Launched in 1997, the 'X308' generation was the final development of the XJ40 platform, which had been in use since 1986. Despite its traditional, typically handsome Jaguar profile, it was far from business as usual underneath the bonnet. Gone was Jaguar's staple straight six layout, replaced by the all new, 8 cylinder, all-aluminium 'AJ26' engine, Jaguar's first V8 and first all new engine since 1983.

The car was originally registered new in Reading and since then has gone through the hands of just 5 other previous keepers.

The paperwork folder is a little thin, but the V5 is present and correct, with a small number of invoices detailing some recent jobs that have been carried out.

The MOT is due at the end of January.

With a price tag over £60,000 when new 20 years ago, the interior was always going to be something special. 'Ivory' leather covers the seats, doors and centre console, while contrasting dark wood panels lift the doors and dash, creating a classic Jaguar ambience. Subtle 'XJR' lettering on the half wood steering wheel gives some indication to the power station that lies just a few feet ahead. 

The dark carpets are in nice condition, as is the dashboard and dash top. The wood has very fine vertical lines along the grain on the dash, and on the drivers door this has opened to light cracks with the grain.

In the centre the iconic 'J Gate' gear shift has a lovely wooded gear knob, with a leather surround in good order. The wood and leather steering wheel is in fine condition with no scratches or chips, but the rear of the wood has a rough feel to the lacquer.

The front seats have some patina to the cream leather and the passenger base has a split in the centre and would benefit from a bit of TLC.

The British Racing Green panels look good around the car with no visible corrosion and only a couple of very tiny, hard to spot dings on the front doors. It appears the car has had a paint job in its past as there is micro blistering on the rear of the bonnet and wing tops, some flaking around the door handles and possibly overspray on the bumper corners.

The chrome inserts in the bumpers look smart, all badges are present and correct and the 'Penta' alloy wheels are in good order without kerb marks. The wheels are wrapped in Pirelli P Zero tyres all round, not a cheap option, but reflective of someone who cares about their car. It also gives reassurance and confidence on the twisties, which is no bad thing, because this is a lively car! The mesh grill is also in good condition, but offside rear cluster has some scratches and marks on the lense.

Looking under the car, there are a few areas of surface rust and the floor pan ahead of the drivers rear wheel looks like it will need some attention before the next MOT.

The inside top rear corners of both back doors have an odd spot of corrosion which doesn't affect use at the moment.

The AJ-26 is regarded as a strong and reliable motor and when fitted with the supercharger becomes a potent beast of a car. A true wolf in sheeps clothing.
Looking under the bonnet there are no signs of seepage from oil or coolant and the light coating of dust under the bonnet shows nothing has been cleaned or hidden.

The seller tells us it drives very well and while manoeuvring for pictures it started easily and engaged drive and reverse with no issues.
It has recently benefitted from some remedial work, such as a new brake pedal switch and headlining has just been replaced, an all too common problem on Jaguars of all ages! in recent months the locking wheel nuts have been removed and a tyre reseated.

These low, sleek and fast Jaguars have an appeal that modern bloated SUV counterparts cant match. The interior is old school gentleman’s club while the performance is enough to worry a supercar of the era. The extremely understated looks of this big cat hide a generous serving of silky smooth, but enormous visceral power, with an addictive supercharger whine that will simply intoxicate the senses.
Although not perfect, this is a very presentable example which with some effort, could happily sit with the best of them.