Series 2 have definitely grown on me over the years. This particular example in your test is particularly stunning. Love the color combo and those machined alloys, wow!
I’d happily have one. I always remember Bernard Breslaw driving these in the Carry On films. My great uncle had one. It was a cockney lad made good’s car to me.
I’ve been lucky enough to have a handful of XJ series cars over the years and all of the were magnificent. My favourite; a Series 1 Daimler Double-Six Vanden Plas.
My father owned three XJs in period, an S1 4.2, an S2 V12 and a V12 coupe. The big difference with the S2 saloon over the S1 was the longer wheelbase, which made it significantly roomier in the back. However the S12 V12 spent more time in the workshop than on the road and was a true Monday car. The gem was the V12 coupe, which was faultless and with the fuel injected engine and firmer suspension and steering, was nigh on the perfect car at the time.
Over 30 years ago my husband took me to see a manual S1 XJ6 he was considering buying. Next to the S1 was an immaculate turquoise 1974 SWB S2. We both prefer driving a manual car but despite the S2 being an automatic we bought the S2 and over the next 30 years the car never let us down & was a delight to drive. The only modifications my husband made was to fit a manual choke & a thicker front sway bar. We used the car to tow our race bikes to interstate race meetings, a task it performed in a magnificent manner. We sold the car several years ago to finance the purchase of a XKR & X300. My husband was recently at a classic car display & our old S2 turned up. The new owners love the car as much as we did.
Likely to have been a ‘white, red and yellow’ model - Jaguar could only paint in these colours while they were trouble-shooting their new paint shop, which took much longer than planned, so if you see a ‘79 or ‘80 XJ or XJS they are most likely to be painted white, red or yellow!
@@simonhodgetts6530 Thanks for the info, I didn't know that? Almost makes you want try though, such a wonderful design but badly let down by the execution.
Also assembled in Nelson/New Zealand. Built from scratch..meaning bodies assembled and painted in NZ. Localised electrics...NZ leather and wool. Also no labour disputes.; 1400 assembled btwn S1 and S2. Ive got one of the very last NZ S2 SWB built. UK SWB sedan ceased in 1974. Mines a 1975. Dark acrylic blue with light blue velour upholstery.
I do not own or drive a car but if I did my heart would want it to be a Jaguar. I honestly think there is no such thing as an unattractive Jaguar. The modern models are bland but in this context I put them to one side. The car in the video is so very pleasing to my eye.
As much as I love the Series 1 and Series 2, it absolutely has to be the Series 3 for me. That was the current model when I was a young boy obsessed with cars.
I had a series 2 back in the late 80"s , my 1 st Jag , it was one of the 1 st series 2 "s , SWB and manual/od 4.2 which went very well, sold it after owning 11 years due to engine block cracking , very well made informative video on the forgotten series 2
I was brought up on series 3s, my dad had several and it forged a huge love of the Jaguar brand for me personally. This series 2 though is absolutely gorgeous and that colour is stunning!
You mentioned the heating system.Jag used Bowden cables to open and close the hot coolant from the head into the car and were prone to needing adjustment via the thread at one end on non air con models and siezing up in general.Even the humble mini albeit not a Bowden cable was a similar set up and the valve itself would tend to sieze shut or open over time.Hands up to anyone that has had a hot mini in the summer and had the heater in full to try to keep the head coolant from boiling.Standard practice .The kids now dont know they are born with aircon.
Yes I had a series 2 XJ12 in 1983, a fuel injected one from 1976. Kept it for 3 years till family started coming along. It was a thirsty beast but so refined and what a head turner. It was of course lavender blue and slightly blue tinted glass with chrome wheels. There was a dark blue pin stripe along both sides and also chrome mouldings that ran the length of both sides also, like the VDP version. Also mine had dark blue leather interior., had about 70,000 miles on the clock from what I remember. I've never seen a saloon with wheels like the one in the video only on the XJS, to me they spoil the car. Wish I still had it , I remember paying £2000 at the time
I TOTALLY ENJOYED this amazing Jaguar series 2 reviews--I WILL FOREVER LOVE these Jags, series 1, 2, 3, XJ CARS Inline 6, v12s, This one here is stunning & sounds incredible, THANKS for Posting/Sharing. They are on my bucket -list for 2024-2025., I certainly can afford them all now, lol Great review.
