yes agreed, you only have to look at the German 3, one chassis 2 bodies or slanting boot vs upright boot lid. All very boring
Always loved the XJ12 . Drove one a few years ago. Thanks for the video. Not sure if my low mileage '95 LS400 would compare on the elegance stakes but it would be just as quiet, if not quieter. Almost silent despite it's age. Happy to swap it for the Double six regardless.
@@grandmastarflash The problem is not so much the regulations and requirements to meet, the problem in car design (as in many many other branches of industrial production) is how the marketing and, even much worse, the controlling branch of any car manufacturer constantly commits lots of intrusive interference in the process of developing and prototyping. That in combination with the impertinently anti-technical personell in politics and legislation when it comes to environmental constraints makes cars to badge-engineered abominations of some sort these days.
Bring back engineers into development and ban controllers into small lightless cubicles where they can count their beans afterwards, let the slightly off-railed geniuses like André Lefèbvre and Flaminio Bertoni (Citroën DS) do their work uninhibited and let the cocain-saturated marketing branch do nothing else than bloody sell what the engineers thought out and built before, and You get back a market full of very good, very distinguished and very different cars.
The Jaguar V12 cars are eerily quiet, almost ghostly. Even a Tesla is noisier in the cabin. The cars were masterpieces of design, elegance, refinement and pace.
The loudest sound in the cabin is the nut behind the wheel?
Was just watching top gear on BBC and it was not great. Saw this pop up on phone and no more Top Gear. This is a proper car show
100% better, Top Gear is pointless, these days, (for anyone with a true interest in cars)!
Top Gear is utter guff, all they can do is destroy things and inflate their egos!
Have worked on Jaguars for 45+ years and still learn something new everyday! That injector trick is simply ace. Our factory training always warned against applying too much voltage obviously, but that defib-type jolt makes complete sense. Also glad to hear you mention how fiddly those XJC quarter windows can be! Would love to see more Jag love on your channel! Cheers
Lovely comment, thankyou. We don’t really make a song and dance about the stuff we produce(d) in this country and mores the pity. William Lyons design and Harry Mundy engine - what’s not to like? Two of the greatest car men that ever graced the face of this planet.
My favourite would be the ‘80s Jag V12 with the pepper pot alloys 😁
@@abuhamza1970 jhas
@@abuhamza1970 Don't forget Wally Hassan and Claude Baily.
@@abuhamza1970 - Actually the Jaguar V12 engine started out with the same unusual (for UK) over square 3.5" bore and 2.8" stroke as the 1950 - 2000 Buick/Olds/Rover all aluminum V8...
10:37 combustion chamber in piston top or cylinder bore was found to be inferior design in USA by mid 1960's... dropped by Ford and Chevy...
Decades ago had an injector flooding the engine of my '79 Cadillac Seville (still have it) with fuel. Only 1 MPG !!! 20 gallons gone in 20 miles! Called Cadillac and they wanted $150 for a new injector, and the engine has 8 injectors: 8 x $150 = $1200... back when a dollar was worth something... so that idea left me... I removed the injector and blew compressed air through it backwards while a helper touched 12 volts to it... that fixed it and it is still fine now...
This along with Jay Leno's garage and Harry's garage are the best car channels. Nothing but genuine passion.
I could see Jay buying that VP, original and unrestored, just the way he likes them
Forget Harry's garage, just a poser.
100% correct
@@allanmacbadger5692 how do you mean? Harry always seems like such a class act to me, plus he led me to Iain’s incredible knowledge, workshop and channel. I thoroughly enjoy watching them both.
I’ve found the intimacy of Jay’s “pandemic edition” videos even more engaging and enjoyable. I hope the format carries on!
Btw, Cadillac had automatic climate control back in 1964. So that was 15 years before the Jag. Loved those 4 door Jags. I actually love the 2 door.
Cadillac had full climate in the 1860s.
Harry’s Garage this morning and Tyrrell’s Classic Workshop now.
What a splendid day 😁👌
One does agree 😀👏🏻
Always a boost to the day when Ian or Harry post.
Yes, these 2 are a lovely cuppa coffee and remembering all the cars I could not buy then, I felt the same on jay Leno when he did a review of a 1964 Bonneville, took me back to my youth.
Daves shed and Gary's Patio for me.
