The Grand Tourer

François Prins pays tribute on the 50th anniversary of the highly sought-after Jaguar XJ-S

- By François Prins

Jaguar Cars unveiled the E-Type in Geneva in 1961. It was an immediate success, and the factory had to work hard to keep up with the demand. Sales may have been excellent but, in the fast-moving automotive industry, a follow-on was required. As early as May 1967, Jaguar was working on the next generation of models and a programme was in place.

Engineer Malcolm Sayer, who had designed the original E-Type, was tasked with modifying the design for the future and for a replacement based around the forthcoming Jaguar XJ saloon platform. Dictating the new programme was the newly proposed US safety regulations which, at the time, looked like outlawing open-top cars. Consequently, the new car was being styled as a closed coupe with no soft-top option being considered. In the event, the US proposal was dismissed in 1974 but work on the new Jaguar was well advanced by that time.

Sayer submitted his design brief to Jaguar Cars managing director Sir William Lyons on 9 September 1968 for a two-plus-two sports car based on a shortened XJ saloon platform. The two men worked on the design as they both wanted the new Jaguar to surpass all other contenders and to be as eye-catching as possible.

Sir William later commented: “We decided from the very first that aerodynamics were the prime concern, and I exerted my influence in a consultative capacity with Malcolm Sayer. Occasionally, I saw a feature that I did not agree with and we would discuss it. I took my influence as far as I could without interfering with his basic aerodynamic requirements. He and I worked on the first styling models together. We originally considered a lower bonnet line, but the international regulations on crush control and lighting made us change and we started afresh.”