
The 1984 Jaguar XJ6, also known as the Black Cat, is a sleek and powerful car that was manufactured in Coventry, UK. With its inline-six engine configuration and advanced features for its time, such as electronic fuel injection, it offered a unique driving experience. However, some owners have reported issues with electrical systems and starter motors, which were common problems across many English cars of that era. Despite this, the '84 Jag XJ6 remains a classic and sought-after vehicle, known for its smooth and quiet ride, solid craftsmanship, and elegant design.
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What You'll Learn

The 1984 Jaguar XJ6's electrical system
The 1984 Jaguar XJ6, nicknamed the "Black Cat", was one of just over 15,800 XJ6s built in Coventry at the time. It featured a range of electrical components, including power windows, that were considered fancy for its time. However, these electrical systems were known to be unreliable, with issues such as poor earths.
The Jaguar XJ6's electrical system was supplied by Lucas, a major firm that also supplied other English car manufacturers. The issues with the electrical system in the Jaguar XJ6 were not unique, as similar problems were observed across many English cars of that era. The unreliable electrical system contributed to the car's reputation for requiring frequent repairs.
The Jaguar XJ6 was equipped with a 3.8-litre or 4.2-litre engine, depending on the year of manufacture. The earlier models from 1961 to 1964 had 3.8-litre engines, while the models from 1965 to 1967 offered a larger 4.2-litre engine. The 4.2-litre engine also brought improvements to the electrical system, including an alternator instead of a dynamo and a switch to negative earth.
Jaguar has a history of innovation in automotive technology, such as being one of the first manufacturers to equip production cars with 4-wheel disc brakes as standard in the XK150 in 1958. More recently, Jaguar has transitioned towards an all-electric lineup, discontinuing most of its internal combustion engine models by December 2024. The company has unveiled electric concept cars, such as the Type 00, and plans to offer all-electric models in the future.
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The 1984 Jag's starter
The 1984 Jaguar XJ6, also known as the "Black Cat", is a sleek and powerful car that was ahead of its time in terms of design and performance. With a 4.2-litre inline six engine, it delivered 176 horsepower and was mated to a GM-sourced three-speed automatic transmission. This model retailed for around $31,000 when it was new, which is about three times as much in today's market.
One notable aspect of the 1984 Jaguar XJ6 is its electrical system, which was quite advanced for its time. However, this also proved to be a source of problems for some owners. The Lucas electrical system, in particular, was known to have issues, and it was not uncommon for the starter to malfunction. This issue was not unique to the Jaguar XJ6, as other English cars from that era also experienced similar electrical problems.
Despite the electrical issues, the 1984 Jaguar XJ6 was a well-crafted and reliable vehicle. One owner recounted their experience with the car, stating that aside from replacing the starter, they never had any major issues with it. They praised its smooth and quiet performance on the highway, as well as its solid construction and excellent workmanship.
The 1984 Jaguar XJ6 was equipped with a 3590-cc inline-six AJ6 engine, which was introduced that same year. This engine featured aluminium block and head components, dry steel cylinder sleeves, dual overhead cams opening four valves per cylinder, and electronic fuel injection. While the rest of the automotive industry was moving towards V-6 engines, Jaguar chose to stick with what they knew best, investing $45 million and a decade of research and development into this new engine.
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The 1984 Jag's electric start option
The Jaguar E-Type, also known as the Jaguar XK-E in North America, is a British front mid-engined sports car that was manufactured from 1961 to 1974. It is known for its sleek appearance, advanced technologies, high performance, and competitive pricing.
In 1984, Jaguar introduced a new engine, the AJ6 (Advanced Jaguar 6), without retiring its beloved XK-6. The AJ6 engine featured aluminum block and head components, dry steel cylinder sleeves, dual overhead cams opening four valves per cylinder, pent roof-shaped combustion chambers, electronic fuel injection, and a cost-saving cast-iron crankshaft. This engine was introduced in downsized 1988 XJ-6 sedans, but it is not clear if it was available in the 1984 models.
