The XJ's perfect pedigree

The XJ remains the most important single model in Jaguar's history. More than 800,000 have been sold internationally since 1968, accounting for over half of the marque's output.

The car that became the XJ was known as the eXperimental Jaguar within the company, with the concept of replacing the E-Type with a four-seat GT that could conquer the American market.

The early prototypes had huge overhangs like the E-Type, two doors and svelte styling. When attention shifted to a sedan, the front and rear sections were shortened and two extra doors added, but the sexy lines stayed.

Sir William Lyons, the company's founder, advertised the first XJ, declaring it the finest Jaguar sedan ever. Major updates occurred in 1973 and 1979.

The fourth-generation XJ, launched in 1986, was the last to be influenced by Lyons, who died in 1985. The XJ40 represented a major styling change, with large rectangular headlights and a rear quarterlight window.

The next XJ was developed under Ford, after the Blue Oval took over Jaguar in 1989. The X300 was launched in 1994.

The sixth-generation model embraced the new AJ-V8 engine from the XK8, and the XJ6 and XJ12 badges were retired - although the former is making a comeback in the new, seventh-evolution sedan.