The development of project XJ40 started way back in 1973, but it wasn't until 15 years later that the XJ series was released. So why the long gestation period? You can blame the fuel crisis in 1973 and then a lack of funding. It was in October 1986, at the British International Motor Show, that Jaguar first introduced the XJ6 model which turned out to be the saviour of Jaguar. In the early years of the XJ, the engine options were 2.9 or 3.6 and buyers could spec it as an XJ6 or the much plusher Sovereign model, like the one we have here today.
In 1989, Jaguar was taken over by Ford and a huge cash injection into the company saw some issues with Jaguar's electrical problems resolved. There was also the introduction of the new and improved 4.0 litre 24 valve engine which replaced the 3.6 litre. In 1991, the 2.9 was replaced with the 3.2 litre. Both engines proved to be a welcomed improvement to the range.
This 1990 Jaguar Sovereign 4.0, was supplied in Japan by a Jaguar dealer. It has spent most of its life in the all important salt free roads of Japan, making it a good solid example with an excellent underbody.
The seller is a big Jaguar fan who had the car imported to go with another clean example he owns. It was given an MOT in March and registered for the UK roads on the 1st June 2021. Used for just a short time by the seller, a change in circumstances unfortunately means the Jaguar has to go.
The V5 is present and shows 0 previous keepers. There are 2 keys present.
The MOT certificate expires on 14th March 2022. The car passed with just an advisory for a tyre close to the legal limit, which has now been replaced.
As with a lot of imported cars, the paperwork side of things is thin on the ground, and so all you can go on is the condition of the vehicle, which looks to be a clean, honest example.
Open up the door of the Jaguar and you step right back to 1990, the interior is in lovely condition. Trimmed in Saddle Grey leather, the electric front seats are working as they should and are in excellent order, with just some age related creases. The rear seat looks like it’s had no real use and is in excellent condition. It's all about the attention to detail in the Sovereign, and fitted in the headrest of the front seats are some courtesy lights for the back seat passengers, which are working correctly.
Sitting in the driver’s seat, the burr walnut dash trim is in excellent condition across the dashboard. The odometer is a digital display showing 104,850 Kilometers as it’s from Japan, this converts to just 65,150 miles. Moving to the center console, the Jaguar has had a UK stereo fitted which is working but the seller believes it is not connected to the aerial, as the electric aerial doesn't go up. The armrest does have a small amount of leather which looks to have come unstuck on the passenger side. The windows all operate correctly. There is an intermittent problem with the central locking. You can hear the motor in the door moving but this does not lock the doors all of the time. The switchgear throughout the Jag is in excellent order with no real wear to the lettering on any of the switches.
The carpets are all in excellent condition with no obvious signs of wear and the same can be said for the headlining. The door cards are all in good condition with no obvious scuffs to them. Into the boot of the Jaguar and the carpet is very clean. The spare wheel is missing along with the wheel brace and jack. There is a warning triangle and first aid kit present.27.jpg3.75 MB
THE EXTERIOR
This 1990 Jaguar Sovereign 4.0 is very well presented, finished in Solent Blue Metallic. From the look of the paintwork it has been a well cared for car, with just some age related marks. Starting at the front, the two rectangle headlights are in good condition with no chips or cracks. There are two dome covers missing that should be over the headlight washer jets, no doubt these could be easily replaced. The bumper is free from any scuffs and the chrome finish to the top is bright and clean. The classic Jaguar grille is nice and bright with no signs of pitting to it, and holds the Jaguar logo. There are a couple of age related stone chips, but definitely less than you would expect on a 1990 car. The bonnet looks to align with the wings as it should, there is a small patch of lacquer peel ⅔ of the way up the bonnet.
Around to the sides, and the door panel gaps align uniform and straight. The chromework around the windows is all nice and clean, with no damage. The wheel arches look to be in excellent condition which is another good sign it’s not been attacked by salt as you would get on UK roads.
Onto the rear of the Jaguar, and, again, the boot aligns nice and straight. There is a small dent on the nearside back edge of the boot lid, a couple of small scratches and some slight paint fade. The lights have no cracks or splits, the rear bumper is free from scuffs and like the front, the chrome is bright and clean. Either side of the number plate are the Jaguar and Sovereign badges which are in good condition.
The wheels on the Car do have some areas of surface corrosion between the spokes, and some slight marks on the edges of the rims, but these could be quite easily refurbished. The tyres are all in good condition, so the new owner has plenty of miles to do before replacements are needed.
In 1990, Jaguar replaced the inline-six 3.6 litre engine with the more powerful 4.0 litre, which produces 245 bhp and 289 ft-lb of torque, so that is definitely a plus point for the Sovereign.
The 24 valve 4.0 litre sparks into life at the flick of the key and sounds fantastic. There are no signs of any leaks that we could see, and no unwanted noises that shouldn't be there. Definitely worth another mention is the underside. This is excellent for the year, with no real surface rust to the suspension arms, springs or floor like you would normally get on a UK car. The engine and bay is clean and well presented and everything looks to be in order.
The seller reports that the car pulls strong through all the gears and the automatic gearbox changes smoothly with no hesitations. The car drives and handles well, and again, there are no untoward noises from the suspension or transmission. It stops just as well as it goes, with no juddering as it pulls up to a halt nice and straight.
A 1990 Jaguar, top of the range Sovereign, with the impressive 4.0 litre engine. The car is a fresh import from Japan and so has just 1 UK keeper. It has just 65,150 miles on the clock and pretty much looks to be as original as you could find.
What's not to love about it? Quite easily a car that could be used on a daily basis or one to cherish away for a spot of weekend use and the odd classic car show. Either way, you wouldn't be disappointed whatever you decide to use it for.
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