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.
 
The 1996 "OBD2" Quirks and U.S. Rarity
The 1996 model year carries a fascinating footnote in automotive history. It was the final year the V12 was sold in the United States due to strict federal emissions regulations.For 1996, the US mandated full On-Board Diagnostics II (OBD2) compliance. Jaguar’s specialized Nippon Denso V12 engine controller could not accommodate the mandated continuous emissions monitoring. Because Jaguar planned to phase out the V12 anyway, they bypassed expensive redesigns by securing a temporary EPA exemption for the 1996 model year. Once that exemption expired, the iconic V12 left the US market forever.
Ownership Considerations
While the X300-based chassis is considered by enthusiasts on the Jag-lovers Forums to be vastly superior and more reliable than older 1980s Jaguars, the XJ12 is still an exotic vehicle. The complex engine bay leaves almost no room to work, turning basic maintenance into a labor of love. Furthermore, its extreme thirst for fuel—frequently dropping down into single-digit miles per gallon during city driving—means it is best suited as a pampered weekend collector car.
 
Included with the sale - Original wheels and grille.
 
This Jag is a DREAM!