In late 1997, the Jaguar ‘X300’ XJ6 became the car it should have been at launch thanks to the launch of the new AJ 16 V8 engine line-up.
Along with the new engine, the new ‘X308’ had 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.
This one is a properly rare beast – a 1999 ‘Sport’ spec, which was one-up from the entry-level car and was aimed at younger customers, identifiable by its body-coloured grille surround and mesh grille. But in 1999, the Sport was canned as Jaguar didn’t want XJ prices to overlap with the new S-TYPE executive saloon. It was one of the rarest XJ variants, on sale for only nine months. It’s also one of the most desirable, as the Sport specification meant it got the steering and suspension from the flagship XJR.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
Four previous owners
Less than 61,000 miles
Some recent invoices
Book pack and service history
Service book supplied 51,000 miles
UK V5C
Supplied new in England but re-registered in Norther Ireland in 2019
Genuine NI registration – not a ‘private’ number
New MOT as of 24.01.2023
THE INTERIOR
Full black leather sports seats
Great condition
No bolster wear
Dark maple veneers
Factory option part-wood steering wheel
Climate control
Factory stereo
Excellent carpets and door cards
Drooping headliner
THE EXTERIOR
Carnival Red Metallic
Very smart overall order
10-spoke ‘Celtic’ alloys
Good paint finish
Slight lacquer peel on mirrors
Mesh grille with body coloured surround
Factory option mudflaps
Inner sills previously repaired and comprehensively undersealed undernesath
THE MECHANICS
3.2-litre V8
Five-speed auto transmission
Starts on the button
Runs well
Well-serviced car with low mileage
This X308 has had the chains and tensioners looked at and addressed privately
The vendors also have an invoice for the Nikasil engine issue being addressed
SUMMARY
This is a smart and unusual variant of the XJ8 – a really rare spec in an equally unusual colour, with a pretty good history and in full working order.
It’s now ready to go on to a collector, someone who appreciates its rarity in X308 terms and recognises it for the striking, unusual and covetable low-mileage example that it is.
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.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