This sums up the “grace, space and pace” mantra, I love an old xj. this shape was probably the best, the colour scheme and even vinyl roof look fab. A beautiful beast
agree with everything in your comment, with one exception : the vinyl roof (a Jaguar is no longer a Jaguar when it tries to look like a Cadillac Eldorado)
I have to agree as well including the vinyl roof. I’d love a really nice v12 XJC and there is one currently for sale for $70k. It’s a lot although I seem them only continuing to rise so paying overs now doesn’t bother me. What bothers me is that this beautifully fully restored Jag was originally carriage brown with a black vinyl roof. It’s now sage green and no vinyl. It bothers me so much I can’t even consider it. Have to wait for another example that’s original and clean.
Wonderful. My dad’s friend had a Daimler double six when I was a kid and he took me for a drive. Will never forget it.
Tyrell’s workshop - the Oxford of automotive knowledge. The learned don always has a wry smile when he floors it.
Another excellent 'teaching' experience from Tyrrell’s Classic Workshop. I recall a close mate lending me a Jag V12 saloon in white, dark blue interior, vinyl roof with those lovely alloys found on the XJS in the mid 1990s. I had to drive it from London to the midlands for him... my god it pulled like the Star Ship Enterprise, what a beautiful car! Supremely effortless and so smooth. Funnily enough what I wasn't expecting was it was like a red rag to a bull, whenever some sales rep or pimply teenager 'whatever' in his then current hot Ford or modified 'rice burner' etc etc sniffed the bumper and saw the V12 BADGE they thought they'd take me on. The best bit was when I came to a round-about when exiting north, I can still hear Capt. Kirk in my minds eye saying to Hikaru Sulu something like 'Warp factor five please' and with a light press of the pedal and a subtle but slight lift of the bonnet I was circling Alpha Centauri our closest star system. Ok a slight exaggeration, but I blew everyone away.
I have a 1976 XJ6L with 28k original miles. Sable/cinnamon, always garaged. 😀
WOW! I am impressed, having and/or currently owned 3 Jags myself -- '89XJS V12 Coupe (sold many years ago, to my eternal regret!); '03 XK8 4.2 V8 Convertible; '14 XK 5.0 Coupe.
Like my XJ6: Always garaged.
For repairs.
Sir William Lyons' last and arguably greatest creation. Timeless design.
Total rot boxes built down to a price to BL standards..
@@Draxindustries1 beautiful though
Lyons also had input on the XJ40.
@@Draxindustries1 Most cars were in that period, name one that wasn’t if you want to be controversial!
@@paulfitzgerald7513 Porsche
These videos are as relaxing as a head massage , imagine owning one of these in an age of Allegros, Vivas, Cortinas and rusty Italian stuff, owning a Jag really set you apart in the 70's.
I worked at the dealership in the late 80s, I was 21, and totally fell for the brand. The smell and so refined, I love Jags. Thanks for your video, good memories.
Iain. You've made my day! l've been desperate for you to feature this jewel since l first glimpsed it . l trained on these (body/paint) and remember seeing the series 1 Double Six VDP retailing for over £10k ! 1973 . In my humble opinion the finest car ever ! I had 3 XJ 6's and 1 XJS V12 . I called that one the elastic band ! Thank you so much !
That twin headlight look with those curves still looks the part.
Still the prettiest.
I like the fact that it has the larger outboard headlights. In the states we only got the series 1/2/3 with same size high and low lenses, but I've seen a few converted back to this style and I definitely it to be better look.
@@SparkyGage I didn't know that - that's interesting.
If only all of us could age with such grace and beauty, and still be a head turner.
@@cosgraham534 "Euro" headlight conversions on pre-85 cars are a popular modification over here. I think '85 was the first year flush headlamps without sealed beams became legal over here.
Forget the super cars.... this is what I want.
Check out Harrys Garage and his 12 cylinder manual 2 door jag. He has just had it restored. Lovely.
Fantastic video as always. As Iain Tyrrell so eloquently explains with his such knowledgeable commentary, the 1970's XJ Series were so refined, whilst combining a super ride and pretty good handling - magic Jaguar engineering. Shame BL didn't do them any favours at the time - so Mercedes went onto make a mint in the US market during this time, whilst Jaguar's reputation (for reliability and customer service) took a dive. Many thanks for demonstrating this so well Iain. Cheers.