I had a series 1 in the early 70's and I loved that car. I was disappointed with the newer dash on the series 2, and I was very disappointed with the changer made by Pininferina on the series 3. It started to loose the original design of the series 1. The XJ 40 lost a lot of the curves but it was a well balanced design, as the square headlight matched the rear square tail lights.The X300 I loved and bought one and still have it. Jeoff Lawson removed a lot of change that had been made to the original series 1 and simplified the design creating a very artistic and beautiful design. It was voted by a Milanese panel of designers as one of the most beautiful saloon card designs ever. Don't mind me, artistic beauty and design always comes first, you can have the big brand names, status and speed, XJR included, and all the modern angular macho shapes. Just give me beauty, with lovely curves and good shadow lines. Shadow line? Well! You either get it or you don't. "It's like balance harmony and order" That's good design.
As the owner of a lavender blue XJ6C here in Canada, I can absolutely agree with your assessment. They are lovely cars that are WAY n=more modern that their contemporaries.
I too prefer the series one and had one in the 70's. I did like the series 2 but was very disapointed in the series 3. The series suffered from Pininferrna's changes to the exterior of the car. However in the early 90's the Geoff Lawson design team at Jaguar, stripped away all the changes that Pininferina had done to the XJ6, and created a beautiful curvacious design that was hailed as one of the most beautiful sedans ever, by a team of Milan designers.
My father had a Series 2 6 cylinder as a company car, along with several other Leyland cars like Triumphs. The Jaguar was easily the best driving car and even all these years later I dont think I have preferred the look of any other car, inside or out.
I had the use for a few days of a manual o/d XJ4.2 Series 2, when it was relatively new and I was 19. I hardly ever got out of second gear and the pull to 60 was quite something in such a big car. Fast forward and having owned a X308 and 350, I cannot believe jaguar produced the X351!
Well ! My 77 XJ6C S2 wasn't available during the S1 era. Mine is a California survivor and aside from rust repair and minor tuning she runs beautifully. The Heat & AC are non existant right now, but I only drive it when neither are required. It is a North American unit but will be getting Euro bumpers as soon as weather allows me to get to work. BRG & Biscuit. Wish I could post a photo !
S1 & 3 are most desirable? I must be weird then (no question there) as I've always preferred the S2. I didn't used to like the S1 (I do now though, grown on me in recent years) and always thought the 'upgrades' to the S3 were just to try and keep an outdated design alive. Really looks nice in that blue too.
We had a LWB V12 Series 2 for one of our wedding cars. Gorgeous car, but it leaked oil on the (otherwise spotless) driveway of the house where my bride got dressed. Lol.
I actually like the looks of the series 2 most and the XJ-C is just pure styling gold. And ultimately the build quality from the factory is probably somewhat irrelevant now because I would expect all surviving now have been restored by now or need it.
My Uncle had a lavender blue V12 Mreg but his interior was navy blue, beautiful car ❤ , surprised to hear about the 5yr planed upgrade schedule thought the only reason for the series 2 was the USA 🇺🇸 safety regulations ie the raised front bumper 🤔
I certainly agree that the Series 1 was the purest . And in S.W.B was the best handling . The end production Series 1 was available in L.W.B which gave more rear leg room but certainly degraded the handling . The Series 2 was available in S.W.B form for only 12 months from then on L.W.B only. I must disagree about quality control per say as it really was the political struggles within both management and labour force that caused issues . This was exacerbatted with the introduction of the Series 3 . The quality control by then was awful and the promised updated paint shops never materialised , so the Series 3's were painted at the Rover paintshops . I trained as a panelbeater at a Jaguar maindealer and saw all Three of these models . And was fortunate to have a Series 1 4.2 auto and Series 2 4.2 . The early car was my favourite but the Series 2 was a very nice car as well . Thsnkyou
Don’t think they rusted much worse than say a contemporary Vauxhall, bmw or Vw. Try even finding a ‘76 Vauxhall or bmw. Great cars - and ser2 is a fab vehicle - I love the ser1 front but the ser 2 does look sleeker and the dash is loads simpler. An amazing drive for the era.
