If you own a Jaguar or are considering purchasing one, you may have come across the term “Jaguar factory plate.” But what exactly is a Jaguar factory plate, and what information can it provide about your vehicle? In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about the Jaguar factory plate, including its purpose, where to find it, and how to interpret its information.
What is a Jaguar Factory Plate?
A Jaguar factory plate is a metal plate that is attached to the body or frame of a Jaguar vehicle during the manufacturing process. The factory plate contains important information about the vehicle, including the model, engine type, transmission, paint color, and more. The purpose of the factory plate is to provide a permanent record of the vehicle’s specifications and production details.
Where to Find the Jaguar Factory Plate
The location of the Jaguar factory plate can vary depending on the model and year of the vehicle. In general, the factory plate can be found in one of several locations:
- On the firewall or bulkhead under the hood
- On the inside of the driver’s side door jamb
- On the right-hand side of the engine compartment
- On the underside of the hood or trunk lid
If you are having trouble locating the factory plate on your Jaguar, a qualified mechanic or Jaguar dealer should be able to assist you.
The Jaguar factory plate is always placed on the left-hand A or B pillar. It may however appear on the right-hand side on RHD vehicles.
The type plate on older vehicles is normally stucked or riveted on to the engine compartment bulkhead. The type plate at the XJS Convertible model is located on the left front inner wing as an exception to this standard.
Example: on the left A-pillar | Example: on the left B-pillar |
Older models: on the radiator yoke, near the left-hand hinge of the bonnet (at the front) | See image Jaguar XJ with removed bonnet |
Form and appearance of the Jaguar Factory Plate
Europe and ROW (except North America, the Gulf states, China and Argentina)
The Jaguar factory plate is a printed sticker, produced using a heat transfer process. The imprint can smear or even become separated from the base sticker if subjected to strong mechanical or chemical influences (inter alia, intensive washing or acetone)!
The words “Jaguar Cars Ltd” appear as an infinitely repeating sequence at an angle of 45°. The letters are 2mm high and the distance between the lines is 4 mm. The silver coloured base foil is destroyed if the type plate is removed. Destroyed in this case means that the letters of the original infinitely repeating sequence printed on it (“VOID”) remain on the original carrier.
The infinitely repeating sequence “VOID” can also then be seen from the front on a type plate if an attempt is made to restick a type plate which has been removed.
Below is an example of a type plate which has been removed from its original carrier and on which the repeating sequence “VOID” can be seen (upside down in the image).
At vehicles until approx. MY 2004 the entries are in black lettering on a bright background. Since approx. MY 2005 the entries are in white lettering on a black background.
In addition to the normal information such as manufacturer, certification number, Jaguar VIN Number and weights, the type code also has entries for the colour code (Paint – for further details see under point 8), fittings (Trim) and a two-letter date of manufacture code.
Examples:
XK-R | XJ |
S-Type | X-Type |
| XJ 12 Souvereign (older 3-Series type)  | XK-8/R (older version)  |
XF and XJ (X351) | F-Type (X152)- new manufacturer`s name- no security foil |
Close-up view type plate without security foil
Printed and not made by laser
sloppy edges on the letters
Jaguar XE
The Jaguar XE factory plate has the same design of the plates by Land-Rover vehicles, because the XE is produced at the Land-Rover plant Solihull. That is the reason for using the foil with raised honeycomb-shaped break places.
| Point | Description |
| 1 | VIN |
| 2 | Maximum weight |
| 3 | Maximum weight off the combination |
| 4 | Maximum permissible front axle load |
| 5 | Maximum permissible rear axle load |
| 6 | Part-no. |
| 7 | Paint Code |
| 8 | Name and address of manufacturer(only for the Argentina market) |
XE
Other Jaguar Factory plates
North America (old type plate Modell XJS built 1976)
North America Jaguar Factory Plate
| Point | Part-No. | Description |
| 1 | — | Maximum permissible axle load, front |
| 2 | — | Manufacturing date |
| 3 | — | Maximum weight |
| 4 | — | Maximum permissible axle load, rear |
| 5 | — | VIN |
| 6 | — | Design |
| 7 | — | Interior trim code |
| 8 | — | Colour code |
Canada Jaguar Factory Plate
| Point | Part-No. | Description |
| 1 | — | Maximum permissible front axle load |
| 2 | — | Date of manufacture |
| 3 | — | Maximum weight |
| 4 | — | Maximum permissible rear axle load |
| 5 | — | VIN |
| 6 | — | Color code |
| 7 | — | Trim code |
| 8 | — | Type |
Saudi Arabia and Gulf States Jaguar Factory Plate
| Point | Part-No. | Description |
| 1 | — | Date of manufacture |
| 2 | — | VIN |
| 3 | — | Trim code |
| 4 | — | Color code |
China (XF and XJ) Jaguar Factory Plate
| Point | Part-No. | Description |
| 1 | — | Number of passengers |
| 2 | — | Engine specification (type/displacement/performance) |
| 3 | — | VIN |
| 4 | — | Brand |
| 5 | — | Model |
| 6 | — | Maximum weight |
| 7 | — | Date of manufacture |
| 8 | — | Manufacturer’s name |
China Jaguar XK Factory Plate
| Point | Part-No. | Description |
| 1 | — | Brand |
| 2 | — | Model |
| 3 | — | Maximum weight |
| 4 | — | Date of manufacture |
| 5 | — | Number of passengers |
| 6 | — | Engine specification |
| 7 | — | VIN |
Argentina Jaguar Factory Plate
| Point | Part-No. | Description |
| 1 | — | VIN |
| 2 | — | Brand and manufacturer’s address (in spanish) |
| 3 | — | Maximum weight |
| 4 | — | Weight of car plus trailer |
| 5 | — | Maximum permissible front axle load |
| 6 | — | Maximum permissible rear axle load |
| 7 | — | Date of manufacture |
| 8 | — | Trim code |
| 9 | — | Color code |
Interpreting the Information on the Jaguar Factory Plate
The information on the Jaguar factory plate can provide valuable insights into your vehicle’s history and specifications. Here are some of the key pieces of information that can be found on a Jaguar factory plate:
- Model and Model Year
The model and model year of the vehicle are typically listed at the top of the factory plate. This information can help you determine the specific features and options that were available for your vehicle.
- Engine Type and Size
The factory plate will also list the engine type and size in the vehicle. This can be useful for determining the power and performance capabilities of your vehicle.
- Transmission Type
The factory plate will typically list the type of transmission that was installed in the vehicle. This can help you determine the optimal driving style and maintenance schedule for your vehicle.
- Paint Color and Trim Code
The factory plate will list the paint color and trim code for the vehicle. This can be useful for ordering replacement parts or touch-up paint that match the original color of your vehicle.
- Production Number and Location
The factory plate will also list the production number and location of the vehicle. This can be useful for tracking the history and ownership of your vehicle.
- Additional Options and Features
Depending on the year and model of the vehicle, the factory plate may also list additional options and features that were installed during the manufacturing process, such as air conditioning, power windows, or a sunroof.
The Jaguar factory plate is an important component of any Jaguar vehicle, providing a permanent record of the vehicle’s specifications and production details. By understanding how to locate and interpret the information on the factory plate, Jaguar owners and enthusiasts can gain a deeper understanding of their vehicles and make informed decisions when purchasing or servicing their vehicles. Whether you are a Jaguar enthusiast or simply curious about your vehicle’s history, the factory plate can provide valuable insights and information about your Jaguar.
