• Low mileage car

• Excellent condition throughout

• Traditional British feel

The Jaguar XJ40, released in 1986 brought a slightly more modern line and feel to one of the heavyweights of the British motoring scene - a car that was, in V12 form, a regular feature of Establishment circles. The car brought a whole raft of electronic features to its fairly traditional owner base, including an electronic instrument cluster, albeit changed in 1989 to a conventional analogue dash arrangement.

It wasn’t until 1993 that a V12-powered version was introduced, since the front section of the car had to be redesigned. The model also required a stronger transmission than the six-cylinder cars, so the four-speed GM 4L80-E was chosen, marking one of the rare occasions that Ford (who owned Jaguar at the time) used a GM product.

The conception of the V12 powered XJ40, codename 'XJ81' is a story in itself. During the design of the XJ40 under British Leyland, the motoring giant was keen to fit Jaguar's new saloon with the venerable Rover V8. The XJ40's chief engineer Jim Randle (also responsible for the iconic 'J Gate' transmission) recoiled in horror and went on to make sure the engine bay was too narrow to accommodate a V engine. This of course spelt trouble when the demand for a V12 stayed strong, contrary to Jaguar's predictions of a shrinking market for large capacity engines in the increasingly fuel efficient focused 1980s. This meant that the outgoing Series 3 model was kept in production until 1992, while the engine bay on the XJ40 was redesigned to be equipped with Jaguar's legendary V12, now in 6.0 format.

Originally exported to Tokyo Japan, this car was repatriated to the UK in 2016. On both sides of the globe, it has led a fairly sedentary life, clocking up only some 37,800 miles driven across its whole life. 

As is the case with the majority of Japanese imports, there isn’t a great deal of paperwork with the car, and what there is is mostly in Japanese. The present owners are well experienced with classics and have done a lot of the recent work themselves, so no invoices are present.

Looking quietly understated in 'Gunmetal' metallic, this well specified Jaguar is in first class condition. The paintwork retains a good gloss across the whole of the body, with no significant scratches nor polishing swirls to spoil the effect. 

The classic XJ40 problem areas such as the C pillar and rear deck show no signs of corrosion. Neither do the bottoms of the doors. The car appears very solid. The flanks are smooth and the shut lines all around the car are narrow and consistent. The biggest killer of the 1992-1994 XJ40/XJ81 is the engine bay bulkhead, which were notorious for rotting and letting in water to the footwells. Thankfully, in this case due to its life in Tokyo, this example appears to be corrosion free in this key area.

The 'Fishtank' headlights are showing some signs of brown discolouration, a very common issue, but is not detrimental to the light output. 

Chrome and plastic sections to bumpers retain a snug fit, with the black sections retaining a good colour and the brightwork free of pitting or discolouration. The leaping Jaguar on the bonnet is similarly good and is firmly mounted. The coach-lining and the chrome belt line remains continuous and straight on both sides of the car.

A 'Sovereign V12' badge is present on the bootlid, which may of been a request from the original owner or added from a late Series 3 V12, as the XJ81 was available in just two specifications - XJ12, or Daimler Double Six.

Owing to Jaguar's philosophy of building cars to a customers exact specification, it appears that this particular car, equipped with 'Aero' alloys and 'Fishtank' headlights was ordered by a customer who wanted a Daimler Double Six, but badged as a Jaguar.

This Big Cat remains every bit the executive express it was built to be.

Jaguar has always excelled in giving their cars that ‘Gentleman’s Club’ wood and leather ambience. This car remains a testament and a tribute to that mastery. The Saville Grey leather displays a gentle patina with the driver’s seat predictably showing a little more wear than the others. 

The rear seats look little used, and bolsters and armrests look firm and straight-edged all round. The steering wheel and gear selector are likewise in excellent condition, displaying no fade or fingernail/ring scratches.

The trademark burr walnut inlays retain a rich colour and grain all round, and the picnic tables fold easily into position. There are a few cracks in the lacquer on the dashboard, but the overall effect is not spoiled. (Note the discreet V12 logo at the corner of the glove box lid).

Sometimes the fittings from Jaguars of this period can become a little loose, but everything here feels very firm and secure. That goes for the headlining too - it can sag - but this has been carefully replaced by the current owners. ‘That’ ambience is maintained.

Please note that the speedometer reads in KM/H.

The underside of the car looks very healthy - not too surprising considering the low mileage, but also suggesting the car has hardly every been out in bad weather. The underseal appears to be very much intact, while suspension components all look sound. The Continental tyres have done fewer than 400 miles.

Jaguar's legendary, turbine-smooth 6.0 V12 looks clean and neat in the wide engine bay. Gone is the mass of plumbing covering the older engine, and it's possible to see that there are no signs of leaks or corrosion deeper in the mechanicals. 

There is a little ‘natural’ oxidation on some components, but nothing to be concerned about in any way Control rods and mechanisms appear free-moving and hoses and wiring appear healthy. There are no signs of leaks or overheating, and the under-bonnet sound proofing is very much intact and does not sag.

Recently it has benefited from new rear shock absorbers, as well as new front brake discs and pads. It has also had a fluid and filter service and new spark plugs and leads.

There’s a reason these cars have been the chosen ride of establishment figures across the world; understated quality, sumptuous appointment, smoothness, poise and power. And you can have that - in beautiful condition - for a fraction of the original cost.