Jaguar XJ-S Pre-HE: The Birth of Jaguar’s Aerodynamic V12 Grand Tourer

Refined Defiance - Long before retro-futuristic design became fashionable, Jaguar quietly introduced a grand tourer that challenged conventions in both form and philosophy. Launched to the public on September 10, 1975, the Jaguar XJ-S emerged during a period when the automotive world was redefining luxury and performance. Rather than directly replicating the sporting aggression of its famous predecessor, the E-Type, Jaguar aimed to create something more mature and forward-looking. The result was a two-door, rear-wheel-drive luxury grand tourer that emphasized long-distance comfort, aerodynamic efficiency, and mechanical sophistication. 

The Jaguar XJ-S Pre-HE aka. the first-generation XJ-S with low nose, elongated body, and characteristic rear buttresses gave it a silhouette unlike anything else in its class at the time. (Picture from: OtoBlitz)

Developed from the XJ saloon platform, the Jaguar XJ-S was shaped by the engineering-led design approach of Malcolm Sayer, one of Britain’s earliest automotive designers to apply advanced aerodynamic principles. His influence was evident in the car’s distinctive exterior, which favored smooth airflow and stability over decorative flair. The low nose, elongated body, and characteristic rear buttresses gave the XJ-S a silhouette unlike anything else in its class at the time. While controversial to some, the design was purposeful and helped define the XJ-S as a car engineered for sustained high-speed travel rather than short, dramatic bursts. 

The Jaguar XJ-S Pre-HE offered a luxurious, calm cabin with comfortable seating and thoughtful ergonomics, perfectly suited for long grand touring journeys. (Picture from: OtoBlitz)

Inside, the XJ-S reflected Jaguar’s traditional commitment to luxury. The cabin was designed to be calm and accommodating, reinforcing the car’s grand touring identity. Comfortable seating, thoughtful ergonomics, and an atmosphere of understated refinement made it well suited for long journeys. This interior philosophy aligned perfectly with the car’s broader mission: delivering effortless performance without sacrificing comfort or elegance. 

The Jaguar XJ-S Pre-HE powered by  a 5.3-liter Jaguar V12 engine coupled with the BorgWarner 12 automatic transmission, featuring a cast-iron case and bolt-on bell housing. (Picture from: OtoBlitz)

At the core of the first-generation XJ-S, known today as the Pre-HE model, was a 5.3-liter Jaguar V12 engine. During the early 1970s, V12-powered luxury cars were still rare, largely limited to exotic Italian manufacturers such as Ferrari and Lamborghini. Jaguar’s decision to offer a twelve-cylinder engine in a luxury grand tourer was bold and ambitious. Buyers could choose between manual and automatic transmissions, although the car’s character naturally favored smooth, relaxed driving.

The Jaguar XJ-S Pre-HE capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in 7.6 seconds and reaching a top speed of 143 mph, or 230 km/h. (Picture from: OtoBlitz)

Early XJ-S Pre-HE models were equipped with the BorgWarner 12 automatic transmission, featuring a cast-iron case and bolt-on bell housing. This setup defined the earliest production cars until early 1977, when Jaguar transitioned to the GM Turbo-Hydramatic 400 automatic transmission, which was then fitted to all XJ-S models. Despite its luxury focus, performance remained impressive for its era, with the Pre-HE capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in 7.6 seconds and reaching a top speed of 143 mph, or 230 km/h. | UWX_8fMm22E |

The Jaguar XJ-S would go on to enjoy a long production life, spanning from 1975 to 1996 and encompassing three distinct iterations across coupe, hardtop, and full-convertible body styles. Over 20 years, total production reached 115,413 units worldwide. The Pre-HE variant remained in production until 1981, when it was replaced by the HE (High Efficiency) model featuring engine improvements and minor design updates. By that time, approximately 14,800 Pre-HE units had been built in Coventry, England, securing the model’s place as a significant and formative chapter in Jaguar’s modern grand touring legacy. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | OTOBLITZ ]

Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.