BMW’ we’re particularly bad when it came to rust. I bought a 30csi when it was 8 years old and front inner and outer wings and outer rear arches were completely rotten.
I have a 1975 Series 2,LWB XJ 4.2 in bits but I wouldn't sell it for any money. The Series 1 was in my opinion the best looking saloon car every designed and built. The Series 2, follows. Only let down by government policies and stupid unions ruining quality by demoralising factory workers. My first Series 2 was an M Reg SWB, in Lavender, 4.2L. Sure it had lots of problems but I loved it. Had 1977 in BRG and a Daimler in Oxford Blue with red leather. I love the Series 2. I currently have an XJ8 3.2L and my Series 2 awaiting restoration.......one day! I would be very happy to own the car in the video!
Great cars. I slightly prefer the styling of the Series 1 & Series 3 but the Series 2 far from ugly and looks great in that colour. The ride/handling still impressive today just a bit let down by the 3 speed auto. I think if I get one, I will try and seek out one of the very rare manual models which are significantly quicker.
the engine paint body and interior have probably had so much work done in the 48 years, how it came out from the factory originally may not be that noticeable today
Funnily enough I had a series 2 from 1979 to 1984 and far prefer it to series 1 or 3. Yes becoming part of BL did damage it ( after a time it became apparent that an employee had rested his cu of tea on the bonnet)...
If this is, as Jack suggests, the one car BL built properly, it must be worth a fortune. At least Jaguar was still a "separate" company within the BL empire, enabling it to be sold off a shame the same wasn't true of Triumph.
Hello great people , i have an issue and i hope to use this youtube power for some advice..i have an serie 2 1979 4.2 automatic..2 hif7 carbs and points for spark..it wont start any more unless i keep the starter motor involved with the ignition key on..as soon as i release the key it dies..when it runs with the ignitionkey on like mentioned..it does respond to gas pedal.. any one have a clue where i should look for this problem..thanks in advanced😅
Naah,the series 2 is my favourite looking one of all the series jags.me dad had a 4.2 vanden plas in the eaely 90s in caramel gold looked stunning.dont get me wrong,it had minor problems a plenty but it was sublime to drive and looked superb.it did die of corrosion eventually but all cars from the same era did.
For my money the XJ’s are the finest looking large saloons ever made. I’m also a big fan of the underrated original S types, absolutely glorious.
Couldn't agree more!
Series 2 have definitely grown on me over the years. This particular example in your test is particularly stunning. Love the color combo and those machined alloys, wow!
Couldn't agree more!
A friend of my dad had a 1978 series 2 XJ12 in the 80s - a magnificent beast!
Personally I prefer the series 3 - but the series 2 brought us the glorious XJC - so I have a soft spot for it myself.
It was definitely the prettiest of the three
may be but I would still want an S3 as its one I remember , I would opt for a 1992 v12 in an ideal world
I’d happily have one. I always remember Bernard Breslaw driving these in the Carry On films. My great uncle had one. It was a cockney lad made good’s car to me.
I had a series ll and in my opinion they are fantastic 👍
For reliability how did it go?
@@user-rz6xb5mp2w That car never let me down. Simple basic maintenance was all that was required. They are great cars. Would definitely buy another. 👍
Am I wrong in suspecting that most of those era-bound gremlins may be sortet out by now?
Very nice car design even after so many years.
I’ve been lucky enough to have a handful of XJ series cars over the years and all of the were magnificent. My favourite; a Series 1 Daimler Double-Six Vanden Plas.
Wonderful!
I always thought the series II was the best looking of the three, the ultimate XJ for me looks wise. Had some fab 70s colours available too.
The Series 2 spawned the XJ-C, that can't be a bad thing!
My father owned three XJs in period, an S1 4.2, an S2 V12 and a V12 coupe. The big difference with the S2 saloon over the S1 was the longer wheelbase, which made it significantly roomier in the back. However the S12 V12 spent more time in the workshop than on the road and was a true Monday car. The gem was the V12 coupe, which was faultless and with the fuel injected engine and firmer suspension and steering, was nigh on the perfect car at the time.
