Re.: 1990 Jaguar XJS

A couple of points here. First, Ford did not start converting internal components from Lucas to Bosch, they didn't have to. Jaguar Cars had used Bosch fuel injection components right from the R & D stage of fuel injection using XJ12 prototypes in 1973. then, from the introduction of the XJS in 1975. (Ironicaly, Bosch had purchased the patents of this system from a division of General Motors.) All Lucas did was attach stickers to the Bosch units listing the lucas part no. As for model years, the UK like the USA -and the rest of the world for that matter- uses model years as opposed to calendar years. So the new year models are actually announced in August of the previous year , -this goes back to marketing wars in the USA between Ford & GM in the 50's- so a vehicle built on August 1st 1990 is known a s a 1991 model year vehicle. It is possible for manufacturers to change the Model year for any number of reasons,- Rolls Royce did so with many Corniche models in the 1980's as they were overstocked, they retrofitted and labelled the vehicles to comply with US regulations for that particular year. But, it did not change the year they were built, so some owners bought a 1986 Corniche that could have been built in late 1984. Look at a California vehicle registration certificate, it has spaces for, year of manufacture and year first registered.

This brings up the usual issue of North American vs. UK model year confusion. Every Jaguar book I've read refers to changes by calendar year, not model year. Similarly, Jaguar production numbers are always stated in terms of calendar year.

I think you'll find that the face lift cars in North America were assigned "1992" VINS by Jaguar, even if they were built in 1991, and such a car would usually be considered a "1991" mdel year in the UK.

My 1988 XJS was built in Feb '87 but Jaguar assigned a 1988 (USA) VIN. In Jaguar sales and technical literature the car was known, at various times, as a 1987, a 1987?¢, or a 1988 :-).

The Lucas-Bosch licensing agreement existed long before Ford stepped in.

Cheers
DD

Martin,

My apologies for the delay in responding to your question but I've been away from the forum for a while. After purchasing the book, Jaguar XJ-S - The Complete Story by Graham Robson and finding no mention of my car in the book, I tracked Mr. Robson down and asked him what he could tell me of the Classic Collection model. Evidently, this model came at the end of the pre-facelift series of cars. My car was built in November of 1990 and most I have seen were in fact built at or near the end of 1990 as 1991 model-year cars. In the book, 1991 is said to be the first year for the facelift model and I don't dispute that, but I've never seen a 1991 facelift car.

I don't know how many Classic Collection cars were made. Both coupe and convertible models were sold and they appear in the 1991 Jaguar catalog. The main distinction of these cars (as I understand from Mr. Robson) is their cosmetic appearance with contrasting piping on their seats, a round leather gear shift knob, and gold medallion growler on he hood.

Ford took control of Jaguar in 1989 and began changing internal components from Lucas to Bosche. I have read that some of the components in my car that are labeled as "Lucas" are actually not Lucas parts but were made by Bosche under license. I think the facelift model was planned even before Ford purchased the company so I doubt that Ford had much to do with the release of the Classic Collection. It was just the end of the line for the older and ( in my mind) more attractive model. That's why I bought mine.

Phil

Hi Phillip, I see you own a 1991 XJ-S Classic Collection Convertible. I have seen the model that has the fiberglass kit with the wing on it. It looks factory. Is that a rare option or an aftermarket add on. Looks really nice I think. Also how many 1991 XJ-S Classic Collection Convertible were made? I read somewhere that all 1991's were actually made in1990 and there really wasn't a 1991 due to the coming takeover of FORD... Just curious, Thanks

Don't even think about it Scott, as suggeste, buy a later 6 cyl car they are very reliable and good value. There are though some well looked after 12's out there but be careful, what City are you in?

Edited on 2009-08-29 23:49:50

Scott- Rather than buy someone's else's problems, why don't you buy an outstanding example of a 1990 XJS. I recently got remarried and need to sell two of my four Jaguars to make room for my new bride, so I have decided to part with my 1990 XJS and 1994 XJ12. I have attached some pictures of the 1990 XJS for your review. I am the second owner of this car and it is the last silver coupe to come off the assembly line in February of 1990 before Jaguar was taken over by Ford. So it is a true Jaguar, even down to the original silver paint and custom factory pin-stripping. I just rolled 60,000 miles and intend to show it at the 42nd Annual Jaguar Concours here in Detroit on September 12. If you are interested, please give me a call at (248) 470-4000. -Gary

Scott,

I don't think a 6 cylinder was available in 1990. In any case, the XJ-S was never fitted with a V6 from the factory. Some XJ-S models were available with in-line 6 cylinder engines. You might be able to change the engine and tranny to one of these or you might consider a V8 conversion. (I think there is a section on these pages that deals with this topic.)

I have a 1991 that is very similar to the 1990 model year. I have the 5.3 litre V12.