Rare long wheelbase X308 XJ in very smart overall condition
Long MOT to August 2024
Unusual Seafrost Metallic
Sumptuous Sovereign specification
THE APPEAL
In many ways, the ‘X308’ generation of the Jaguar XJ saloon is the perfect modern classic. Retro-styled with an iconic badge and instantly recognised, the big Jaguar is an absolute delight to both look at and drive, yet it also has enough modernity about it to still be perfectly capable of daily use, 26 years since the V8-engine XJ made its debut.
They’re not as expensive to run as you may think, either, with straightforward maintenance and a huge used parts supply.
The X308 debuted in 1997, with an all-new V8 engine line-up: 3.2-litre and 4.0-litre powerplants that echoed the engine sizes of the previous six-cylinder models. Along with the new engine, there were a few visual tweaks – a new dashboard, better wood, clearer dials and rounder bumpers.
But beneath the exterior, which didn’t have an awful lot wrong with it anyway, the X308 was a thoroughly different beast, with heavily revised suspension, giving it delightful agility alongside the best ride comfort this side of a Rolls-Royce.
This one is a very rare beast – a long-wheelbase model (which accounted for less than five per cent of total XJ sales) with substantially improved rear legroom and lengthened rear doors, used as a chauffeur-driven car by its original wealthy owner. It’s also a very early XJ8, registered in November 1997, which was only a month after the V8 cars were introduced.
The vendor acquired the car in the spring and has been busy recommissioning it, with substantial underbody repairs to all of the key X308 areas, as well as new coil packs and a clean up of the throttle body. With a new MOT it’s now strong, fit and ready to go.
It’s a good, honest and very tidy example of what many believe to be the last true classic Jaguar saloon – and has the added benefit of being trimmed in truly sumptuous Sovereign specification. osDRY6MT9SritXp15yv9qt2VncCCzMIodiAYUCrA.jpg761.96 KB
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
UK V5C
New MOT valid to August 23, 2024
Original Jaguar leather wallet, book pack and service history booklet
1997 registration – one of the earliest X308 models
Originally registered to a prominent property developer in Derby, who kept the car for four years
The car then had a long-term owner from 2004 until 2023, during which it was registered on a private registration
Acquired by vendor from a deceased estate and currently being recommissioned ready for sale
R783 CAU age-related plate recently issued by DVLA – has always carried a cherished number prior to that
Service book stamped to 75,003 miles
Verified genuine mileage
Two sets of keys
Mileage in photographs will increase slightly as the Jaguar will remain in occasional use until the auction ends
If you’re in the market for a X308 XJ – and there are very good reasons why you should be – then this one represents a great opportunity. It’s an incredibly well-specced and unusual variant of a car that is rapidly gaining classic appeal – the last traditionally styled, steel-bodied big Jaguar saloons and, by nature of evolution, the best of the breed, with the added benefit of improved rear legroom and even greater presence in LWB format.
A good one is a really nice car. Eminently usable, surprisingly affordable to run and with unrivalled levels of comfort, coupled with great driving dynamics, they represent a fantastic era of Jaguar engineering that is absolutely core to the brand’s DNA. Bad ones are rapidly disappearing and the survivors are shooting up in value, so buy one now while you still can… this one has just had all the major work done and should be fit for many years to come.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
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