Limited run factory special editions have long been a theme with Jaguar and are often sought-after by collectors of the marque as a result – but the first and only limited variant of the baby X-Type is one of the rarest of the lot.
Introduced in 2001, the Jaguar ‘X400’ was the company’s most important new car in a generation. Built to compete in the burgeoning compact executive market, the new ‘X-Type’ would go head-to-head with the likes of the BMW 3-Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class, but with an added dose of ‘Jaguarness’ throw into the mix. It was a terrific car to drive, with a choice of 2.5 and 3.0-litre petrol engines at launch and permanent four-wheel-drive giving it incredible handling and performance.
The ‘Indianapolis’ was the only UK special edition of the pre-facelift X-Type and was revealed at the 2002 British International Motor Show in Birmingham, with a plan to make 500 of them to match the name of the famous American race. In the event, though, only 401 were made, all right-hand-drive, and sold in the UK or Australia. This is one of just a handful known to survive by the X-Type Register and is one of only 124 finished in Ebony, or solid black (the others were Platinum Silver or Ultraviolet).
The model was based on the 2.5 or 3.0-litre Sport models and came with unique 18-inch alloy wheels and a bespoke dashboard, the colour and pattern of which was said to emulate the yard of bricks at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and which was only ever fitted to the model. Half-leather, half-Alcantara sports seats, a leather-rimmed sports steering wheel and Alcantara door inserts completed the package.
This example is a four-wheel-drive 2.5 manual from long-term ownership and has seen minimal use in recent years, having covered just 10,000 miles in the past 10 years. It’s offered for sale with a long MOT and is in completely original condition.
Early X-Types are at the point now where the best examples are starting to attract attention – and this one is most certainly among those – as well as one of the rarest. One to preserve and cherish, as soon there’ll be barely any X-Types left.
The History and Paperwork
UK V5C
MOT valid until January 2025
One of 401 Indianapolis models made, 124 in Ebony and 185 2.5-litre manuals
Jaguar books and manuals
Original British Motor Show ‘X-Type’ Indianapolis press kit
Bespoke Indianapolis brochure with covers in replica Alcantara material to match the seat facings
Last owner for 17 years – has lived in London and used locally for most of its life so has rarely been driven on heavily salted roads
The Condition
Gorgeous Ebony paintwork
Model-specific 18-inch Indianapolis alloy wheels
Wholly original and in very smart overall condition
Correct ‘Indianapolis’ boot lid badge
All badges and exterior trim in excellent condition
Bi-xenon headlamps and front fog lamps
Twin sports exhaust pipes
Boot spoiler
Wheels are in fair condition but with some delamination to alloy surface
Sills are strong and there is no evidence of any previous welding or structural corrosion – rare for an early X-Type
Minor marks and scuffs commensurate with age and mileage but nothing of any major note
Touched-up paint repairs to all bumper corners
Slight paint deterioration on nearside front wing
One small rust bubble on edge of bonnet
O/S headlight washer cover missing
Flint and Charcoal leather and Alcantara sports seats
Excellent overall condition with no tears or damage, just some minimal wear to driver’s side lower seat bolster and some pilling to driver’s seat facing
Unique ‘Indianapolis’ dash veneers
Excellent condition dash, door cards, headlining and carpets
Minor scuff marks to ashtray/12v socket cover panel
Original stereo and 6-CD changer unit
Air conditioning blows ice cool
Electrically adjustable seats
Electric mirrors and windows all-round
Stitched leather interior door pulls
‘Flint’ Jaguar floor mats in great condition
Good, clean luggage area with original tools and space-saver spare wheel
The Mechanics
2,496cc V6
194bhp
Five-speed manual transmission
Four-wheel-drive
Very clean under-bonnet presentation with fresh-looking fluids
Drives superbly with no evident faults or issues with the engine, gearbox, transfer box, suspension or steering
‘Door open’ warning on dash but this does not affect use, nor trigger the alarm or drain the battery
Mileage may increase by a small amount as vendor is using the car occasionally
BEFORE YOU BUY
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