This particularly special car shown here is the 1978 Jaguar XJ Spider by the iconic Italian design company Pininfarina. This one-of-a-kind creation was developed specifically for the 1978 London Motor Show, and the idea behind the project was to showcase how the XJ-Spider/XJ-S could have possibly been a notable successor to Jaguar’s E-Type model. It’s not too often that Pininfarina and Jaguar teamed up over the years, however, whenever they did, a genuinely unique creation seemed to follow up. In total, the project took approximately 5 months to complete, and the styling of this unique Jaguar was handled by Emanuele Nicosia. Inspired by the E-type, the design included features like the oval front air intake and a bold stance with wheel arches extending over the wheels. It also featured a convertible roof and retractable headlights. Made from impact-resistant polyurethane, both the front and rear sections were built for durability. The XJ Spider featured the same 5.3-liter V12 engine from the XJ-S, generating 284 horsepower and paired with an automatic transmission for seamless power transfer. With a more dynamic and sporty look, it stood out from the XJ-S due to its shorter, wider, and lower dimensions, despite sharing the same platform. The XJ Spider was tested in Pininfarina’s wind tunnel, where its aerodynamic efficiency exceeded expectations. It achieved a claimed drag coefficient of 0.36. When the car arrived at the 1978 London Motor Show, it was in a non-running condition, finished in a rich metallic British Racing Green. One year later, in 1979, the car was fully completed, this time functional and finished in a different silver exterior paint job. Despite not having advanced beyond the conceptual stage, many regard this as the authentic forerunner to the Jaguar F-Type as well as serving as a significant influence on the design of the Jaguar XJ41/42. Its impact on the brand’s future models is widely acknowledged within automotive circles.
How many made? 1
Engine: 5.3L V12
Debut: 1978 London Motor Show
Top Speed: n/a
0-60mph: n/a
Photo Credit: @lordhumphreys
Research: @rarecarsonly
1978 Jaguar XJ Spider
28.01.2025
Jaguar