Over 30 years ago my husband took me to see a manual S1 XJ6 he was considering buying. Next to the S1 was an immaculate turquoise 1974 SWB S2. We both prefer driving a manual car but despite the S2 being an automatic we bought the S2 and over the next 30 years the car never let us down & was a delight to drive. The only modifications my husband made was to fit a manual choke & a thicker front sway bar. We used the car to tow our race bikes to interstate race meetings, a task it performed in a magnificent manner. We sold the car several years ago to finance the purchase of a XKR & X300. My husband was recently at a classic car display & our old S2 turned up. The new owners love the car as much as we did.
I had a red 1979 Series 2, looked fantastic and drove beautifully but had constant mechanical and electrical issues. I still loved it though
Likely to have been a ‘white, red and yellow’ model - Jaguar could only paint in these colours while they were trouble-shooting their new paint shop, which took much longer than planned, so if you see a ‘79 or ‘80 XJ or XJS they are most likely to be painted white, red or yellow!
@@simonhodgetts6530 Thanks for the info, I didn't know that? Almost makes you want try though, such a wonderful design but badly let down by the execution.
Also assembled in Nelson/New Zealand. Built from scratch..meaning bodies assembled and painted in NZ. Localised electrics...NZ leather and wool. Also no labour disputes.; 1400 assembled btwn S1 and S2. Ive got one of the very last NZ S2 SWB built. UK SWB sedan ceased in 1974. Mines a 1975. Dark acrylic blue with light blue velour upholstery.
It doesn’t matter what anybody says, that is THE best looking car of all time.
I do not own or drive a car but if I did my heart would want it to be a Jaguar. I honestly think there is no such thing as an unattractive Jaguar. The modern models are bland but in this context I put them to one side.
The car in the video is so very pleasing to my eye.
I had a Series 1 and then the XJS, missed out Series 2 and 3. But boy, What a car for the 1970s.
I'd choose a Series II over a I or a III. The II was always my fav.
What a lovely colour that is.
Lavender Blue… my favourite alongside Squadron Blue
As much as I love the Series 1 and Series 2, it absolutely has to be the Series 3 for me. That was the current model when I was a young boy obsessed with cars.
I had a series 2 back in the late 80"s , my 1 st Jag , it was one of the 1 st series 2 "s , SWB and manual/od 4.2 which went very well, sold it after owning 11 years due to engine block cracking , very well made informative video on the forgotten series 2
I was brought up on series 3s, my dad had several and it forged a huge love of the Jaguar brand for me personally. This series 2 though is absolutely gorgeous and that colour is stunning!
You mentioned the heating system.Jag used Bowden cables to open and close the hot coolant from the head into the car and were prone to needing adjustment via the thread at one end on non air con models and siezing up in general.Even the humble mini albeit not a Bowden cable was a similar set up and the valve itself would tend to sieze shut or open over time.Hands up to anyone that has had a hot mini in the summer and had the heater in full to try to keep the head coolant from boiling.Standard practice .The kids now dont know they are born with aircon.
Ouch!
The heater control valve on the xj6 series 2 is vacuum operated not cable operated.
Series 2 with a series 1 dash for me.
And the V12 please.
Yes I had a series 2 XJ12 in 1983, a fuel injected one from 1976. Kept it for 3 years till family started coming along. It was a thirsty beast but so refined and what a head turner. It was of course lavender blue and slightly blue tinted glass with chrome wheels. There was a dark blue pin stripe along both sides and also chrome mouldings that ran the length of both sides also, like the VDP version. Also mine had dark blue leather interior., had about 70,000 miles on the clock from what I remember. I've never seen a saloon with wheels like the one in the video only on the XJS, to me they spoil the car. Wish I still had it , I remember paying £2000 at the time
I TOTALLY ENJOYED this amazing Jaguar series 2 reviews--I WILL FOREVER LOVE these Jags, series 1, 2, 3, XJ CARS Inline 6, v12s, This one here is stunning & sounds incredible, THANKS for Posting/Sharing. They are on my bucket -list for 2024-2025., I certainly can afford them all now, lol Great review.
