• Recently recommissioned

• Mechanically excellent

• From a private collection

Produced between 1997 and 2003, the Jaguar XJ took up the mantle as Jaguar’s full-size, high-end saloon as the final evolution of the venerable XJ40 platform, which had been in production - through various revisions and guises - since 1986.

Largely visually similar to its predecessor, the XJ - codenamed the X308 - retained the instantly recognisable quad front-headlamp, low roofline and sloped tail, though the front and rear bumpers were updated and the interior overhauled with a new dashboard, instrument cluster and other minor updates. 

Mechanically, the X308 was powered by the then-new AJ V8 engine, in 3.2, 4.0 and 4.0 supercharged guises, good for between 240 and 370bhp depending on the model chosen. The XJR also benefitted from sports suspension, model-specific wheels and tyres, mesh front grille and larger exhaust outlets.

 

First registered in September 1999, this XJR Supercharged 4.0 was finished in Silver Metallic over a black leather interior.

Having enjoyed the care of five former owners, the latest owner has owned the car for the last 10 years or so, forming part of their personal collection of classic and retro cars. 

Thanks to its minimal use in recent years, this XJR has recently undergone a recommissioning, with the results being that the engine is in reportedly rude health and the overall driving experience being very pleasant indeed, especially for a car of this age and mileage. 

Notably, the car is in very original condition throughout, and the service history is impressive, as you’ll see below.

Included with the vehicle is the V5 showing five former keepers, stamped service record, numerous Jaguar manuals and handbooks, MOT certificates, and other miscellaneous paperwork. 

In terms of servicing, the car has been maintained at regular intervals, with work carried out at the following mileages:

15,774

32,148

49,278

66,549

78,870

94,810

97,341

102,552

106,747

108,012

108,091

One the whole, the luxurious interior of this XJR presents in very good condition, and has clearly been cosseted throughout its life in order to remain in such good shape.

The cream leather seats are in great shape, showing only some commensurate wear such as scuffs and deep creases, along with the front seats (in particular the drivers) showing more notable wear, especially to the base and bolster. Whilst not entirely reversible, a good conditioning and feed would likely help alleviate some of this wear, along with heat and regular use. 

Up above, the headliner is taut throughout and shows displays only a couple of small marks, whilst the dashboard and wooden inlays all look to be in good shape, with no noted cracking or damage.

In the boot, the carpet is still in good shape, though there are a few marks from being used over the years. Below the floor, the spare is present and the wheel well in decent shape, with only a few areas of flaking paint that we can see.

As far as our vendor is aware, all systems are working as they should and there are no reported faults with the interior of the vehicle.

Classically styled and instantly recognisable as a Jaguar, the quad-headlight front end of the XJ still looks fantastic to this day, and is further bolstered by the unique XJR-specific styling.

The bodywork on this example is in good shape throughout, and looks to be nice and straight with no noticeable impact damage or dents that we can see, nor that have been pointed out to us. 

Looking closer, the paintwork shows some commensurate wear in keeping with the car’s age and mileage, such as light marks, stone chips and other imperfections, but there are no major scuffs, scrapes or issues on the main panels, that we can see.

The area around the offside rear tail light - below the unit where it meets the bumper - also exhibits some flaking paintwork, and the headlight surround fascia - particularly on the nearside - has some noticeable marks and bubbling paint.

All four wheels are in very good condition for their age, and wrapped in matching rubber with plenty of life left.

Under the bonnet, the 4.0-litre Jaguar AJ supercharged V8 is in rude health, and our vendor reports that the engine “pulls like a train” and is in rude health, with a recent 300 mile journey throwing up no issues and giving an overall very pleasant experience. After all, these Jaguars were made for long-distance GT work, so it makes sense that the XJR would excel in this area, and this is evidently where the recommissioning work was centred. 

From what we’ve seen, the block and ancillaries look to be in great shape with no signs of any oil or fluid leaks, and only a few patches of - what appears to be - surface corrosion scattered throughout the bay, along with the front area where the bonnet hinges are located.

The most recent MOT exam - dated 22 March 2021 - shows a pass, with advisories for both the nearside and offside front brake hoses being slightly deteriorated. 

Timelessly classy and with that wonderful supercharged AJ V8 engine under the bonnet, luxurious GT Saloons from the 90’s don’t come much better than the Jaguar XJ, boasting the ability to devour continents with ease and still put a smile on the driver’s face.

This 1999 registered example is mechanically sound and benefits from a recent recommissioning, yet still retains plenty of room for further aesthetic improvement, should the next owner wish to take the car to the next level.

Equally, it would make an excellent daily driver or weekend GT car as it sits, with only a couple of minor mechanical issues to attend to, perhaps as a weekend project over the winter.

Whatever your choice is, there’s no denying this ‘big cat’ has plenty of presence and a wonderful V8 soundtrack to boot - the possibilities are endless!



Notice to bidders