In 1968, Jaguar unveiled its new XJ series at the Paris Motor Show. Fifty years later, the eight generations of Jaguar XJs will form a celebratory fleet driving from Jaguar’s Castle Bromwich Assembly Plant to the Paris Motor Show. (See the evolution in the video above.)
The 11-vehicle convoy will visit the Bicester Heritage Center, Goodwood motor circuit and Le Mans along the route.
“The Jaguar XJ story is one of design, desirability and performance and over the past 50 years it has become a true giant in the automotive world and it’s only right that we pay homage to it in this special way,” said Ian Callum, Jaguar’s director of design.
“When I started at Jaguar, the XJ was already an icon of car design, so to have been part of this story that has been told over half a century has been an absolute privilege.”
In its news release, Jaguar noted that William Lyons’ goal for the XJ series was to provide a sedan “with the handling of an E-type.”
“The luxury model was a revelation with its compelling combination of beauty, poise and performance,” the news release continued.
“Since then, the presentation halls of Paris have played a regular role in the life of the XJ – the XJ ‘X300’ was unveiled at the event in 1994 and the revolutionary XJ ‘X350’, with its lightweight aluminium monocoque made its debut there in 2002.
“Returning to the Paris Motor Show 50 years after its first appearance on the show stand caps a series of celebrations for one of the world’s great saloon cars, which has been the choice of business leaders, celebrities, politicians and royalty for five decades.”
The 120th Paris Motor Show runs from October 4-14 in Paris.