Personally i think the series 2 is the best one of the series jags
I had a series 1 in the early 70's and I loved that car. I was disappointed with the newer dash on the series 2, and I was very disappointed with the changer made by Pininferina on the series 3. It started to loose the original design of the series 1. The XJ 40 lost a lot of the curves but it was a well balanced design, as the square headlight matched the rear square tail lights.The X300 I loved and bought one and still have it. Jeoff Lawson removed a lot of change that had been made to the original series 1 and simplified the design creating a very artistic and beautiful design. It was voted by a Milanese panel of designers as one of the most beautiful saloon card designs ever. Don't mind me, artistic beauty and design always comes first, you can have the big brand names, status and speed, XJR included, and all the modern angular macho shapes. Just give me beauty, with lovely curves and good shadow lines. Shadow line? Well! You either get it or you don't. "It's like balance harmony and order" That's good design.
As the owner of a lavender blue XJ6C here in Canada, I can absolutely agree with your assessment. They are lovely cars that are WAY n=more modern that their contemporaries.
I really liked my 78 Series 2 XJ6L. As you stated, a perfect balance of sport and comfort.
I too prefer the series one and had one in the 70's. I did like the series 2 but was very disapointed in the series 3. The series suffered from Pininferrna's changes to the exterior of the car. However in the early 90's the Geoff Lawson design team at Jaguar, stripped away all the changes that Pininferina had done to the XJ6, and created a beautiful curvacious design that was hailed as one of the most beautiful sedans ever, by a team of Milan designers.
My father had a Series 2 6 cylinder as a company car, along with several other Leyland cars like Triumphs. The Jaguar was easily the best driving car and even all these years later I dont think I have preferred the look of any other car, inside or out.
I had the use for a few days of a manual o/d XJ4.2 Series 2, when it was relatively new and I was 19.
I hardly ever got out of second gear and the pull to 60 was quite something in such a big car.
Fast forward and having owned a X308 and 350, I cannot believe jaguar produced the X351!
Well ! My 77 XJ6C S2 wasn't available during the S1 era. Mine is a California survivor and aside from rust repair and minor tuning she runs beautifully. The Heat & AC are non existant right now, but I only drive it when neither are required. It is a North American unit but will be getting Euro bumpers as soon as weather allows me to get to work. BRG & Biscuit. Wish I could post a photo !
S1 for me! That's why i've got a 3 previous owner Fern grey S1 with 59K miles on it stashed away in my dry barn!
S1 & 3 are most desirable? I must be weird then (no question there) as I've always preferred the S2. I didn't used to like the S1 (I do now though, grown on me in recent years) and always thought the 'upgrades' to the S3 were just to try and keep an outdated design alive.
Really looks nice in that blue too.
Insane how many were banger raced. Late some not that old in relation to era.
The Series 1 and 2 are beautiful cars but Pininfarini kissed it in all the right places and created the best looking four door saloon of all time.
We had a LWB V12 Series 2 for one of our wedding cars. Gorgeous car, but it leaked oil on the (otherwise spotless) driveway of the house where my bride got dressed. Lol.
that colour is amazing! That colour alone with sway me to get it.
It's so good!
I actually like the looks of the series 2 most and the XJ-C is just pure styling gold. And ultimately the build quality from the factory is probably somewhat irrelevant now because I would expect all surviving now have been restored by now or need it.
My Uncle had a lavender blue V12 Mreg but his interior was navy blue, beautiful car ❤ , surprised to hear about the 5yr planed upgrade schedule thought the only reason for the series 2 was the USA 🇺🇸 safety regulations ie the raised front bumper 🤔
Very nice I'm looking to restore my exact same model I'm in San Francisco Bay Area. Can you recommend a place
I certainly agree that the Series 1 was the purest . And in S.W.B was the best handling . The end production Series 1 was available in L.W.B which gave more rear leg room but certainly degraded the handling . The Series 2 was available in S.W.B form for only 12 months from then on L.W.B only. I must disagree about quality control per say as it really was the political struggles within both management and labour force that caused issues . This was exacerbatted with the introduction of the Series 3 . The quality control by then was awful and the promised updated paint shops never materialised , so the Series 3's were painted at the Rover paintshops . I trained as a panelbeater at a Jaguar maindealer and saw all Three of these models . And was fortunate to have a Series 1 4.2 auto and Series 2 4.2 . The early car was my favourite but the Series 2 was a very nice car as well . Thsnkyou
Don’t think they rusted much worse than say a contemporary Vauxhall, bmw or Vw. Try even finding a ‘76 Vauxhall or bmw. Great cars - and ser2 is a fab vehicle - I love the ser1 front but the ser 2 does look sleeker and the dash is loads simpler. An amazing drive for the era.