The V12 also didn't do them any favours. Their oil issues were notorious and a lot were taken of the road as you can't sell a car with an oil leak in Queensland post 1980. There are still common interstate but the only ones I ever see are the 4.2. MB's are still very common, especially the 280 & 450 models. Guess they don't leak like Jags. My brother almost bought an1985 XJS in 1991 till he was informed it could never be registered unless the engine was rebuilt due to oil leaks. It only had 36k on the clock. The car-yard was planning to scrap it.
@@2DogsVlogs Oil leak can be dealt with by a new crank seal upgrade. Not a weekend job but it can be done. I know because I've had it done. No more oil leaks.
@@2DogsVlogs the M116 and M117 mercedes v8 engines are bulletproof. Only certain M116 engines, with a single-row timing chain, can be troublesome but there's a workaround for that.
I had to comment on this................in the early 80’s, my boss had a Daimler Sovereign, which I believe was a 4.2 straight six. It was almost identical body style to the one in your video. It was chocolate brown with a dark brown vinyl roof...........absolutely beautiful. My work mate, at the same company, couldn’t be left out so bought a Jag XJ6, which was I believe, exactly the same engine/ car, without all the trim. Anyhow, I was fortunate enough to drive the Jag back from Oxford to South Lincolnshire, whilst returning form my mates parents house in Bournemouth, not a 5 minute journey in those days. I still remember how luxurious and smooth that car was. The cockpit was/is a classic, how could you not appreciate and love the lines of these beauties!! Thank you for bringing that memory back sir!!
I had a ride regularly as a boy in my grandfathers 4.2 of the same period. The view down the bonnet as the front of the car lifted on launch was amazing. His business partner had the coupe in black, both Daimler’s. Great memories.
Awesome car's used to drive a Daimler Sovereign 4.2 absolutely outstanding design 30 years on I don't think anything has matched it.
Sunday afternoon, tv on in the parents retreat room, and gently falling asleep to bits of this and having to rewind and watch again. Marvellous.
One of the best youtube channels without any doubt. So much information presented in an excellent and friendly way
I have to be honest I’m not a car person. But this channel is so good. I’ve learnt so much from Iain, the information, stories and history are fascinating.
Thank you! Keep up the amazing work!
I remember seeinng these occasionally - as a kid riding around town on my bike. Even then, in my early teens, the "Double-Six" badge had a cachet of dreamy, exotic sophistication. Thanks for reminding me of those days, Ian - and for being (easily) my #1 fave TH-cam channel. Spot on.
You should write poetry mate! Cheers x
2 years on, I’m still drawn to watch and appreciate such a lovely British Car.
‘Van den Plas’ is not pronounced as ‘van den Pla’ but with an active ‘s’, as in ‘was’.
Just a minor remark from a dutch viewer…
Enjoying all your videos. Thanks.
I own two 6.0 litres a `95 XJ 12 SWB and a `95 XJS cvt. I keep thinking I will sell one of them as I own a 2007 XJ8L and a 4X4 Cherokee I've owned over twenty plus years. However, whenever I take one of the V12s out for a drive I fall in love all over again. Perhaps I am just lucky but I've owned a 1988 XJ40 and a `67 XK-E type and all of my Jaguars have been reliable. Most issues with these cars can be traced to really simple maintenance issues such as making certain the main ground cable has good clean contacts that are free from galvanic corrosion and that the thermostats have "jiggle pins" to bleed air in the cooling system.
Thank you for the presentation it was most enjoyable.
Haven't driven one of those in 30 years absolutely incredible car this entire xj generation was something special.
I just sold my Daimler Double Six Vanden Plas after many years of enjoyment and reliable motoring. Wonderful car. Mine was 1974 build on carburettors...
My dad use to have a Daimler Double Six VP when I was young, always loved the shape of the series 2 XJ. I would love to own one, one day.
Well they’re pretty cheap for what they are - save up and you can have one! The problem isn’t the purchase price of course - it’s the maintenance. I have one (a double six, but not the vdp), and I spend at least 10 times as much time fixing it as I do driving it. Lots of fun either way though.
@@jackroutledge352 If memory serves me right, you're lucky to get 3 MPG out of a double six?
