Jaguar plans

On this day:

JAGUAR MEMO
Jaguar Cars, technical director William Heynes writes a memo to Sir William Lyons titled, "E-type Vehicle Project Plan". In it Heynes argues the case for introducing a V12 E-type, codenamed XJ25, for launch in January 1970. The XJ21 would then appear in spring 1971.

"Engineering is well in hand on the body for the XJ25 and will, in any case, have to be completed and prototypes made, and this is the only possible way in which we can test the 12 cylinder engine in the E-Type chassis. The chassis is virtually identical whether we use the XJ25 or XJ21. If we decide, as I believe it is necessary, to go ahead with the XJ25, this will set back the XJ21 programme another six to eight months but this is immaterial...

I am convinced it is essential for the 12 cylinder engine to be introduced in the E-Type before it is introduced in the XJ6 and the only possible way of doing this is to press forward with the XJ25. This model could then be introduced to the market in January 1970, which would suit us very well, in as much as we could introduce the 12 cylinder engine on the XJ6 car at the Motor Show of the same year."

Later on Heynes turned to the subject of the XJ21.

"On the XJ21, this is an entirely new car and we want to have a look at the following items to bring them up to current practices.

1. Air conditioning


2. Automatic windows


3. New power brake system


4. Power clutch operation


5. Disappearing headlamps


6. Disc locks

"...It must be emphasized that for the achievement of these dates on either model it is essential that the three XJ25 prototypes already put in hand are completed immediately. It is agreed that the first car can be running by the end of February (1969) and the other two cars will follow in not more than a four week interval. Failure in this respect will make the achievement of the dates impossible".