Description
Author: Chris Harvey, Hardbound, 135 Pages, ISBN: 9780850453645, 1982 Reprint of 1980 Edition - Second-Hand book in excellent unread condition !
Here for the first time is a full production history of the most successful Jaguar saloons (sedans), the XJ series.
First launched in September 1968 the XJ has fathered a long and large family, some with other names - Daimler and Vanden Plas. That same XJ has been built with two engine configurations, one of them in three different capacities - the straight 6 cylinder
famous `XK' engine of 2.8, 3.4 and 4.2 litres, the vee 12 engine, the only true production V12, in 5.3 litres.
There have been 2- and 4-door versions and the model is now into its third series. After twelve years of production the cars have never been more popular and each year valid improvements are heralded by the motoring press, some repeating their thoughts of the very first cars - best in the world?
Also detailed is the sleek XJ-S, the 'change of direction' successor to the famous E type sports car of the 1960s. Even this car has been phenomenally victorious on the American race track.
Although still successfully in production the XJ is a piece of automotive history, justifying its place on the pedestal that other of Jaguar's model occupy in the minds of every enthusiast for the marque. Once
again the Company's slogan Grace, Space and Pace applies.
An Osprey AutoHistory is a fresh concept in motoring book publishing. Each title is a careful synthesis of subject matter and both black and white and colour photography. They are written by a recognised talent and the photographs are collected and shot by an expert photographer.
The book series is designed to present some of the world's most interesting and charismatic cars, initially from the post war years, to the appreciative enthusiast. Each book is to the highest possible quality in every aspect and it is hoped that each will be considered the 'standard' reading on a particular car or series of cars.
CHRIS HARVEY has written about many cars, and many other things for that matter, but without doubt his fondness runs to the XJ series.
These are not cars which he can push aside. He has run two such cars for a number of years although he does not own one now and has watched their development very carefully. The amount of detail crammed into this book is enormous. When the car was first launched Chris was experienced enough to know of their significance in the market place and was soon aiming to buy one. Having made the purchase he then drove it, and his next one, for many tens of thousands of miles without ever once regretting his decision.
At the same time he borrowed many other makes and none made him change his mind. Chris shares CAR magazine's opinion that they are the 'Best saloon cars in the World'.
Here he attempts to convince every reader.
