Garage stored for over a decade before recommissioning
Never welded and extremely solid
Immaculate and rare Magnolia leather
THE APPEAL
Jaguar’s XJ40 saloon is very much a classic “of the moment”, with good examples becoming increasingly sought-after as the popularity of 1980s and 1990s classics continues to surge.
And of all the XJ40s, it’s the later models that are the most desirable thanks to their stronger, more powerful engines and less complicated electrical architecture. By the time it was replaced in the autumn of 1994, the XJ40 had evolved from being a complex and fragile machine to become one of the most dependable Jaguars ever made, its later AJ16 engine and simplified electrical architecture were more-or-less the same as in the later X300, which earned a handsome reputation for being the most reliable XJ of the lot.
This one is a car with a story to tell. Originally registered by Jaguar Company Vehicles in August 1994, making it one of the very last XJ40s, the range-topping 4.0 Sovereign was sold to its third owner in 1999 by Jaguar main agents HA Fox in Norwich, when it was five years old and with 52k on the clock. The owner had apparently always wanted a Jaguar and bought it as a retirement gift to himself. He kept it for the rest of his life, and when he passed away in 2010 his widow couldn’t part with it, so it sat in the garage of their home until she passed away in 2021.
The vendor acquired it through probate and a deceased estate, which saw two ‘official’ owners added in 2021, though neither of them drove it. The car was then recommissioned, serviced and went through an MOT test at the first attempt in December 2021.
It is currently part of an extensive private collection of 1990s and 2000s cars, but the vendor is looking to free up funds and space for an imminent new acquisition. algGGKxLILM0GmpNlDadQYv4md8acjpBFbk2YFV9.jpg1.25 MB
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
UK V5C
MOT December 2023
All old MOT certificates back to 1998
Original owner’s handbook
Jaguar wallet and book pack
Service book stamped up to 63,865 miles, mostly main dealer
Originally a Jaguar company car, registered and PDI’d by Jaguar Company Vehicles Department and stamped in the book
XJI 3824 registration number included in sale – was originally registered M649 CRW. It has been XJI 3824 since the late owner acquired it in 1999
Very good overall condition with all original paint
Unmarked 16-inch ‘Kiwi’ alloys, with matching set of Pirelli tyres
Never welded and superb order underneath, with no evidence of structural corrosion (helped, no doubt, by being garaged for the past 13 years and covering only 14,000 miles since 2001)
Small bubbles on the o/s D-pillar around the trim mount and on the n/s/f wing behind the mud flap (see photos)
Chrome is generally sound but dull in places from storage
One small area of paint deterioration on o/s/r wing above the arch, a result of a leaking garage roof
Trolley ding to n/s/f door
Some minor marks to boot lid and evidence of prior paint repair on boot lid edge (not immediately visible)
Overall, a really smart, superbly preserved and well-presented example of the XJ40 in unrestored condition
Starts and drives really well – smooth and responsive with seamless gear changes
No known or apparent faults with steering or braking systems
Recommissioned in 2021 after long lay-up with fresh oil, brake fluid and coolant, new brake pads front and rear, two new brake pipes, new battery and two coolant hoses
If you’re in the market for a really nice and original XJ40 and in the highest specification, then this one is a difficult opportunity to pass over. It’s a really smart and handsome car in completely original condition, never welded and with an absolutely glorious interior. Its originality is core to its appeal – a nice low-mileage Sovereign that deserves to be part of a collection.
Notice to bidders
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.*
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