Fifty years of the JAGUAR V12
Jaguar’s XK is rightfully applauded as one of the greatest British engines of all time, a unit that powered a plethora of wonderful Jaguars, Daimlers, military machines and various specialist models from the late ’40s right through to 1992. Fifty years ago, however, Jaguar was debuting its second all-new engine of the post-war era – a twelve-cylinder unit that went on to power several generations of flagship saloons as well as highly desirable sportsters.
Launched in March 1971 under the bonnet of the Series III E-Type, Jaguar’s all-new V12 went on to enjoy a 26-year career, during which it became renowned as one of the most refined, best-performing engines of its time, as well as achieving much success in motor sport. Equally memorable is the fact that during the V12’s protracted 20-year development, the XJ13 prototype that the first version was installed in came close to killing Jaguar’s legendary test driver, Norman Dewis… although let’s not hold that against it.
By any standards, the Jaguar V12 is a brilliant engine; tough, smooth, powerful and with a glorious twelve-pot soundtrack. Its invention allowed Jaguar to move up a league, putting it on a more equal footing with European rivals such as Ferrari and Lamborghini. The addition of another six cylinders gave the ageing E-Type a new lease of life, turned the XJ saloons and coupés into cars to rival anything from Rolls-Royce, Bentley or