The 1984 Jaguar XJ6, also known as the "Black Cat," had a 4.2-liter inline six engine with 176 horsepower and a GM-sourced three-speed automatic transmission. While the XJ6 was reliable and well-crafted, it is reported to have had electrical issues, particularly with the starter. One source mentions having to replace the starter on their 1984 XJ6, and another source mentions issues with the Lucas electrical system, which may have included the starter.
Therefore, while it is not explicitly stated, it is likely that the 1984 Jaguar XJ6 had an electric start option, given the reported issues with the starter and electrical system. However, further research is needed to confirm this.
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The 1984 Jag's engine
The 1984 Jaguar XJ6, also known as the Black Cat, was equipped with a 4.2-liter inline-six engine producing 176 horsepower. This engine was paired with a GM-sourced three-speed automatic transmission. While the car was praised for its reliability, smooth ride, and solid craftsmanship, it also had its fair share of electrical issues.
The 1984 Jaguar XJ6 was introduced without retiring the beloved XK-6 engine, which had debuted in the Jaguar XK 120 sports car and was known for its prominent polished aluminum valve covers. However, Jaguar also offered a new engine option for the 1984 model year, known as the AJ6. This engine represented a significant investment in research and development by Jaguar, with a cost of $45 million and a decade of work.
The AJ6 engine featured aluminum block and head components, dry steel cylinder sleeves, dual overhead cams opening four valves per cylinder, pent roof-shaped combustion chambers, and electronic fuel injection. It had a cast-iron crankshaft, which helped reduce costs. This engine offered 181 horsepower at 4750 rpm and 221 lb-ft of torque at 3750 rpm. In European markets with less stringent emissions standards, the AJ6 delivered even more impressive performance, with 225 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque.
The 1984 Jaguar XJ6 was one of just over 15,800 XJ6s built in Coventry for that model year. With a price tag of around $31,000, it offered a sleek and reliable driving experience. However, some owners and enthusiasts have noted that the electrical system, particularly the starter, could be a source of issues. Despite this, the 1984 Jaguar XJ6 remains a sought-after classic that combines performance, elegance, and craftsmanship.
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The 1984 Jag's overall reliability
The 1984 Jaguar XJ6, also known as the Black Cat, is a sleek and powerful car that has garnered praise for its design, performance, and comfort. However, its overall reliability has been a topic of discussion among owners and enthusiasts. While some boast of its dependability, others have encountered various issues with their vehicles.
One common issue reported by owners of the 1984 Jaguar XJ6 is faulty windows. The rear driver's side window may not work properly, causing inconvenience and frustration. Additionally, there have been reports of problems with the speedometer, which can stop working intermittently, and issues with the air conditioning system, leaving drivers and passengers without a properly functioning climate control system. These issues have led some to question the overall reliability of the 1984 Jaguar XJ6.
On the other hand, some owners have shared positive experiences with the car's reliability. One owner reported that their 1984 Jaguar XJ6 was ""dead reliable," with no issues even when driving in challenging conditions. They praised the car's performance, stating that it ran smoothly and never stalled, even when accelerating quickly. This particular owner also noted that the air conditioning and tape deck functioned well, contributing to a pleasant driving experience.
Another owner of a 1984 Jaguar XJ6, specifically the light beige model, shared a similar positive experience. They described the car as "very reliable" and highlighted its smooth and quiet performance on the highway. According to their account, the only issue they encountered was the need to replace the starter, which is a common maintenance item in many vehicles.
It is worth noting that the overall reliability of a car can be influenced by various factors, including driving conditions, maintenance history, and individual vehicle variations. While some owners have experienced issues with their 1984 Jaguar XJ6, others have found it to be a dependable and enjoyable vehicle. Therefore, when considering the overall reliability of this particular model, it is essential to take into account a range of factors and individual experiences.
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Frequently asked questions
No, the 1984 Jaguar XJ6 Black Cat did not have an electric start. The owner of the car had to replace the starter.
The 1984 Jaguar XJ6 Black Cat had a faulty electrical system, which was a common issue in English cars at the time.
No, the Jaguar XK-6 engine, which debuted in the Jaguar XK 120 sports car, did not have an electric start.








































