Simon Harris
@simonharris.bsky.social
Not that Simon Harris. Nor that one. Automotive data analyst/journalist. Chair, the Guild of Motoring Writers. Chair, Welsh Motoring Writers. Cars: Kia EV3 (on test); Mini Cooper SE (own); 1993 Jaguar XJ12 (own).
Bsky has been brought to you today by the letters X and J, and by the number 12. Last pic by @andrewbrady.bsky.social.
September 28, 2025 at 7:11 PM
Bsky has been brought to you today by the letters X and J, and by the number 12. Last pic by @andrewbrady.bsky.social.
From an era when excess came as standard. #JaguarXJ12
August 28, 2025 at 3:33 PM
From an era when excess came as standard. #JaguarXJ12
My Mini notified me about a “surprise” to be found in the apps section.
August 17, 2025 at 2:41 PM
My Mini notified me about a “surprise” to be found in the apps section.
When choice leads to confusion: how range complexity can undermine residual values.
We all know variety can help a model appeal to more customers. Equipment grades, powertrain choices, and option packs can capture a wider audience, and this can also translate to stronger appeal as a used car.
We all know variety can help a model appeal to more customers. Equipment grades, powertrain choices, and option packs can capture a wider audience, and this can also translate to stronger appeal as a used car.
August 16, 2025 at 10:16 PM
When choice leads to confusion: how range complexity can undermine residual values.
We all know variety can help a model appeal to more customers. Equipment grades, powertrain choices, and option packs can capture a wider audience, and this can also translate to stronger appeal as a used car.
We all know variety can help a model appeal to more customers. Equipment grades, powertrain choices, and option packs can capture a wider audience, and this can also translate to stronger appeal as a used car.
Arriving at yesterday’s Festival of the Unexceptional, like a boss.
July 27, 2025 at 6:52 PM
Arriving at yesterday’s Festival of the Unexceptional, like a boss.
Discovered my village is getting a milk round. EVs and recyclable glass bottles are all a bit zeitgeisty, but I’ll play along and see how it goes.
July 24, 2025 at 7:18 PM
Discovered my village is getting a milk round. EVs and recyclable glass bottles are all a bit zeitgeisty, but I’ll play along and see how it goes.
A few tiny jobs pencilled in for the end of the year, but generally healthy. Looking forward to enjoying the rest of the summer.
July 24, 2025 at 9:27 AM
A few tiny jobs pencilled in for the end of the year, but generally healthy. Looking forward to enjoying the rest of the summer.
I spotted a German-registered XJ12 last week and noticed it had a different grille. I wondered if the black XJ12 grille had been damaged and had to be replaced with a standard one.
July 22, 2025 at 12:36 PM
I spotted a German-registered XJ12 last week and noticed it had a different grille. I wondered if the black XJ12 grille had been damaged and had to be replaced with a standard one.
XJ12 is visiting the workshop today for a health check from a specialist. Feels almost where it should be mechanically, so not unduly worried. Cosmetic attention comes next.
July 22, 2025 at 10:23 AM
XJ12 is visiting the workshop today for a health check from a specialist. Feels almost where it should be mechanically, so not unduly worried. Cosmetic attention comes next.
German-registered XJ12.
July 16, 2025 at 6:48 PM
German-registered XJ12.
Now the weather has cooled, will I ever reach the giddy heights of 396 miles on a charge again this summer? 🤔 The best the Kia EV6 offers on WLTP combined is 361 miles for the Air grade, a step below this GT Line.
July 14, 2025 at 2:13 PM
Now the weather has cooled, will I ever reach the giddy heights of 396 miles on a charge again this summer? 🤔 The best the Kia EV6 offers on WLTP combined is 361 miles for the Air grade, a step below this GT Line.
Meanwhile, when I can charge it, the predicted range has never been more than optimistic. 😎
July 11, 2025 at 10:15 PM
Meanwhile, when I can charge it, the predicted range has never been more than optimistic. 😎
W126 420 SE seeking shade today.
July 10, 2025 at 9:02 PM
W126 420 SE seeking shade today.
Ageless‽ He looks like the Scotch Video Cassettes skeleton wearing a wig!
July 1, 2025 at 4:33 PM
Ageless‽ He looks like the Scotch Video Cassettes skeleton wearing a wig!
Cosmetic surgery is imminent for the XJ12. The ‘leaper’ hasn’t been standard in the UK for since the introduction of the XJ6 in 1968. It was never intended for these and later cars, and the problem with aftermarket fitting is it’s rare to find two in exactly the same place. So it’s got to go.
June 23, 2025 at 6:51 PM
Cosmetic surgery is imminent for the XJ12. The ‘leaper’ hasn’t been standard in the UK for since the introduction of the XJ6 in 1968. It was never intended for these and later cars, and the problem with aftermarket fitting is it’s rare to find two in exactly the same place. So it’s got to go.
