Jaguar XJ12 Tyres
1974 Jaguar XJ12 Aussie Magazine Advert
Jaguar XJ12 1972–1992
- Jaguars XJ12 was one of the first production saloon cars to fit modern low-profile tyres.
- The XJ12, XJ12L and the coupe version the XJC12 fitted ER/70 VR 15 Dunlop SP Sport Aquajet tyres.
- Currently this tyre is not manufactured by Dunlop themselves and only attains a V speed rating.
- We would suggest that currently the best tyres in this size would be either the 205/70 WR 15 PIRELLI CINTURATO P5 or 205/70 VR 15 Michelin XWX. Both of these tyres are W-rated.
- In 1979, at the request of Jaguar, Pirelli produced the P5 which was homologated for the Jaguar models XJ6, XJ12 and XJS.
- In 1981/’82, with the introduction of the XJ12 HE they increased the wheel size by half an inch to 6.5” and fitted 215/70VR15 tyres. We suggest 215/70 WR 15 Michelin XWX or 215/70 WR 15 PIRELLI CINTURATO P5.
- All tyres mentioned above are best fit with Michelin 15F innertube, except the 215/70 WR 15 Michelin XWX which would be better fit with a Michelin 15/17H innertube.
- Our period Innertube Guides state that the XJ12 was released on tubeless wheels as original equipment. Providing your wheels are OE and in good condition, innertubes are optional. If you fit wire wheels, however, innertubes are required.
- We cautiously recommend 36psi front and rear. Follow this link for more information about XJ12 tyre pressures.
- This is a brief run down of Jaguar actually testing the P5 on a XJ12 in 1978.
Jaguar XJ12 Tyres Explained
1980 Jaguar XJ12 Advert
Jaguar XJ V12 Tyres
For all models of the XJ12 Jaguar saloon, we recommend either the Michelin XWX or the Pirelli P5. The Michelin XWX is a really durable period tyre that can withstand heat and will handle really well at high speeds, performing excellently on motorways and dual carriageways. It is worth noting that XWX was what Ferrari fitted to their Daytona & 330 GT and some British Police forces fitted the XWX to their Jaguar Jam sandwich XJ saloons.
The P5 by Pirelli is also an extremely high-performance tyre with a W speed rating and will perform excellently in the wet, and provide excellent comfort and grip. Worth noting that the Pirelli Cinturato P5 is the tyre that Jaguar requested Pirelli to make for their XJ12 back in the 1970s. Pirelli are producing these tyres again and Jaguar has tested them and awarded them the J homologation, making them the tyre of choice for their XJ12 cars
Jaguar XJ12 HE Tyres
When Jaguar developed the HE version of the XJ12, part of the high efficiency was the taller tyres. 215/70WR15 Pirelli P5 was the Jaguar homologated tyre for their XJ12 HE.
Jaguar XJ12 Recommended Tyres
Other Options for Jaguar XJ12 Tyres
XJ12 Tyres
Click To Enlarge
For the XJ12 Jaguar saloon the Michelin XWX is a really durable high performance period tyre that can withstand heat, and will handle really well at high speeds and perform excellently on motorways and dual carriage ways. It is worth noting that XWX was what Ferrari fitted to their Daytona & 330 GT and some British Police forces fitted the XWX to their Jaguar Jam sandwich XJ saloons.
The CN12 by Pirelli is also an extremely high performance tyre with a W speed rating and will perform excellently in the wet, and provide excellent comfort and grip. Worth noting that the Pirelli Cinturato CN12 was fitted to Lamborghini cars such as their Espada & Muira.
Jaguar asked Pirelli in 1977 to make a bespoke tyre for their performance Luxury saloons. And in 1979 the Pirelli P5 was homologated on the Jaguar XJ12, XJ6 & XJS. Pirelli has started making a small range of P5 tyres again. Again at the request of Jaguar themselves. This range includes the 205/70WR15 P5, 215/70WR15 P5, and the 225/65R15 P5 for the later XJ40 models.
In 1982 Jaguar developed the XJ12 HE (or High efficiency) improved model of the XJ12, one of the improvements was to fit 215/70VR15 tyres instead of the 205/70VR15. Thereby fitting a taller tyre to improve the gearing and clearance. Currently, Longstone would suggest the best tyre for these fantastic XJ12 saloons and of course, the XJC V12 would be the 215/70VR15 PIRELLI P5. The picture on the right is a technical service bulletin from September 1981 that has the details from Jaguar about the P5's introduction to Jaguar's V12 cars.
Jaguar XJ12 Tyre Pressures
Jaguar asked Pirelli to make the 215/70WR15 P5 for the XJ12 HE. We would suggest that would be the best tyre.
We would suggest that though they aren’t the cheapest tyre available for the Jaguar XJ12 and Jaguar XJ V12 HE we would suggest that the Pirelli P5 is well worth the money.
Jaguar XJ12 Borrani Wire Wheels
Borrani wheels are available for your Jaguar XJ12. As agents for the iconic Ruote Borrani Milano company we are able to supply all wheels from their extensive range.
If your Borrani wheels require rebuilding then please contact us at [email protected]
Wire wheels made by Ruote Borrani Milano are, without doubt, the best wire wheels available. Borrani wheels utilise aluminium rims, steel spokes and steel wheel centres.
Click the link for Jaguar XJ12 Borrani wheels.
Wheels made by Borrani are available in the following styles:
- Painted silver finish, as per the racing wheels of the period
- Polished and chrome finish, highly polished rim, chrome spokes & wheel centre
- Painted finish with polished outer edge
Innertube Guides
1977 Michelin Jaguar Fitment Guide
1979 Michelin Fitment Guide