Dad spent years restoring his, which was a bronze colour. I adored the smell of it inside. It started my love for Jaguar and while I could get one, you're correct that the running costs make it a hard ask for me to take on, as it would be my only car.
"It's just bringing everything out of its slumber". Sounds like me on most mornings now! I had a pre-loved Series 1 4.2 XJ6 here in OZ in the late 70's, and it was my first experience of how a saloon car could ride if engineered correctly. It wasn't the most reliable of cars and I sold it to a friend who later stripped it down and fixed all the niggles. I still have the Jaguar lust from all those years ago.
I owned a Daimler Double six series 3, back in the day, loved it, excellent ride, smooth, quiet, strong acceleration from idle to 6.500 RPM ))
I read somewhere - and I don't know if it's true but I can believe it - that the engine was capable of being revved well beyond 8,000 rpm without shattering, and would have if Jaguar hadn't fitted softer springs to aid fuel economy and low-rpm smoothness, that bounced at around 7,500 rpm if you removed the rev limiting rotor. However that would have meant valve-to-piston contact, which would lead to another kind of explosion!
I have a Series 1 Daimler VDP Double Six in Coral with the chrome wheels and in pre fuel injection 4 x 175 Strombergs configuration. The car was brought over from the UK by an Australian Naval Officer Roy Edgar who had in turn bought from another Australian Naval Officer on course at Dartmoth RNC Alec Miroz in about 1975. I acquired the car in 1992 off Roy in absolutely mint condition. The car is my daily driver, reliable, smooth, agile, and rust free (we are in Australia). I cannot but echo your obvious enthusiasm for the V12 XJ Saloons, they are simply an outstanding vehicle.
Sounds like a lovely car!
I remember going to the dealership with dad when he bought the jaguar sovereign v12. That engine
Is a true piece of art, it really is.
What a dad !! Must be a great memory for you! Goodness me , he knew his stuff . Big respect ✊
Beautiful car!!
Tyrrell’s Classic Workshop is on par if not better than Harry’s Garage: the composed attitude of Tyrell and his downy voice makes his videos a blessing!
Different, but complementary beasts.
That coupe version at the end of the video is one of the prettiest cars of that era.
No, not just pretty. This car is beautiful.
You're God damned right!
Very enjoyable, my Dad had 4 xj6 ‘s through the 70’s , the last two both had climate control, one was R reg and the other S reg. All of them had the chrome pressed steel wheels.
They also had a cassette recorder with a microphone on a lead in the glove box, presumably for dictation. I used to sit in it and record the top 20 on a Sunday evening as the recording was superior to my recorder indoors.
I clearly remember he had a Daimler double six loan car when one of them was being serviced, I thought that was really special.
I think my favourite was the first one, a 1971 4.2 swb series 1, black with red leather interior and a full sunroof. It had the early instruments across the dashboard. Fabulous cars.
I had one of these in the 1980s, WPE111M, in metallic blue it had 4 strombergs and did about 8mpg.The roof on the vanden Plas was ever flex not vinyl. Loved this.
Probably needed a tune up... like this one did...
I had the distinct pleasure to own a 1973 LWB VDP version while living in Sydney 1998-2000. It had only 48k miles when I bought it from the original owner, an 80yr. old accountant on the Northern Beaches area who drove it the two miles to work and back. EVEN though I am American, I have owned numerous British cars since learning to drive, my first was a 1966 Austin Healey and my last was a 1994 LWB Range Rover, bought in 2000; it was my daily driver for 12yrs. I've owned a slew of Rover and Rover cars and have driven everything from Jaguar XKE six and v12s, Lotus Europas, Minis, TR6's and on and on. I go to this length of citing these cars because the Daimler was in a class all by itself. First, it was in pristine condition mechanically and cosmetically (BRG, black interior. The most amazing thing about this car? That it had balanced handling that came alive at high speed. I use to take the approach ramp from Neutral Bay to the Sydney Harbour Bridge doing 80mph around the curved section of the ramp. I could easily 'steer' the car using the throttle to gently bring the rear end of the car in or out at speed around that curve. Driving at 100mph on freeways was a stroll. I paid AUD$10k, which with the lowest exchange rate ever meant I spent just under USD$5k. I regrettably sold it for AUD$5k when I left Sydney, a decision I soo regret even to this day. No experience of climbing into a car, driving it, owning it, has ever equaled it.
