HIGHLIGHTS

Superb example of the archetypal Series 3
Genuine low mileage
Spotless Oatmeal leather trim
Sumptuous Sovereign specification

THE APPEAL

With the new XJ40 delayed by budgetary constraints, Jaguar turned to the Italians for helpin keeping the XJ saloon series going for a few more years in 1979.The Series 3 XJ was created with the help of Pininfarina, which gave the car an inexpensiverestyle, keeping Jaguar’s engineering costs in mind. A lower roofline, new light clusters frontand rear and – most importantly – US-market compliant safety impact bumpers were themain elements of the brief, and it’s fair to say that Pininfarina did a great job.

The outcome was a really pretty car, especially given how tight Jaguar’s budget was, and it kept the XJ selling well until 1986 when the new XJ40 appeared, though the V12 models carried on even longer - until 1992.

This one was built in 1984, when the Series 3 was at the height of its popularity. Finished in gorgeous Regency Red, it’s a beautifully kept car with a remarkable low mileage of just 47,700 miles from new. It’s also just a few months away from its 40th birthday, after which it will be eligible for Historic Vehicle status with DVLA, meaning an exemption from tax, MOT and ULEZ/CAZ charges – an appealing proposition if you live in London, perhaps ?

It’s a fabulous example of what many believe to be the best Jaguar XJ saloon – and has the added benefit of being trimmed in sumptuous Sovereign specification.

THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK

UK V5C
MOT valid until January 2024
Will be eligible for ‘Historic Vehicle’ status next year, making it tax, MOT and ULEZ-exempt
Original Jaguar wallet, book pack and owner’s manual
Haynes workshop manual
Believed genuine mileage
Selection of old MOT certificates back to 1990 to verify mileage
Old tax discs

THE INTERIOR

Oatmeal leather seats in exceptionally good order
Leather-bound steering wheel
Walnut veneer dash and door-trims
Working air conditioning
Cruise control
Factory Clarion radio-cassette
LCD trip computer in working order
Electric windows
Excellent carpets and door cards
Very good headlining
Original tools and spare alloy wheel
Small amount of lacquer deterioration around glove box lid

THE EXTERIOR

Beautiful Regency Red metallic with mostly original paint
Very smart overall order
Excellent paint finish
Original Jaguar ‘pepperpot’ alloy wheels
Quality Bridgestone tyres all-round
Original bumpers and inserts
All chrome, badges and trim in very good condition
Excellent sills, arches and headlight surrounds
Factory mudflaps
Appears very solid underneath with no history of structural welding for the MOT
Some bubbles under paint on rear valance around nearside exhaust outlet
Very minor bubbling on rear screen surround (see photos)

THE MECHANICS

4.2-litre XK straight-six
Three-speed auto
Starts on the button with good oil pressure and minimal exhaust smoke
Reported by vendor to drive superbly, with no known or apparent faults

SUMMARY

This is an absolutely stunning example of the Series 3 in one of the very best colours, with a genuine low mileage and in gorgeous condition – the vendor will miss it immensely, but a recent house move and a need for something more modern and efficient to use as daily transport means his cherished XJ6 has to go.

If you’re the lucky top bidder, then you’ll have to look long and hard to find a better example. It’s in superb visual condition, appears to be structurally excellent and has a truly gorgeous interior, while it runs beautifully and sounds superb. A lovely, genuine and wonderfully original example of a rapidly appreciating classic Jaguar saloon.

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not apply. Car & Classic’s return policy applies.

✓ A non-refundable deposit will be payable if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for details.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is highly recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.

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