Description
TL:DR bit:
1997 Jaguar Sovereign 3. 2 LWB auto
Titanium Grey with Oatmeal leather
MoT 17 May 2027
120, 000 miles
The description:
I bought this car in 2020, during lockdown. I’d bought it as a project as part of an ambitious idea to trade up to a Daimler Six, a plan which went awry simply because it was too nice an example to part with by the time it went on the road. It needed a fuel pump, and it had had paint stripper spilled on the bonnet – so I sourced a replacement bonnet in Titanium Grey. I took it off the road in 2023, when the water pump needed doing. It was one of those jobs I said I’d get round to next month… and then next month… and so on.
Fast forward to May this year, when as part of my New Year’s Resolution I decided I was going to rationalise my fleet a bit. I have a Daimler Six now, as well as this and my XJR, and three X300s seems a bit excessive. Bluntly put, rather than having three X300s, if I sell this one I can then put the money into improving the two I want to keep. In the last year I've already sold 5 of my collection of 13 classics. Life is easier with a more manageable fleet, and it's easier to stay on top of a smaller number of cars.
It's regularly been featured in Classic Jaguar and Jaguar World, which I edit.
The car was first bought by JETRO, the Japanese External Trade Organisation, and it’s believed to have been used as a chauffeured car in central London (Which explains the unusual spec – long wheelbase and high spec, but no need for a 4. 0 engine). There are mystery unconnected switches inside the ashtray, which I suspect may have been to power some sort of PA system which has subsequently been removed.
Unusually, the car was never fitted with a 6 CD changer – the only X300 I’ve ever seen without one, even though it was a cost option. I bought the car with an aftermarket Sony XPlod stereo – which I removed in favour of a factory Alpine. These are known to suffer from screen failure, and when I pulled the car out of storage the screen had duly done so. I’ve fitted an inoffensive modern radio with streaming and handsfree, but I can swap this out for the Alpine it had when in use before. I also have a very good condition Alpine X300 radio that I would be prepared to sell separately, though I was keeping It for the XJR. Elsewhere inside, I’ve restored the clock – the LCD screens fail as they age. It’s got a full set of Antelope Grey LWB mats in it – the car has always had mats in my ownership.
It has an MoT until 17 May 2027, with advisories for a balljoint with a little play, an inoperative number plate lamp, and an exhaust blow. I’ve been messed about by garages when trying to book for the balljoint and exhaust, so they’re not yet done but will be done before sale. If you want it before they can be done, we can negotiate the price accordingly.
Since it went back on the road it’s had a replacement headlining, I’ve replaced the pinstriping, and I’ve replaced the slightly careworn alloy wheels with a set in better condition. I’ve also – finally – found a half walnut steering wheel with the right shade of wood (most are too light), so fitted it in place of the original and slightly marked leather one. The original can come with the car. I’ve replaced a couple of degraded coil packs, too.
WHAT DOES IT NEED?
Firstly, it’s not perfect. The replacement bonnet had something stood on it before me, which has left a mark – and the sun has scorched a small part of the lacquer while in storage. There’s also a small patch of lacquer peel about the size of a 50p piece, and one about the size of a 5p piece on the offside mirror. The offside front wing was painted prior to my ownership, and in bright sunlight there’s a difference in shade. Pics show all of these.
Secondly, while the blower fans work, I think they could be a little stronger. The air conditioning works and it is ice cold, but the strength of the blow isn’t the best. I’ve done some limited investigation and haven’t narrowed it down yet. If I do, I’ll sort it.
I'm happy to welcome viewings. I’d like £3, 750 for it, but I’m happy to discuss the price for the right home. I am also happy to collect buyers from March station, Manea station or Downham Market station.