BMW’ we’re particularly bad when it came to rust. I bought a 30csi when it was 8 years old and front inner and outer wings and outer rear arches were completely rotten.
I have a 1975 Series 2,LWB XJ 4.2 in bits but I wouldn't sell it for any money. The Series 1 was in my opinion the best looking saloon car every designed and built. The Series 2, follows. Only let down by government policies and stupid unions ruining quality by demoralising factory workers. My first Series 2 was an M Reg SWB, in Lavender, 4.2L. Sure it had lots of problems but I loved it. Had 1977 in BRG and a Daimler in Oxford Blue with red leather. I love the Series 2. I currently have an XJ8 3.2L and my Series 2 awaiting restoration.......one day! I would be very happy to own the car in the video!
Great cars. I slightly prefer the styling of the Series 1 & Series 3 but the Series 2 far from ugly and looks great in that colour. The ride/handling still impressive today just a bit let down by the 3 speed auto. I think if I get one, I will try and seek out one of the very rare manual models which are significantly quicker.
sheer beauty
the engine paint body and interior have probably had so much work done in the 48 years, how it came out from the factory originally may not be that noticeable today
Funnily enough I had a series 2 from 1979 to 1984 and far prefer it to series 1 or 3. Yes becoming part of BL did damage it ( after a time it became apparent that an employee had rested his cu of tea on the bonnet)...
Love the series 3 but I wanted something I could rely on so I bought an XJ6 X300 .
I have a S2. It's wonderful. I don't like the S3 because of the changed roof line.
If this is, as Jack suggests, the one car BL built properly, it must be worth a fortune. At least Jaguar was still a "separate" company within the BL empire, enabling it to be sold off a shame the same wasn't true of Triumph.
Lovely example Series 2 XJ6😎😎
These cars put modern cars to shame when it comes to the combination of comfort, ride and handling
Beautiful car 👍👍👍👏👏👏⭐️⭐️⭐️
It sure is!
I’ve always preferred the looks of the series 2.
Perhaps they could have raised the front bumper on the Rover P5. M
Personally thought the original range rover was better out of the factory in the 70s
Hello great people , i have an issue and i hope to use this youtube power for some advice..i have an serie 2 1979 4.2 automatic..2 hif7 carbs and points for spark..it wont start any more unless i keep the starter motor involved with the ignition key on..as soon as i release the key it dies..when it runs with the ignitionkey on like mentioned..it does respond to gas pedal.. any one have a clue where i should look for this problem..thanks in advanced😅
Sounds like you ignition is loose or not rite on the ignition coil
@@Jim-s7l1s thank you so much for your replay, im very gratefull.
I just sold the old girl on for some one else to fiddle with.. im done😅
@@84ultimateshorts mine done the exact same. Ignition wasn’t connected to coil. Would fire up but not keep running when let the key off
Kent Alloys XJS XJ12 only ,????
... unless of course your series II was of the XJ12C variant, inwhichcase, it might be the best best Jaguar of them all...
I would not have the 2.8 version. Hopeless. Engine defect causing holes in the tops of pistons.
Gonzalez Brenda Young Patricia Lopez Angela
The Series 1 was a better car and the Series 3 was a lot better, so the Series 2 is the worst version of the best Jaguar.
Naah,the series 2 is my favourite looking one of all the series jags.me dad had a 4.2 vanden plas in the eaely 90s in caramel gold looked stunning.dont get me wrong,it had minor problems a plenty but it was sublime to drive and looked superb.it did die of corrosion eventually but all cars from the same era did.