The same car that would only give me 266 miles of range on a full charge just a few short months ago. Summer is good for EVs. 😎
June 21, 2025 at 3:22 PM
The same car that would only give me 266 miles of range on a full charge just a few short months ago. Summer is good for EVs. 😎
They remind us of where we’ve come from, of the innovation that came before today’s breakthroughs, and of the passion that fuels every leap forward in technology.
We don't have to choose between loving the progress and appreciating the craftsmanship that came before it.
We don't have to choose between loving the progress and appreciating the craftsmanship that came before it.
June 20, 2025 at 8:09 PM
They remind us of where we’ve come from, of the innovation that came before today’s breakthroughs, and of the passion that fuels every leap forward in technology.
We don't have to choose between loving the progress and appreciating the craftsmanship that came before it.
We don't have to choose between loving the progress and appreciating the craftsmanship that came before it.
I believe deeply in the transition to electric mobility. It’s essential, it’s underway, and it will, eventually, benefit us all.
But I also think we can hold space for both the future and the past. Classic cars, when used thoughtfully, have a place in the conversation too.
But I also think we can hold space for both the future and the past. Classic cars, when used thoughtfully, have a place in the conversation too.
June 20, 2025 at 8:09 PM
I believe deeply in the transition to electric mobility. It’s essential, it’s underway, and it will, eventually, benefit us all.
But I also think we can hold space for both the future and the past. Classic cars, when used thoughtfully, have a place in the conversation too.
But I also think we can hold space for both the future and the past. Classic cars, when used thoughtfully, have a place in the conversation too.
But this XJ12 and Daimler Double Six were available for just 19 months before being superseded by the new X300 generation model.
Today, of course, we face a very different set of challenges, as well as opportunities. I also own and drive an electric Mini, which I bought last year.
Today, of course, we face a very different set of challenges, as well as opportunities. I also own and drive an electric Mini, which I bought last year.
June 20, 2025 at 8:09 PM
But this XJ12 and Daimler Double Six were available for just 19 months before being superseded by the new X300 generation model.
Today, of course, we face a very different set of challenges, as well as opportunities. I also own and drive an electric Mini, which I bought last year.
Today, of course, we face a very different set of challenges, as well as opportunities. I also own and drive an electric Mini, which I bought last year.
Jaguar had to continue the Series 3 XJ12 to ensure it had an alternative. But despite its refinement, and agility for a big car, it wasn’t truly competitive.
Ford bought Jaguar in 1989, and as it wanted a V12 sitting in a modern car, it signed off the investment to make it fit in the XJ40.
Ford bought Jaguar in 1989, and as it wanted a V12 sitting in a modern car, it signed off the investment to make it fit in the XJ40.
June 20, 2025 at 8:09 PM
Jaguar had to continue the Series 3 XJ12 to ensure it had an alternative. But despite its refinement, and agility for a big car, it wasn’t truly competitive.
Ford bought Jaguar in 1989, and as it wanted a V12 sitting in a modern car, it signed off the investment to make it fit in the XJ40.
Ford bought Jaguar in 1989, and as it wanted a V12 sitting in a modern car, it signed off the investment to make it fit in the XJ40.
By the early 1980s, a V12 seemed unnecessary and extravagant, especially as its main rivals didn’t have 12-cylinder engines.
Jaguar was spun out of BL in 1983, but by the time the XJ40 was launched in 1987, both BMW and Mercedes-Benz had launched V12 versions of the 7 Series and the S-Class.
Jaguar was spun out of BL in 1983, but by the time the XJ40 was launched in 1987, both BMW and Mercedes-Benz had launched V12 versions of the 7 Series and the S-Class.
June 20, 2025 at 8:09 PM
By the early 1980s, a V12 seemed unnecessary and extravagant, especially as its main rivals didn’t have 12-cylinder engines.
Jaguar was spun out of BL in 1983, but by the time the XJ40 was launched in 1987, both BMW and Mercedes-Benz had launched V12 versions of the 7 Series and the S-Class.
Jaguar was spun out of BL in 1983, but by the time the XJ40 was launched in 1987, both BMW and Mercedes-Benz had launched V12 versions of the 7 Series and the S-Class.
When Jaguar launched the first XJ12 in 1972, it was part of an elite group of manufacturers offering 12-cylinder engines: alongside Ferrari and Lamborghini.
This engine symbolised prestige, ambition, and engineering excellence. A bold statement from a company that always punched above its weight.
This engine symbolised prestige, ambition, and engineering excellence. A bold statement from a company that always punched above its weight.
June 20, 2025 at 8:09 PM
When Jaguar launched the first XJ12 in 1972, it was part of an elite group of manufacturers offering 12-cylinder engines: alongside Ferrari and Lamborghini.
This engine symbolised prestige, ambition, and engineering excellence. A bold statement from a company that always punched above its weight.
This engine symbolised prestige, ambition, and engineering excellence. A bold statement from a company that always punched above its weight.