Highlights

Very low-mileage example of celebrated Series 3 XJ
Extensive exterior and mechanical refurbishment in 2026
Largely original, including ‘pepperpot’ alloy wheels
4.2-litre engine, automatic gearbox
MOT/road tax exempt

The Appeal

When it was unveiled in 1979, the Series 3 represented the largest update to the Jaguar XJ since its introduction eleven years earlier. The revised exterior, the work of Pininfarina, incorporated a revised upper body, modernised bumpers, simplified grille, updated rear lights and flush door handles. The key qualities of the XJ remained intact: svelte styling, superb roadholding and a cossetting ride.

This 1983 model has covered less than 19,000 miles in 43 years. Finished in Metallic Cobalt Blue, it features the desirable and evocative 15-inch ‘pepperpot’ alloy wheels, which have been fitted with period correct tyres on all wheels. The seller purchased the car in June 2024 after it had been in dry stored for 20 years, and earlier this year had its powertrain, key mechanical components and bodywork fully overhauled at a cost of £8,500. Only minor details, such as the cracked plastic door handle surrounds, remain.

The interior is largely original and features blue leather upholstery and optional headrests on the rear seats. There is patina, including cracking, to the seating, and the lacquer of the trim above the gear lever is cracked. A new wood-rimmed Moto-Lita steering wheel and headlining have been fitted.

The 4.2-litre engine incorporates Bosch fuel injection and benefits from the recent fitment of a new fuel system. It is mated to an automatic gearbox, which suites the laid-back nature of the XJ particularly well. The car has recently been serviced, and is described by the seller as “running smoothly and driving very well”.

This is rare opportunity to obtain a low-mileage and remarkably original Jaguar XJ.

Key Information

Mileage: 18,780 miles (indicated)
Country of registration: United Kingdom
Technical inspection status: MOT/roa tax exempt
Technical specs: 4,235cc 205hp in-line 6-cylinder petrol, 3-speed automatic
Paperwork: V5C, previous MOT certificates, original sales brochure

The Detail

Remarkably low mileage example
Five previous owners
Extensive exterior refurbishment in 2026
Original ‘pepperpot’ alloy wheels
Front and rear Jaguar mud flaps
4.2-litre fuel-injected engine and automatic transmission
Service book filled (up to 2002)
Blue leather upholstery
Lacquered wood trim
New headlining
Electric sunroof
Modern stereo head unit with DAB radio
Jaguar metal front and rear treadplates
MOT exempt

Most recent work:

04/26 – £555.72 – Freeland Garage Services Ltd (Invoice #31428)

Full service, MOT and fitment of new battery and new spark plugs

01/26 – £8,205.57 – Bushell’s Restorations Limited (Invoice #906)

Extensive refurbishment work, including new parts

05/25 – £569.60 – Moto-Lita (Invoice #INV-14736)

New wood-rimmed steering wheel

BEFORE YOU BUY

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