Jaguar XJ 1974–1981 car dimensions: 4959 mm long, 1770 mm wide and 1377 mm high. Unladen weight is 1,770 kg.
The cabin has a redesigned dashboard with gauges grouped ahead of the driver and simplified heating and air-conditioning controls. Air conditioning is available and standard on higher grades such as Vanden Plas.
A tow bar is listed among optional extras.
The cabin uses leather-faced seats that fully recline in front with adjustable head restraints, deep pile carpeting, and wood veneer on the dash. Power windows and tinted glass are standard. An improved automatic climate control system handles heating and cooling more simply than before. The ride feels refined thanks to fully independent suspension.
Fuel use around 15 mpg for the 4.2-litre six, 13.2 mpg for the 5.3-litre V12, and 16.7 mpg for the 3.4-litre six.
Four-wheel disc brakes with ventilated fronts and inboard rears.
Side impact bars in the doors plus a sealed bulkhead for cabin isolation.
Seat belts available front and rear. laminated windscreen and tinted glass offered, standard on some trims.
Fuel economy sits in the mid-teens depending on the engine. The 4.2-litre six returns about 15 mpg while the V12 drops to roughly 13 mpg. Twin fuel tanks sit in the rear wings with dual pumps.
Servicing details remain sparse in public records of the era. The car uses conventional systems with power steering and independent suspension that need regular checks for wear.
Safety kit centres on disc brakes all round, door side-impact bars, and a redesigned bulkhead. Seat belts come front and rear. No formal crash-test ratings appear in period materials.
Keeping one means watching for typical 1970s British build quality issues and sourcing parts for the XK or V12 engines. The long-wheelbase versions add rear legroom but share the same mechanical layout.
Length 4959 mm, Width 1770 mm, Height 1377 mm, Wheelbase 2865 mm (XJ 1974–1981)
Sources: manufacturer data, Wikipedia/JEC.org.uk.