Yes! The perfect ending for the weekend... btw, don't hesitate to pronounce the "s" at the end of 'Plas'.
@Cool Ties
Thanks !!!
Many people, including me some years ago, thought it was more of a French pronunciation, where they never pronounce the last few letters of any word.
Thank you for confirming what I had assumed all along. Glad I read your comment.
The founder was called Guillaume van den Plas, which sounds like a French-speaking Belgian, so I suspect the s is indeed silent.
Indeed, as far as I know vanden Plas was Flemish and thus the "s" should be pronounced.
@@darthvincor things you need to know ; in Brussels a majority spoke dutch (flemish). Even dutch speaking parents gave french sounding names to their children, because nobility spoke french. In this case, the founder was a blacksmith...not exactly a baron. One of his sons was called Willy, a very atypical name for a french speaking person. Guillaume opened other workshops...in other flemish towns, not in the french speaking part of Belgium, Wallonia. Did I mention the family roots are Dutch (as in 'from the Netherlands')?. It's pretty safe to pronounce the 's'... :) but if you're more comfy saying 'pla', please do.
I am a similar age to you Iain and growing up as a car mad teenager in the '70's this car was widely regarded as the best saloon in the world. It was my dream car as a youngster, by 1984 I had saved like crazy and was able to buy a 1979(Treg) model in metallic Gold. I can vouch for the claimed 150mph top speed. This car was nothing short of a masterpiece. My car was identical to this so thank you, it was lovely to watch this trip down memory lane.
I could watch Ian all day , a craftsman that are hard to find these days.
THIS GUY IS GREAT, I SOLD JAGUAR CARS FOR 40 YEARS AND HE IS ON POINT ON ALL DETAILS, VERY IMPRESSIVE GUY. VERY IMPRESSIVE CAR.
Fun fact ref.paint work.The very reason modern day showrooms dont have the smell they had in the 70,s and 80,s is because they were cellulose .Modern paints are better but dont give that lovely new smell that was so much of the showroom experience.
Also the acreage of leather.
Dad had dreamed of owning a Jag for years and it finally arrived on 31st July 1975. It looked lovely, even in mustard yellow with green velour interior, but good old Brtiish Leyland didn't bother too much with detail at the time and the rear axle was squint. One wheel was half an inch in front of the other, so it wore out a set of rear tyres in weeks and the car hopped as it tried to straighten itself on the road. The dealers didn't offer to fix it, they solved the problem by providing replacement tyres free when needed. Good old British Leyland, great designs, thrown together.
Had that engine in 5.3 XJS, 100 mph in 1st only 3 speed auto but thats all it needed.. Worked in Jaguar Radford engine plant when the 12s were in production. What an engine, unreal.
I always thought it was 70 mph in first?
@@bernardwarr4187 I only did it once but you can also put it in reverse at 70 dont ask me how i found out
Was lucky enough to have done my apprenticeship with a Jaguar specialist and spent countless hour after work hours playing with jags , my boss has a Daimler double six , and I’ve owned many series 2s &3s , my favourite being a series 2 XJ 4.2 coupe
Fantastic channel , probably one of the best on TH-cam
I've always loved these cars, and this is easily the most stunning example I've ever seen by far, absolutely gorgeous.
The beauty and the elegant styling of a car like this is unparalleled even by all modern standards. Thank you Iain for videos like this!
I just love how you talk about cars :) And big kudos for being such a good doctor for them. I keep waiting impatiently for more episodes.
My dad purchased what seemed to me as a kid a nearly new Jaguar 420G in dark blue over light, lots of chrome, low mileage and beautiful inside and out. This would have been after the first oil shock & nobody wanted big motors with a thirst. I recall wood & leather everywhere. Picnic tables in the back. And it went, too. Dad would sometimes take just me out for a Sunday drive, because I liked being around machines & tools.
I think he sold it a few years later when he emigrated to the US, where he’s buried.
He liked special cars. We also had a TVR Tuscan, V8 in a fibreglass body in green. Intoxicating.
Brilliant! Love the passion for these cars that you exude Iain. All so interesting and so well done!! Thank you
Another brilliant video!
