SIX-CYLINDER COUPES

JAGUAR XJ-S 3.6

Just as Jaguar’s legendary V12 made its debut in the Series 3 E-Type, the 3.6-litre XJ-S of 1983 continued the company tradition of introducing a new engine via a sporting model, in this case previewing the AJ6 that was destined for the XJ40 three years later. Today, the smallest-engined XJ-S makes the perfect entry point into sporting Jaguars if you want something with a little more heritage than a tired XK8. Enthusiasts have a choice of clubs too, with the long-running Jaguar Enthusiasts’ Club and Jaguar Drivers’ Club being complemented by the XJS Club for those who want the company of the like-minded.

From behind the wheel, the 3.6 is a more sporting drive than its big brother V12 too, especially when fitted with a manual gearbox. It might seem alien to the Jaguar concept but it transforms the XJ-S from long legged super-coupe to old-school