The XJ12 is back.
German company Arden will revive its tuning program for Series III Jaguar XJ12s and will offer 235 new cars it calls the AJ 4.
Arden is a separate company from Christian Horner’s single-seater race outfit. It has been around since 1972 and adds a bit of German engineering knowledge to Jaguars as well as Land Rovers or Minis. The company has been fettling XJs since 1985, making it one of its most successful projects.
To-date, the firm has reworked 234 XJs. The first “new” XJ was delivered earlier in the year. This particular car was built on the Daimler Double Six. The 12-cylinder engine of the car was extensively modified, with two Arden intakemanifolds with larger throttle valves, sports exhaust unit and an optimised engine control unit. This increased power to 320 horsepower and torque to 323 Lb-ft (438 Nm) respectively. Due to the mechanical improvements, the car’s top speed is now 148 mph (238 kph). HP Jaguar XE by Arden Is Closest To An XE V
Arden’s engineers aren’t just concerned with power. They also worked on the car’s chassis, adding “progressively-wound springs that ‘collaborate’ with individual adjustable Koni shock absorbers. This gives Arden a feeling of ‘pleasing sporty handling with high levels of comfort.
The AJ 4 adds 8.5×18 inches alloy wheels with 245/40 ZR18 tires that sit deep into the car’s wheel arches. A front spoiler is available with air scoops to maximize engine cooling. The trim is black and the radiator mascot is Arden Jaguar.
Although pricing details are not available, it is worth looking at. It’s a fine British classic with German underpinnings, and it will be well worth every penny.