Photos provided by the seller
Highlights
- Just one former keeper on the V5
- Dry stored from 1999-2021
- Fully recommissioned
- Immaculate condition with well documented history
The Appeal
For XJ40 aficionados, a significant and growing population, this is one not to be missed. Ordered new with the generous specification that came with the Sovereign and options that even the current XJ40 loving owner didn’t know were available, this car was obviously pampered as it racked up the majority of its miles in the first eight years of its life. Then it was tucked away in a private collection, dry stored and used sparingly and treated to a full recommissioning when it was acquired by the current owner last year.
With the 4.0 version highly rated as an enjoyable driver’s car, there’s more to this than just the luxury appointments. Plus XJ40’s have suffered a fairly high attrition rate and values of nice examples are on the up. But the seller is now looking to reduce the size of his collection and so this is a rare opportunity to acquire a very generously equipped and pristine XJ40. There certainly can’t be many left in this sort of original condition so if you want what is surely one of the best examples remaining then get your bid in now.
The History and Paperwork
- Ordered new from Taggarts of Glasgow by well-known Perth-based whisky blender with very high specification
- Second owner was a director of one of their subsidiaries
- Dry stored 1999-2021
- Fully recommissioned last year
- Current owner seeking to reduce his considerable collection
- Full service history: 10 stamps from Jaguar main dealers and 3 from a Rolls Royce specialist up to 1999
- Recommissioned by an independent specialist 2021, including new plugs, leads, oil and filters, gearbox oil and a full set of new tyres including the spare
- Full set of owner’s manuals with original leather folder
- All the original keys, with branded fobs from the supplying dealer
- Current MOT which expires 25 April 2022
- V5 present
The Interior
- Doeskin leather (code AEE)
- Pinstripe wood veneer
- Fabulous condition
Although thought never to have been restored, when you open the door and first set eyes on the cabin, it looks almost as it would have done when new. The driver’s seat shows some slight patina but it seems likely that it was mostly driven solo as the other seats seem hardly to have been used.
The dashboard also seems remarkably free from wear with no fading of the markings on the switches and wood veneer that is free from any of the lacquer peel that is so often found in XJ40’s. All of the dials, buttons and switches work exactly as they should. The original Jaguar torch is still present under the centre armrest which also, unusually, shows no wear or splits.
The carpet and headlining are also very clean and the latter is also taut, even across the extra space let into the roof lining at the rear to increase the headroom. The boot is clean and tidy and contains the original jack and toolkit, both unused.
The Exterior
- Regency Red Metallic
- Additional chrome to Sovereign specification
- Paintwork and chrome both pristine
The paint colour suits the XJ40 perfectly and complements the Doeskin interior well. Again, it’s all in remarkable condition given the car’s age and mileage. It’s not thought to have had any paint during its life but is still almost free from stone chips and the chrome all remains mirror-like. The original mud flaps are still in place, and waxoyl can still be seen on the hinges and drain holes which are all clear. It’s obviously been seriously pampered.
Generous side walls on the tyres help to protect the wheels from kerbing and they are all in very good condition including the spare, which looks never to have been used. As part of the recommissioning, all five wheels were treated to a matching set of Pirelli P600 tyres which have seen few miles since and retain most of their tread.
Further signs of every possible box being ticked on the order form includes headlight washers and the fact that total closure was also specified - the option to automatically close all open windows and the sunroof. Underneath shows no signs of welding and, again, all the drain holes are clear.
The Mechanics
- Recent recommissioning
- Very smooth and quiet
- Engine bay sporting original stickers
Under the front-hinged bonnet, the engine bay is very original with a full set of factory stickers still in place. It reportedly fires up first time and runs beautifully. On the road, the seller informs us that it’s almost whisper quiet with no untoward noises and that, particularly with the gearbox in sport mode, it pulls hard. The brakes meanwhile remain powerful and the handling taut but comfortable, in archetypal Jaguar style.
Summary
A rare opportunity to acquire a highly specified XJ40 Sovereign in such great, original condition. Get in now before prices climb out of reach.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
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