Jaguar 1970s Jaguar XJ6 Series 1 | Premium Audio Build

This is a 1970s Series 1 XJ6. The owner of this classic luxury 4-door saloon had its interior and paint restored to bring it back to life, and needed our help installing an incredible new sound system and retro-style head unit to modernise the car whilst keeping its sleek factory aesthetic.

The aim was to provide this iconic cruiser with the audio amenities it needed to not only match the prestige of the vehicle, but to create the powerful, high-quality soundstage and listening experience you would expect from a modern Hi-Fi build.

We worked with the customer to pick out each component of the kit that we would use for the system, focusing on the most effective options to suit the needs of the car and the driver.

Here’s what we decided on:

• Pioneer SXT-C10PS retro-style head unit

• Morel Tempo Ultra Integra 2-way coaxial speakers
  (with custom-cut and covered speaker adaptors)

• Audison 6.5″ coaxial speakers

• Audison SR 4.300 amplifier

• Audison APBX 8″ active subwoofer

In the boot of the Jaguar, we had plenty of room to work with, so we we’re able to fit the Audison four-channel SR 4.300 amplifier secured to a custom painted wooden mount on the left-hand side. On the right side, we fitted the Audison APBX active 8″ subwoofer also on its own mount. To create the best environment for the subwoofer to perform, we treated the surrounding trim and panels with 2.5mm Comfort Mat Vespa sound deadening mat and a layer of 6mm Comfort Mat Integra sound isolator. This helps to reduce unwanted noise, rattles and resonation – keeping the audio output as close to completely clean as possible.

Moving further into the car, we replaced the existing Hertz Uno coaxial speakers which had been poorly fitted to the parcel shelf with superglue. They were old, dusty and in need of retiring for new speakers to take over. Once we had carefully separated them and the glue from the shelf, we installed a set of Audison APX 6.5″ coaxial speakers with our own custom black vinyl speaker ring adaptors to allow them to sit seamlessly at the rear of the car covering any remains of the previous job. These play really clean sound and have a good amount of punchy mid-bass response that adds to the overall audio set-up nicely.

At the front of the car, we found the same previously (and poorly) fitted Hertz Uno coaxial speakers 5.5″ speakers and replaced them with the Morel 5.5″ Tempo Ultras. These compact little speakers pack a punch and give this sound system quality audio up front without compromising on the limited space available. For these, Rich also cut out speaker mounting rings and covered them in a professional black vinyl finish – giving these speakers a foundation to sit on and giving them a slightly larger and more prominent appearance.

To help these speakers to perform up front, we also applied our sound deadening material around them, covering the whole of the driver and passenger-side doors. After stripping the trim off the doors, we’re left with an empty canvas to get to work on. We apply the 2.5mm Vespa sound deadening mat to the whole of the outer-door panel, firming up that area and helping to stop noise and resonance coming in to the cabin. Next, we rolled on a layer of the 6mm Integra adding mass to the door whilst stopping reflective sound waves with its thick foam-like material. This new environment will help the new speakers, powered up by the newly fitted amplifier, sound much cleaner by ensuring that any booming or rattling is silenced as much as possible.

Last but certainly not least we have installed the Pioneer SXT-C10PS retro-style head unit. This felt like the ideal choice, providing modern functionality whilst not ruining the classic dashboard with a huge screen that would look out of place. Although this unit is quintessentially a 90s design, it gives this 1970s classic a capable device that allows for FM/DAB connection, Bluetooth, app connectivity, USB & AUX port connectivity whilst retaining its old school charm.

With all of this fitted and the car back together, we had the chance to hear the final result – and it did not disappoint. This well-rounded set-up covers all bases from high to low frequencies, producing crisp, clear sound that reflects the quality of the kit and install.

The finished result is a classic Jaguar that now has a sound system to match the quality and character of the car itself. From the custom-fitted speakers and sound deadening through to the powerful Audison subwoofer and amplifier, every part of the system has been chosen and installed with both performance and appearance in mind.

The Pioneer retro-style head unit brings the final piece of modern functionality without taking away from the original feel of the dashboard, making it a great fit for a car that has been so carefully restored.

With everything back together, the XJ6 now has a clean, powerful and well-balanced sound system that makes the most of the space available, while still keeping the classic look that makes this Jaguar so special. It was a great project to work on, and a perfect example of how modern audio upgrades can be integrated into a classic car without compromising its original character.

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