So refreshing to enjoy a knowledgeable, intelligent,interesting,really nice guy talk about cars, so much better then the brash opinionated drivel we have endured on our TV screens in recent years, well done Iain, and thank you.
Dear sir, your channel is an exquisite pleasure. You sound like an Oxford professor of Automobilia (which you rightfully are) and to sip my tea while watching these lovely cars being described in that wonderful English accent is most therapeutic.
Thank you indeed! My origins are rather more humble than an Oxford professor
The V12 engine sings quite well in the Green/white TWR Jaguar Race Car @ Bathurst back in 1985👍😎
@Bill McQ you are so correct👍 it was the pre turbo era
My late father had a 1987 XJS HE V12 a wonderful automobile with character.
Thanks for those nuggets of knowledge and insight.
Ah, the cars of my youth...used to love seeing a Daimler Double-Six gliding down the road as a teenager... this one still looking beautifully elegant in 2020. Thanks for another informative video Iain, much appreciated.
Amazing example of this model. Back in the day my uncle had a Jaguar and I loved staying with my aunt and uncle for the summers because I got to ride in it. I think it is probably the most beautiful sedan ever designed. The hood lines, the rear fenders, it's just beautiful from every angle.
My dad will have worked on that very car in 1977 at Browns Lane.
Bloody good job he did too. Cheers
He saw all sorts of "specials" go down the line too.
Tacky gold plated models with sheep skin/rug seats destined for Saudi Arabia and even one with tartan seats which one of the Bay City Rollers had ordered!
@@thomaswykes3647 My Dad was an experimental driver for BL. He was test driving this car on a test track (possibly Edge Hill). He told me that during the test, he was trying to destroy the break pads during heavy rain. Anyways, he had to abort the test as lighting was getting struck on the test track!
I would of been at Allesley primary school looking over the factory as he worked on it.
@@CoreyjGrieve I was 3 wondering when bod was on again. Now Its 2021... I'm saying sod off to the media show.. and now have a 1995 x300 xj6 sovereign. Happy days!!
Thanks for the memories. I bought one of these at a British car show in Michigan in 1995 and really did not know what I had gotten myself into. It was a 1978 XJ-12L and RHD! Jaguar Heritage tracked it to being imported to the US via the British embassy in the US. Loads of fun driving around in a RHD car, lots of stares. I must admit a bugger to work on. Having restored a few Mustangs and Falcons, I was unprepared for the scarcity and cost of parts, doing the brake job (and quad rear shocks) cost a fortune. The dual fuel tank system and plumbing in the trunk still gives me palpitations (I used only one tank and did manual calculations to figure when to fill up). Refurbished the leather with a product called Wooleys that did a great job. But my new wife blanched at all the seats in the living room during refurbishing and that led to its sale. Great stuff!
Not enough videos best channel on TH-cam please keep them coming
In the past I have owned and driven a 1976 XJ12C (5.3L with the Turbo400 transmission) and a 1994 XJ12 (6.0L with the 4L80E transmission) and they were both really wonderful cars to drive. I recall in the mid-2000's driving the 1994 XJ12 four door saloon across the USA and it was a real pleasure to use it for long road trips like that. A friend has a V12 XJS with a Tremec 5 speed transmission and being able to drive one f these V12 engines with a manual transmission behind it is a real revelation.
Sampson Boat Co. , Tyrrells classic cars, and great race from Aarava today it was a great day on youtube. Now just waiting for Leno's garage later 2nite
Lexus LS400s are some of the most reliable nice cars ever. Yota knew what they are doing in the 90s
Allways a pleasure to listen to someone,who really knows what he's talking about Thankyou very much .
I can't believe it, 40 years later and I'm learning about this amazing car which was totally off my radar screen. And I grew up in a town where there should have been a few of them. What a great history lesson. Now I want to go back in time so I can go crazy when I see one, like I did when I saw the Espada, or Dino.
You grew up in Doncaster?
@@ianmangham4570 Palo Alto. I wonder what it's like now.
@@Gkuljian Sidewalks are covered in shit and piss, homeless everywhere.
