Even now, over 20 years later, few luxury saloons pack a 370bhp supercharged V8 especially in a car more commonly spotted in a golf club car park, but then few cars produced since can rival the Jaguar XJR for performance and comfort. 

Boasting an engine capable of propelling driver and passengers to a limited top speed of 155 mph and 0-60 mph in 5.5sec, it had genuine supercar pace plus that addictive supercharger whine and yet it still cossets its occupants as only a top of the range Jaguar could. 

With its 5G-tronic gearbox (supplied by Mercedes for the R model) shifting smoothly through the gears it can whisk its occupants across continents in unrivalled comfort. 

Now superb value for money they are just starting to be recognised as the best of their time.

Opening the door of the Jaguar reveals an inviting black leather interior in surprisingly good condition. 

The seats are all intact with no rips or tears. The only area of wear appears to be the usual patch on the driver’s seat back side bolster, and even this is not severe. Both front seats have some characterful creasing and the odd minor mark, but no real damage. 

The carpets have survived well, covered as they are by newer mats. The rear seats show only light use but there are a couple of wet marks that could possibly clean off easily. The rear carpets, again under mats, are in fine condition.

Moving to the dash and instruments the seller assures us that all the switches and systems are in working order. We had a play and everything appeared to be functioning correctly. The instruments are clear and there were no warning lights showing. 

In keeping with upmarket Jaguar interior tradition there is attractive wood veneer on the dash, centre console and doors. This appears to be Dark Ash and sits well with the black leather. On the dash and console the wood is in great condition with no damage and a high gloss shine. The door inserts have some cracking, but they are intact.

The centre console and controls for the entertainment and climate control all appear to function correctly, and the buttons are clean with no “tackiness”. The centre armrest lid was replaced by the owner for one which incorporates a cup holder for his commute coffee!

The steering wheel with its XJR embossed centre is in nice condition with wear to the leather rim where one would expect, but the wood is intact with no cracks or scratches.

The roof lining is light grey and in good order with no marks or sagging and it prevents the interior becoming too dark.

Moving into the boot area, the carpet is clean with minor marks, but no stains or sign of damp. The Jaguar CD system is in place and is reported to work properly, and the space saver spare wheel, tools and warning triangle are all present and correct.

Looking around the exterior of the Jaguar confirms that it has spent some of its life parked on the street, probably with its second owner who lived in South Kensington. 

It has a few areas where the paint has been damaged by bird droppings mainly on the boot and roof, and a few scratches too. One of the owners may have found parking the Jaguar was a bit of a challenge as the front bumper has been heavily scuffed on both corners.  

There are a few door/stone dents in the flanks and some other minor scrapes and dings around the car. But this does not detract from the menacing good looks of the Jaguar and most of the damage is only obvious upon close inspection. 

The black paint has a good shine and the glass areas are all free of chips and cracks. 

The smart 18 inch 7 spoke Asteroid alloy wheels were reportedly refurbished by a previous owner and remain in great condition with no curb rash or lacquer damage. The rear wheels have partly worn RoadX RX Motion tyres, whereas at the front we find one Pirelli and a Michelin, again with some wear.

Overall the exterior, whilst being far from perfect, looks impressive and the Jaguar sits well with its lower than standard R ride height. 

The de-chromed black finish and dark privacy glass give the Jaguar a “ready for trouble” menacing look!

Lifting the Jaguar’s bonnet exposes the heart of the beast –the 370 hp V8 with its Eaton M112 supercharger top and centre, flanked by the intake manifolds. 

Apart from some flaky paint and some road grime the engine bay is pretty tidy considering the mileage. Nothing looks out of place, and there doesn’t appear to be any aftermarket or non factory parts. 

There is a good history of Jaguar Main Dealer servicing up to around 90,000 miles, and since then the seller tells us it has been looked after and serviced, but there isn’t much in the way of paper evidence. 

The underside is surprisingly clean and undamaged considering the miles covered. With just a surface dusting of oxidation on metal parts, the only item that appears corroded is the exhaust, but it still looks to be solid. 

Having recently performed at his sister’s wedding the Jaguar has also been driven regularly as a daily driver for the past 18 months, regularly covering the 700 miles from Harrogate to Devon and back for weekends, in great comfort. 

He tells us the Jaguar has been a real pleasure to own and drive, the 5 speed automatic gearbox shifts smoothly and the supercharged power is addictive.  

Starting easily and sounding excellent, the Jaguar is likely to prove as reliable for its new owner as it has been for the seller.

If you are looking for a good value four door saloon with supercar performance then this should be on your list. 

XJRs offer exceptional quality and comfort and are superb value for money.  

This example is very usable and ready to be enjoyed.

This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only. Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.