What the car is and where it came from
A luxury grand tourer launched in 1975, developed by William Heynes on the XJ saloon platform, with early styling by Malcolm Sayer under project XJ27. It evolved from 1967 proposals into a V12-powered coupé, later offered as fixed-profile and full convertible.
How it works, in terms someone would actually use
It is a front-engined, rear-wheel-drive grand tourer built on the XJ saloon platform. The V12 engine drives through an automatic transmission. The flying buttresses are fixed structural elements of the roofline, not vents or remnants of another layout.
What it gets right
It gets right the integration of drag-reducing form with passenger space and grand touring presence. The flying buttresses serve both visual rhythm and airflow management. The cabin isolates at speed while retaining road feedback through the steering column.
What it does not
It does not deliver the visceral driver engagement of the E-Type. It does not offer manual transmission beyond its earliest, limited run. It does not resolve the tension between long overhangs and low-speed manoeuvrability.
What it changed
It proved that aerodynamic form language—developed for speed and efficiency—could anchor a production luxury GT without mid-engine compromise. It shifted Jaguar’s design authority from pure sports-car lineage to sustained high-speed comfort.
Who it is for, and who it is not
It is for drivers who prioritise serene high-speed travel over sharp handling. It is not for those seeking lightweight agility, mechanical simplicity, or driver-focused feedback.
Is it worth your time
Yes—if you want to understand how aerodynamic intent shaped British luxury car design in the 1970s, and how a car built for grand touring endurance carried forward Sayer’s principles beyond his death.
