1996 Jaguar XJ12

The 1996 Jaguar XJ12 (internally designated as the X305) represents a historic pinnacle for the brand, serving as the final iteration of the legendary, ultra-smooth 6.0-liter Jaguar V12 engine. Built under early Ford ownership, this specific model year seamlessly blended classic British aesthetic styling with vastly improved electronics and build reliability. It stands out as an incredibly rare luxury cruiser, with only around 4,000 total X300-generation V12 units ever manufactured globally.

Core Technical Specifications The car was built to prioritize seamless, effortless power and absolute cabin serenity rather than raw sports-car acceleration.

Engine 6.0L Single Overhead Cam (SOHC) 24-valve V12 Power Output 313 horsepower @ 5,350 RPM Torque 353 lb-ft of torque Transmission Heavy-duty GM-sourced 4-speed automatic Drivetrain Rear-wheel drive (RWD) Fuel Economy Approx. 11-12 MPG City / 15-16 MPG Highway

Key Features & Design Highlights - The Majestic V12: The 6.0-liter powerplant is famously called a "symphony of substance". It delivers power so smoothly that reviewers often compared the idling engine to a running electric motor. - Long-Wheelbase (LWB) Luxury: 1996 marked the first production year Jaguar introduced the factory long-wheelbase chassis. This version added several inches of rear legroom, easily distinguished by noticeably longer rear passenger doors. - Sumptuous Interior: The cabin is a masterclass in mid-90s executive luxury, featuring buttery soft Autolux leather, thick Wilton wool carpeting, and hand-matched burled walnut wood veneers. - Visual Identifiers: To differentiate it from lesser 6-cylinder XJ models, the XJ12 boasts subtle "V12" badging on the B-pillars, a unique V12 dashboard inlay, a gold-colored Jaguar crest atop the chrome grille surround, and elegant chrome side-view mirrors.