1984: TWR XJ-S first victory 24-hour race at Spa-Francorchamps
January
On the 12th January TWR introduced a special sport version of the XJ-S under the name TWR JaguarSport. The basic philosophy was to offer a package that provided the kind of hand-built craftsmanship no longer available from a production line environment. This in itself was no mean feat. In the course of their race preparation, TWR highlighted a variety of areas where minor subtle changes to the specification could result in a dramatic improvement to the aerodynamic efficiency, handing, comfort, drivability and performance. The TWR Sport versions were converted from existing cars, and most TWR modifications could be applied to either six or 12-cylinder cars. Buyers of V12 cars furthermore had the choice of two engines, the 5.3-litre, or TWR’s own longer-stroke 6.0-litre version. the V12 5.3 litre had improved breathing thanks to the fitment of a high-efficiency stainless steel exhaust system and increased capacity air intakes, giving better torque and power. The full-flow expansion boxes, rear silencers and large-bore over-axle pipes terminating in four outlets were all manufactured in heavy-duty stainless steel to increase the lifespan and were designed to improve engine efficiency. It was estimated that this new system would give an increase in power of approximately 10 per cent.
The 6.0 litre engine was the ultimate road going Jaguar engine. It was built by hand, side by side with the competition engines destined for worldwide venues. Each engine was tested to 380 bhp and had specially forged pistons, a long-throw crankshaft and re-profiled valve gears. This was a superb road engine which had a vast range of power and flexibility.
Internally, the TWR XJ-S had a re-trim, combining finest English leather for the front and rear seat covers with inlaid stitched panels of Scottish tweed. The interior trim was colour co-ordinated to the body exterior. Luxury pile carpets throughout and a leather trimmed, four-spoke TWR steering wheel completed the interior transformation.
The TWR Jaguar XJ-S V12 took the slogan “Race Bred to Improve the Breed” to its ultimate conclusion. The performance statistics and aerodynamics speak for themselves 0-60mph in 5.8 seconds and 0-100km/hh in 5.9 seconds. The maximum speed was 164mph (262km/h) @ 5200rpm.
March
The styling with the “flying buttresses” had always been a controversial issue, many were unhappy with the style and felt it was the product of the old Jaguar generation. In 1984 Jim Randle, Director of Product Engineering, investigated the possibility of changing the shape of the XJ-S to get rid of the flying buttresses. The investigation was not only to look at re-designing the cabin roof to eliminate the flying buttresses but to also look at improving the basic functions of the car, in particularly, increasing the leg-room which would ultimately improve the ride comfort for any rear passengers. The wheelbase was increased to 106in (2692mm) and this gave an additional 4in (102mm) for the passengers. With the additional space in the rear, as well as the leg-room, the other advantage was the increased glass area bringing more light into the rear of the car.
May
On the 22 May 1984 a public announcement was made regarding the sale of the shares of the Jaguar Cars company. John Egan would maintain his role as Chairman and Managing Director of Jaguar Cars Limited. John Egan turned the company around from a loss of £47 million in 1980 to a profit of £90 million in 1984. Sir William Lyons himself bought shares in the company he founded in 1922.
July
TWR Racing entered three cars in most races for the 1984 season at Monza, Vallelunga, Donnington, Brno, Nürburgring, Österreichring and Salzburg, Silverstone, Zolder and Mugello. For the Spa 24-hour race, on 29th July, Walkinshaw decided to run only two cars, one for himself, Heyer and Percy and one for Calderari, Sears and Pilette. The circuit dried but only for a short period as the rain fell soaking the circuit, a lapse in concentration by Calderari meant he hit a barrier and although he managed to get back to the pits, the damage was too extensive and they had to retire. The pace car was out four times during the race, but a fine day was forecast and Walkinshaw took advantage of this. They had a three-lap lead when they suffered a puncture, however, this didn’t stop them and they brought the car home in first place, Jaguar's first win in a 24-hour race since the 1957 Le Mans.
August
Karmann, the German automobile manufacturer, was commissioned to produce a fully working prototype convertible which was completed in May 1984. This is was approved by the Jaguar Board in August. This had defined vehicle rigidity and torsional strength requirements, the hood installation and operation, and overall vehicle styling. Jaguar liaised with Karmann, who with their extensive knowledge and expertise in the manufacture of convertibles co-operated in the design of the press tooling and assembly jig manufacture. New assembly tooling was designed by Karmann which included the production of an Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) system. The AGV assembly facility was installed at Jaguar’s Castle Bromwich plant at a cost of £3.6 million. It consisted of a unique build station for various sections of the body build with pneumatic clamping to maintain accuracy. The AGVs moved bodyshells from one work station to another by following a wire concealed in the factory floor. A scissor lift system on the AGV allowed the working height of the body to be altered to suit a particular welding operation.
October
In the championship Tom Walkinshaw was first overall with Hans Heyer second. Jaguar was first in the team championship with seven victories overall.
November
After the end of the European race season, the team took the decision to enter their car in the 95 lap race at Macau in November 1984, competing against their bitter rivals BMW. The XJ-S cars were re-painted to include their major sponsors for this race, John Player Special (JPS), the only time the cars were used to advertise the tobacco industry. In this race the reputation of Jaguar and John Player was maintained, as the cars finished first and second.