TAKE TWO
HISTORY
Launched in very late 1973, the Jaguar XJ Series 2 was a facelift of the 1968 original. The car was a response to worldwide safety and emissions legislation – predominantly centred upon the American market. It featured a redesigned nose with a higher bumper, redesigned fascia, and several other upgrades. Initially available in two lengths, the short wheelbase body was relegated to the options list after a few short months. Likewise the 2.8-litre engine, officially listed but never encouraged, was dropped in 1974 in favour of the reintroduction of the time-honoured 3.4-litre configuration.
Key to the Series 2’s changes was a brand new bodyshell. This featured side impact protection, and a vastly revised bulkhead design which sealed off the passenger compartment in case of an accident. Fibre-optic lighting and multi pin wiring plugs also contributed, thoroughly modernising the design of the car. The bumper was raised, a shallower grille fitted with a more prominent surround, and a more sophisticated air conditioning system was fitted.
In addition to the new 3.4-litre engine, the 4.2 and 5.3
