• Genuine low mileage

• Independent specialist service history

• MOT until March 2022

The X308 generation of the XJ was the third and final iteration of the XJ40 platform, which had been in production since 1986. More a facelift than a reinvention, the X308 refined an already great car so that it became a true market leader.

The XJR was particularly well received by both the motoring press and the public alike.

Having had just 7 owners over the last 22 years, this XJR has covered just under 66,000 miles – very low for a vehicle of this kind and age.

First registered in September 1999, the current owner purchased the vehicle in May 2015 and has enjoyed using it as a second vehicle ever since. The purchase of a new car means they no longer have room to keep the XJR, although it’s a very reluctant sale as they say it has never let them down or missed a beat in the 6 years they have owned it. 

 

There’s a great file of documentation accompanying the vehicle. As well as the current and previous V5, current MOT and wad of previous MOTs (which confirm the vehicle’s low mileage), the original Workshop Manual on CD-ROM is also present.

The owner has kept a file of receipts and invoices, which detail years of maintenance and servicing, nearly all of it carried out by independent Jaguar specialists. It’s confidence inspiring to see the fact that the car has been well maintained, regardless of cost, for many years.

The current reg plate V2 DJW is not included in the sale, and the vehicle will be sold with its previous reg plate V873 DDK.

The interior of the XJ has always been a lovely place to be, whether you’re driving or being driven. This model is no exception, featuring deeply cushioned cream leather seats, deep oatmeal carpets and acres of wooden veneer on the dashboard, door-tops, steering wheel and gear selector.

All of the switchgear, brightwork and veneer is in good condition, showing little sign of wear. The steering wheel leather is showing signs of wear, as is the leather on the driver’s seat, but there are no holes, tears or significant cracks on any of the leather seats.

In 2018, the current owner had a new headlining fitted, which is a common issue on this model of XJ. The new lining looks excellent and should be good for many more years to come.

The owner tells us that all of the car’s factory-fitted systems work well. The air-conditioning, electric seats, electric windows and cruise control all functioning as they should. An optional rear-windscreen blind has also been fitted, which is in good condition.

With a professional valet and some care given to the leather, which is quite dirty, the interior of this vehicle would quickly start to look top-notch once again.

For many years, the X308 has been considered not only one of Jaguar’s most handsome saloons, but one of the best looking luxury saloons made by anyone. It’s hard to disagree with that assessment, it’s a muscular but lithe and well-proportioned car, that looks great from pretty much any angle.

This model has been specified with metallic black paint, which suits the car well. The paintwork is in reasonable condition, featuring quite a large number of minor scratches and swirls, but nothing that a good machine polish won’t take care of. Once polished, we reckon it would look fantastic.

All of the external chromework is in good condition, and other than some minor bubbling on the driver’s side rear wheel arch, the bodywork is solid, straight and in good condition.

Underneath the car looks solid and well cared-for. In 2020, the front subframe was removed, new mounting points welded in, and the whole assembly seam-sealed and undersealed.

The 18'' Asteroid alloys are in reasonable condition other than the centre-cap being missing on the front passenger side wheel.

Jaguar’s 4 litre supercharged V8 is a fantastic powerplant. Twinned to the Mercedes-Benz 5-speed automatic gearbox, it makes for a brilliant performance luxury saloon. Pushing 370bhp to the rear wheels, it offers generous amounts of power and can push the car from 0-60 in 5.6 seconds.

The engine sounds great, turning over first time, and idling smoothly with a nice V8 rumble. The owner assures us the car travels well, with smooth suspension and good braking. The documentation confirms that the mechanical aspects of the car have certainly been well looked after, servicing having been carried out at independent specialists for many years. As well as standard servicing, some of the work that has been carried out since 2018 includes: new battery and alternator, new radio, new front and rear brake pads.

All in all, the vehicle is in very good condition mechanically The fact that it has been so well maintained, and has covered relatively few miles, should give any buyers real confidence that this is a vehicle that still offers many years of motoring.

Who doesn’t love a super saloon? We know we do. They blend power, luxury and continent-crossing ability like nothing else. Jaguar are masters of the craft, and the X308 really is their masterpiece. We would say it’s the finest saloon they’ve ever built, and the XJR is the best version.

Few cars truly fit in everywhere, but this does. Popping to the shops? Take the Jag. Going to a posh restaurant or fancy popping to LeMans for the weekend? Take the Jag. There’s almost nowhere the XJR doesn’t fit in. 

In metallic black it looks great, muscular but agile. Like a boxer in a tailored suit. With a little bit of TLC this car would be a heart-stopper. Mechanically it’s been very well cared for and, with less than 100,000 on the clock, has decades of life left in it. With a good valet and a machine polish you’d have one of the best looking performance saloon money can buy. XJRs are becoming more and more sought after. It’s not difficult to see why, they’re highly specified, deeply comfortable, eye-wateringly fast, great to drive and very pretty indeed. Parts aren’t an issue either - Jaguar sold more than 15,000 XJRs, so there are plenty of parts on the market.

We adore the X308 in any trim, but the XJR is a special kind of vehicle. The Q-car vibe is very strong here and this is a great chance to own one of the best cars Jaguar has ever made.

Pace, space and grace indeed. In spades.