I’ve had one parked in the backyard for the last 20 years and everytime I open the door it’s still has that brand new leather scent. Leaving it for my nephew for when he gets his license. Just needs a nice new paint job, interior is immaculate
That rear window!!! Was not expecting it to operate quite like that. Its like it went to finishing school. 😁
It’s great to watch , isn’t it ?! I had a Mercedes CLK that had a technically similar pillar less window design , with the wavy rear window retraction , but this was a 2004 car !
In a 1970’s jag , just magnificent!
This car is so beautiful. If I have to choose one car to live with, I would definitely pick this beautiful machine.
Well that is very interesting about the metallic paint - I remember those Blue Mink or Silver Fords of the late sixties used to go dull in a year or two, I never knew why. Just another nugget of (shiny!) gold from this great channel.
Single stage enamel paint but the non metallic ones were good because there was no peeling off clearcoat.
The color was "moon dust", a metallic paint that failed quiet early in the life of the car. In an effort to keep it looking nice I ruined it. Within two years of purchase the car was repainted with a Dupont manufactured paint that was similar color, seemed to hold up better.
thank you for taking the time to share these rolling works of art with us
Enjoyed that Iain. I used to sell these beauties in the 70's. All XJ's were a fantastic ride ( except 2.8), but the Twelves were ultra special. We used to supply them to Captains of Industry - as you said mostly chauffer driven.
That rear number plate brought back some memories of my childhood in the late 70's early 80's, my Dad (BL/Austin worker @ Longbridge) always used the Patrick motors petrol station across the road from Longbridge Train Station. Remember going into the parts store next door owned by the same company, and they had a museum in Kings Norton, (Lifford lane?)where PMG displayed their cars.
Fascinating as always - could listen to Iain wax lyrical about cars all day!
Remember working at a garage in Mayfair (installing heating) and they had an E-Type in for a service. The mechanic servicing it must have been in his late 50s at that time. Anyway he started it up and everyone in the garage was just watching this beautiful machine and listening to the sound. Best thing he did though was sit a cup of water on the rocker cover. He reckoned that when the water stopped shaking, the carbs were in balance. Crazy, engine purring away, not a ripple in the water. Loved Jags ever since. Just wish I could afford one.
Another great vid, how on earth have you gotten the Coupe windows to work so smoothly/quickly? No doubt the result of great patience and skill, please share. And keep the great stories coming.
A dear friend of my father owned the Hand and Heart Public House in Holt, N. Wales many years ago and owned one of these fine machines. I remember traveling to the Farnborough Air Show in this car and being amazed by the power and refinement as a teenager. Awesome video - many thanks for posting.
You’ve made my day, simply seeing another video released by you. Lovely lovely car Iain, thankyou again for giving us the insight of your knowledge. 👍👍👍👍
Watching this video is a real treat. My father had a 1974 double-six VP, in burgundy. It really was a very smooth car to sit in while driving and was the best family car we ever had. I remember clearly. Nothing touches the beauty and elegance of this car.
What a beauty! Love the trick with the lazy injectors, I'll remember that!
Yessir, decades ago had an injector flooding the engine of my '79 Cadillac Seville (still have it) with fuel. Only 1 MPG !!! 20 gallons gone in 20 miles! Called Cadillac and they wanted $150 for a new injector, and the engine has 8 injectors: 8 x $150 = $1200... back when a dollar was worth something... so that idea left me... I removed the injector and blew compressed air through it backwards while a helper touched 12 volts to it... that fixed it and it is still fine now...
If you look in the background all the cars here (except the white Jalpa on the lift) have V12 engines. This car is very beautiful. This is sheer elegance and sophistication. I'm a big fan of all the cars here. All the little detail knowledge and history is deeply appreciated. Thank you.
Excellent. I have actually had the pleasure of driving one of these a few years ago, indeed being extremely rare. To my astonischment I had to take its width into account measuring at ~2 metres which I would not have guessed. Our Volvo S60 measures at ~1,90m. At first glance I projected the Jag about the same but it wasn't. 10 Cm is quite the difference for judging the opposite side of the car. This so much tells about the entire elegance of the design. And oh yes, it drives silky smooth, uncomparable even with any modern premium brand such as Mercedes. This Jag is more than effortless; actually gliding a carpet with hardly any audible effort coming from the engine bay, and it is extremely quiet. Quite the experience it was. The owner did not have any technical problems with it at all actually, other than regular maintainance. However, chrome had started to rust here and there a little, but that can be replaced.
