XJ to spawn reborn coupé classic

Design boss Callum hints at two-door model which would resurrect Seventies legend

Auto Express Car Reviews

By Sam Hardy

17th July 2009

The Jaguar XJ has only just been revealed to the public – but already there’s a Coupé version on the way!

Auto Express has learned that the Coventry-based firm is considering resurrecting the much loved, and now extremely rare, XJC model, which first appeared in the Seventies.

At the unveiling of the new luxury saloon, design boss Ian Callum reportedly revealed that a Coupé version of the new XJ has been sketched and is on the drawing board at the firm’s headquarters. A rival to top-end two-door models such as the upcoming Mercedes CL replacement – or S-Class Coupé as it will be renamed – the XJ Coupé would provide a desirable and stylish flagship for the Jaguar range.

Although little is known about the prospective new model, it’s likely that it would feature the same pillarless doors as the XJC. Together with a more steeply sloping roofline and a panoramic glass roof, this would create an elegant and striking machine.

With its flagship status, only the more powerful engines from the new XJ line-up would be used, such as the new 5.0-litre V8 in both normally aspirated and supercharged form.

Built between 1975 and 1978, the original XJC was based on the Series II Jaguar XJ and was available with a 4.2-litre straight-six engine or a 5.3-litre V12. Sleek looks and a vinyl roof ensured it was a particularly distinctive offering.

Only around 8,000 XJC models were produced worldwide (with an even more limited number of Daimler-badged versions), making it a rare find now. If the new Coupé version does get the green light from company bosses, it should go on sale by around 2012 – and it is likely to followed with a shooting brake-style estate variant of the new saloon, too.

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1 Comment

That was a Avengers car

Patrick McNee who portrayed John Steed in the 60"s then later came back with new series The New Avengers with Joanne Lumely & late Gerath Hunt. He had 3 cars 1 Rover coupe,1 Range Rover 2 doore & the sporty V12 powered XJC. Gerth Hunt also had the Range Rover 2 doore in White while John Steed was dark green, Gerath also had the Red Jaguar XJ-S. Joanne Lumley had a MG 2 seater Convertable & later TVR & a motor bike. I won't be suprised the revive the XJC. It doesn't mean it the XK replacement no. XK will remain, it base on XJ.

By deviras on 14 November, 2009, 8:15am

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XJ to spawn reborn coupé classic