Jaguar XJ13 - Prototype V12

[NevSwales]

Hi - for those interested in the original Jaguar V12 prototype engines, I have recently returned from a day at Jaguar Heritage where I was given access to the development and test bed logs of my original engine (Number 3) as well as the other five prototypes. You can see the initial results on http://www.xj13.eu

It was good to be able to examine the FACTS about these engines and the XJ13. In particular, to find things like the XJ13 was NEVER fitted with gear-driven camshafts before 1978 - by then, development had well and truly ceased and the car was wheeled out only for demos etc.

Jaguar had originally intended the XJ13 to have gear camshaft drive but they didn't have time to develop it because the engine destined for gear drive (number 7) had to be hurriedly cobbled together with chain drive from one of the other prototype engines (number 4) when the engine in the XJ13 (number 1) was over-revved and a quick replacement was needed.

Up to 1978, XJ13 cams were driven by duplex chains. Also, dual 6-cyl distributors were fitted until 1971 - not a single 12-cyl as in the current car.

Edited by NevSwales on Sunday 4th April 15:10

[richw_82]

Its making some excellent reading! Thanks for keeping such a detailed blog.

Regards

Ric

[WDRV12]

Now that's what I call doing your homework !!!