Jaguar XJ6 (XJ40)

The story

The XJ40 took more than a decade to reach the showroom and helped a newly independent Jaguar back to health. It was lighter and simpler to build than the old XJ6 and rode beautifully.

Inside

Early cars mixed walnut with glowing digital gauges, which owners either loved or hated. The J-shaped gear selector gate became a Jaguar trademark.

In period colours

Tap a colour to respray the drawing.

Meanwhile, in 1986

The M25 was completed around London.

Best-selling single of 1986: Don't Leave Me This Way by The Communards

Before you buy a 1980s car

• Check for rust in the usual places, though many cars from this decade were better protected.
• Electrical and fuel system faults are common, so test everything.
• Parts for mass-market cars are usually easy to find.

General notes, not specific to this model. Check the model's own history before buying.

Rivals of its day

Picked automatically: cars on sale at the same time with similar size, speed and price.

See the real thing

These open in a new tab: the car on Wikimedia Commons, the interior and the badge as Google image searches.