HIGHLIGHTS
- Superb example of the archetypal Series 3
- Genuine low mileage
- Spotless Oatmeal leather trim
- Sumptuous Sovereign specification
THE APPEAL
With the new XJ40 delayed by budgetary constraints, Jaguar turned to the Italians for helpin keeping the XJ saloon series going for a few more years in 1979.The Series 3 XJ was created with the help of Pininfarina, which gave the car an inexpensiverestyle, keeping Jaguar’s engineering costs in mind. A lower roofline, new light clusters frontand rear and – most importantly – US-market compliant safety impact bumpers were themain elements of the brief, and it’s fair to say that Pininfarina did a great job.
The outcome was a really pretty car, especially given how tight Jaguar’s budget was, and it kept the XJ selling well until 1986 when the new XJ40 appeared, though the V12 models carried on even longer - until 1992.
This one was built in 1984, when the Series 3 was at the height of its popularity. Finished in gorgeous Regency Red, it’s a beautifully kept car with a remarkable low mileage of just 47,700 miles from new. It’s also just a few months away from its 40th birthday, after which it will be eligible for Historic Vehicle status with DVLA, meaning an exemption from tax, MOT and ULEZ/CAZ charges – an appealing proposition if you live in London, perhaps ?
It’s a fabulous example of what many believe to be the best Jaguar XJ saloon – and has the added benefit of being trimmed in sumptuous Sovereign specification.
The outcome was a really pretty car, especially given how tight Jaguar’s budget was, and it kept the XJ selling well until 1986 when the new XJ40 appeared, though the V12 models carried on even longer - until 1992.
This one was built in 1984, when the Series 3 was at the height of its popularity. Finished in gorgeous Regency Red, it’s a beautifully kept car with a remarkable low mileage of just 47,700 miles from new. It’s also just a few months away from its 40th birthday, after which it will be eligible for Historic Vehicle status with DVLA, meaning an exemption from tax, MOT and ULEZ/CAZ charges – an appealing proposition if you live in London, perhaps ?
It’s a fabulous example of what many believe to be the best Jaguar XJ saloon – and has the added benefit of being trimmed in sumptuous Sovereign specification.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
- UK V5C
- MOT valid until January 2024
- Will be eligible for ‘Historic Vehicle’ status next year, making it tax, MOT and ULEZ-exempt
- Original Jaguar wallet, book pack and owner’s manual
- Haynes workshop manual
- Believed genuine mileage
- Selection of old MOT certificates back to 1990 to verify mileage
- Old tax discs
THE INTERIOR
- Oatmeal leather seats in exceptionally good order
- Leather-bound steering wheel
- Walnut veneer dash and door-trims
- Working air conditioning
- Cruise control
- Factory Clarion radio-cassette
- LCD trip computer in working order
- Electric windows
- Excellent carpets and door cards
- Very good headlining
- Original tools and spare alloy wheel
- Small amount of lacquer deterioration around glove box lid
THE EXTERIOR
- Beautiful Regency Red metallic with mostly original paint
- Very smart overall order
- Excellent paint finish
- Original Jaguar ‘pepperpot’ alloy wheels
- Quality Bridgestone tyres all-round
- Original bumpers and inserts
- All chrome, badges and trim in very good condition
- Excellent sills, arches and headlight surrounds
- Factory mudflaps
- Appears very solid underneath with no history of structural welding for the MOT
- Some bubbles under paint on rear valance around nearside exhaust outlet
- Very minor bubbling on rear screen surround (see photos)
THE MECHANICS
- 4.2-litre XK straight-six
- Three-speed auto
- Starts on the button with good oil pressure and minimal exhaust smoke
- Reported by vendor to drive superbly, with no known or apparent faults
SUMMARY
This is an absolutely stunning example of the Series 3 in one of the very best colours, with a genuine low mileage and in gorgeous condition – the vendor will miss it immensely, but a recent house move and a need for something more modern and efficient to use as daily transport means his cherished XJ6 has to go.
If you’re the lucky top bidder, then you’ll have to look long and hard to find a better example. It’s in superb visual condition, appears to be structurally excellent and has a truly gorgeous interior, while it runs beautifully and sounds superb. A lovely, genuine and wonderfully original example of a rapidly appreciating classic Jaguar saloon.
BEFORE YOU BUY
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not apply. Car & Classic’s return policy applies.
✓ A non-refundable deposit will be payable if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for details.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is highly recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check, to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing.
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