My father had a Double Six two door coupe in 1977 ....... Such a wonderful car in metallic copper with XJS wheels. I was just 17 and had my first car which was a mighty 1200cc 1964 VW Beetle !!!!! ....... I remember Dad passing me on the old A3 at Wisley Lake, I was at full speed at around 65mph and he whistled by like a rocket. He later told me he was doing well over 100mph ........ Love you Dad .... R.I.S. ( rest in speed ) xxx
Most informative and enjoyable. Video delivered by a real specialist in an easy conversational manner.
Thanks for the video, lovely. I have two Jags, a 1983 Series 3 XJ6, the standard model. Lovely automobile, so smooth and quiet, and in excellent condition, and I have a 1988 XJS V12 coupe, also a lovely auto. It is also in good condition. My only wish for these cars is that they would have had 4 speed automatic transmissions, it would have really helped in the general driving performance of the autos.
Another fantastic video Sir! Your knowledge and description of these cars, is priceless. Thank you :)
Another great video. I saw and heard the XJ13 at a pub in Turville Heath a number of years ago. That was a beautiful car.
When Jags still had style and charm, like our esteemed presenter! I'd be really interetseted to see a *Bristol Blenheim or Brigand* featured and driven on a show such as this.
The new xj has style and charm my friend. You've overlooked it....
This video brought back many happy memories of my XJ12C, sadly sold before coming to Australia. It was always an experience to drive. Just getting into the driver's seat and breathing in the heady concoction of leather and petrol used to fill me with anticipation. I was once at a garage filling her up - a regular occurrence - when an old American gentleman approach me from another pump and said he'd once taken one of these to 145mph! I didn't doubt him but was only brave enough to take mine to 120mph - the engine wasn't stressed but it felt like the wing mirrors were going to fly off! 😂
My boss had the Daimler Double Six Coupe, back in 1982, a fantastic car.
my uncle was a chauffeur and drove these double six Vanden plas for a long time when I was around 8/9 years old in 1977. the car was awesome. so powerful. also fantastic handling, I would love to see a full review of the Lamborghini countach and test drive, also the original 1977 Aston Martin V8 Vantage which out accelerated the Countach, ferrari 365gt4BB, and Porsche 3litre Turbo of the day, your Knowledge and technical skill is amazing to watch, I look forward to seeing many more videos, also would love to see a modern classic review of a car I own myself, the Toyota celtica GT4 ST205, Japanese model with around 280 BHP. superb
😍Delicious color!
The lines are flawless, I'm so glad the continued this into the next century. I love the XJR B8 Supercharged SWB with the aluminium bodied model.
Such a fantastic and interesting video going into all the fine details that I love, keep up the good work, what a car. Sublime engineering
Hello lain .Another superlative episode . I doubt you have time but "Driving with a Classic " presented by Adam who is a self taught mechanic, adores all Jaguars including V12's and showed us that trick with the injectors . Having driven many of these wonderful cars back in the day the Daimler Double Six VDP in Caramel (?) with pressed chrome steels is my absolute favourite and of course when the first V12 saloons were announced they were the fastest 4 door saloon in the world . Strangely Adam has an early V12 saloon on Strombergs and he prefers that set up ! Once again , many thanks for another packed 12 months of entertainment . Wishing you and Mrs.Tyrrell a peacful Christmas . ❤
Its 3am where I am and it looks like I'm staying up to finish this new episode 🤣
growing up skint on a council estate my dad came home with a xj12 in pink! got it cheap off his mate! we loved it as kids! so smooth and luxurious. he couldn't afford to run it too long. always loved these cars since.
Harry ....then this !!!😀....excellent 👏
I had and enjoyed a XJ12L through two 12 cyl replacements, what a sweet engine, but finally did a GM 5.7 (360hp/410lbft) & 700r4 trans. Enjoyed this car another 13 years trouble free. One night, clear and cool sitting on the porch I heard the rust, it was eating the car, my heart was sad as I knew it's end was coming for me & I had enjoyed this ride for 23 years. Its photo still serves as the screen saver & the memories of long distance rides, day or night, sunny or inclimite weather are all vivid, the Brits had comfort and interior quality above all others in this luxury market...I still miss this car!