Jaguar Enthusiast Magazine has teamed up with our heritage partners, The Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust, to track the human stories behind one of Jaguar's best-selling model ranges that was in production for nearly a quarter of a century!

Launched in 1975 as the successor to the legendary E-type, the XJS celebrates 50 years this year. So, buckle up — we’re going to explore the highs, lows, and lasting impact of Jaguar’s misunderstood masterpiece: the XJS.

Allan Scott is best known as the Manager of the Engine Division at Tom Walkinshaw Racing — TWR — during the golden era of the 1980s and early 1990s. Originally hailing from New Zealand, Allan trained as an engineer before moving to the UK, where he became deeply involved in engine development for racing and road-going performance programs.

At TWR, Allan led the team responsible for turning Jaguar’s V12 into a world-beating powerplant. Under his guidance, the XJ-S’s engine evolved into a championship-winning force in European touring car racing, and later, into the endurance-dominating heart of the legendary Group C Jaguars — machines that conquered Daytona, Le Mans, and tracks across the globe.

As we mark the 50th anniversary of the Jaguar XJ-S, it’s an honour to have Allan with us to reflect on his experiences — from the workshop floor to the winner’s podium — and to hear first-hand what it took to transform Jaguar’s engines into icons.