1973: Board Approval

February

In February 1973, the plans for the new car were presented to the Board for consideration and approval. By August of that year, Bob Knight, Technical director, was pushing to get the XJ27 completed. By the end of that year fuel injection had been specified instead of carburettors for Job 1. During this same month, tests were carried out on the braking system of the XJ27/1 in order to determine which specification would be most suitable.

July

Aerodynamic testing on XJ27 continued with particular regard to the stability and lift.

October 

In October 1973 additional testing was completed on the XJ27/2, the testing took place in Belgium and Germany where the Dunlop tyres were put through their paces and the effects of the chin-type spoiler on the cooling system were checked out. The testers were surprised how this spoiler improved the effectiveness of the transmission, engine oil coolers and the water radiator. Top speed was improved by 2-3mph (3-5km/h). Tests were also carried out on the eight-tooth rack and pinion steering, brakes, transmission, exhaust, interior features and general drivability. The testers were less than impressed with the overall driving position and visibility.

The XJ27 had a wheelbase of 102in (2591mm) and was derived from the XJ6 platform. With the basic design signed off, the serious development work was able to commence. The XJ27 used the already existing accomplished engine from the E-type and XJ12, the manual gearbox from the E-type and the automatic gearbox from the XJ12.