Not to be confused with the Daimler Double Six or the original 5.3 lt XJ12 Series III or in fact the X300 series, this is the 6 lt, 12-cylinder version of the extensively modified XJ40 code named the XJ81 and badged ‘XJ12’. The alloy V12 engine now displaced 6.0 litres and produced 318bhp which was enough to make Jaguar’s flagship a 250+kph car. The XJ12 in this form (XJ81) did not last long though, less than 200 were built over a 15 month period between 1993-1994 before the XJ40 body was superseded in September 1994 by the Ford restyled ‘X300’ series, including the option of the 6lt V12. This makes the XJ81 one of the last “real” Jaguars influenced by Sir William Lyons and a very rare beast, in fact as one motoring journalist put it, “if you can find one you’re doing well, if you can find one in this condition it’s a very rare find”. Finished in Solent Blue with doeskin leather interior and riding on 20 spoke 8Jx16 factory alloy wheels, the car is in excellent condition having travelled less than 180,000 kilometers and includes a comprehensive file of service records dating back from its original Australian delivery.
