Jaguar XJ-S and XJS (all variants 1975 to 1996)

1. Jaguar XJ-S and XJS Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN)

September 1975 – May 1978: Chassis Numbers

The last right hand drive XJ-S numbered in this way was: 2W5000BW

The last left hand drive XJ-S numbered in this way was: UJ2W55915BW

May 1978: Introducing the V.I.N.

Vehicle manufacturers were now required to follow a set criteria for numbering vehicles, referred to as a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

Please note: The 14 characters used by Jaguar (between May 1978 and 1981) are numbers 4 to 17 in the linked page “How to read a Jaguar XJ-S or XJS Primary (Secondary) VIN”referred to below.

1981:

A further 3 character prefix was added, giving a total of 17 characters, which remained in use until the end of XJS production, and beyond. This is the primary XJ-S (or XJS) VIN, and is found on any XJ-S (XJS) regardless of market.

Character Meanings:

1. Country of Manufacture
2. Vehicle Manufacturer
3. Marque

NB: The above 3 letter prefix was added to all Jaguar and Daimler cars from 1981.Some sources state that the first 3 characters, together, denote the "world manufacturer identification code" SAJ for Jaguar Cars Ltd, Coventry, and that these do not break down individually. Other sources break the 3 digits down as displayed here, hence the repetition of "Marque"

4. Marque
5. Model
6. Market
7. Body
8. Engine
9. Transmission and Drive
10. Series
11. Emission Equipment

12-17. Sequential production number - unique to each car and allocated in production order, regardless of specification etc

Exceptions to the rule:

USA and Canadian Market XJ-S’s were also issued with a second, or secondary, 17 character VIN (stamped on the windscreen VIN plate) Although allocated long before 1998, it is more akin to the modern VIN’s dating from then, and is made up as follows:

1. Country of Manufacture
2. Vehicle Manufacturer
3. Marque

The above 3 letter prefix was added to all Jaguar and Daimler cars from 1981.Some sources state that the first 3 characters, together, denote the "world manufacturer identification code" SAJ for Jaguar Cars Ltd, Coventry, and that these do not break down individually. Other sources break the 3 digits down as displayed here, hence the repetition of "Marque"

4. Model
5. Market
6. Body
7. Engine
8. Transmission and Drive
9. Check Digit*
10. Model Year
11. Manufacturing Plant

12-17. Sequential production number - unique to each car and allocated in production order, regardless of specification etc

*Check Digit - Explanation and Calculation

Many thanks to Anders Ditlev-Clausager (Jaguar Heritage Chief Archivist) and Paul Sinnott (JEC XJ-S Forum) for their help with compiling this information.

Back to Index

2. How to read a Jaguar XJ-S or XJS Primary VIN

How to read a primary Jaguar XJ-S Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

Back to Index

3. How to read a Jaguar XJ-S or XJS Secondary VIN

How to read a secondary Jaguar XJ-S Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

Back to Index

4. Model Specific Information: Jaguar XJ-S Cabriolet

Jaguar XJ-S Cabriolet

Back to Index

This site is currently under development, some content and pages may be missing. If you cannot find what you want on this site, please contact Letitia who can provide you with further information. Thank you for your patience.

Back to Index