The last saloon developed under Sir William Lyons — 'the finest Jaguar ever'.
Launched in September 1968, the XJ6 Series 1 is the last saloon developed under Sir William Lyons, who called it 'the finest Jaguar ever'. It replaced four separate Jaguar saloon ranges in a single stroke.
A long-wheelbase option and the XJ12 (5.3 V12 — the world's only mass-produced V12 saloon at launch) joined from 1972. The Daimler Sovereign was the badge-engineered sibling.
The last Lyons saloon and the car that unified four Jaguar saloon ranges. Provenance, engine identity and documented originality are the defining factors.
| Variant | Years | Production | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| XJ6 2.8 | 1968–1973 | Not separately recorded | Series 1-specific production totals conflict between sources and are pending verification. Per Jaguar heritage sources. |
| XJ6 4.2 | 1968–1973 | Not separately recorded | Series 1-specific production totals conflict between sources and are pending verification. Per Jaguar heritage sources. |
| XJ12 5.3 | 1972–1973 | Not separately recorded | 5.3 V12; the world's only mass-produced V12 saloon at launch. Long-wheelbase option offered from 1972. Series 1-specific production totals conflict between sources and are pending verification. Per Jaguar heritage sources. |
Inspect body, chassis and structural condition carefully. Confirm the extent of any body restoration and originality of panels and trim against a Jaguar marque specialist. For the XJ6 Series 1 specifically, verify the exact variant (XJ6 2.8 / 4.2 / XJ12 5.3), confirm engine identity against build records, and treat Series 1-specific production totals as approximate.
Confirm engine, gearbox and driveline identity against build records where available; verify service and rebuild history against a marque specialist.
Restoration standard, originality of body and driveline, and any documented ownership record are the main value drivers.
Verify the exact variant against build records and period documentation.
| Date | Auction | Car | Mileage | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-06-21 | Aguttes Fine Classics & Racing Cars | 1970 XJ6 (Lot 16) | — | €18,476 Sold |
| 2025-04-09 | H&H Classics Imperial War Museum | 1971 XJ6 4.2 (Lot 8) | — | £12,094 Sold |
The last Lyons Jaguar saloon. Provenance, engine identity and documented originality separate the strongest examples.
Our view, not advice. This section is Car Collector International's editorial judgement on where this model sits in the collector market, based on the production, specification and market data set out in this guide. It is not a recommendation to buy or sell and it is not investment advice. Values can fall as well as rise.
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The valuation figures in this guide are for research purposes only and do not constitute financial or investment advice. See our full disclaimer.
