The Jaguar XJ series is a British institution, bracketed with Lyon’s Corner Houses, sticks of seaside rock, and self-deprecating sitcom characters. For generations, the XJ6 and its assorted brethren have represented a touch of class in the everyday world; from the emergence of the Series 1 back in 1968 to the X351 of the modern era, the theme has been constant: sumptuously appointed three-box saloons with imposing proportions and lusty engines.

The X300 generation, built from 1994-97, is considered by many purists to be a high watermark of the series, and the XJR in particular is something truly special to hunt down. This was the first ever road-going Jaguar model to be supercharged (and only the second with forced induction, the first being the turbocharged XJ220 supercar – which isn’t a bad pub boast), and the hedonistic upgrades to the supposedly sensible platform ramped the performance up to near-hysterical levels. Boosting the XJ16 engine had the effect of winding the peak power up to a mighty 326bhp, backed up by a stump-pulling 378lb.ft of torque. This shrank the 0-62mph run to an improbable six-and-a-half seconds, but still retaining all of the luxurious accoutrements you’d expect of a top-spec executive Jaguar. Those in the know will spot an R a mile off, thanks to its chunky five-spoke wheels, mesh grille with body-colour shroud, and matte black window surrounds. Subtle details which speak volumes.

Marque aficionados will sometimes refer to this model as the ‘XJR6’, to distinguish it from the subsequent V8-engined models. They’ll also often point out that this earlier R is the collector’s choice: Jaguar’s first – and wholly successful – attempt at turning the swanky saloon into a boisterous supercharged supercar-baiter. Huge power wrapped up in fabulous style. No wonder values are strongly in the ascendant these days.

The current owner is a collector and keen enthusiast, and this XJR was purchased two years ago to form part of his growing personal collection. The condition in which he bought the car was essentially as it is now; it had reportedly been extensively renovated by the previous owner, and presented itself as a complete and correct example of an appreciating classic. Since he bought it, the seller hasn’t actually used the XJR at all – he replaced the wheels for a newly renovated set, then placed it into dry storage with the rest of his cars. The Jag has been regularly started and driven up and down the driveway, but hasn’t seen the open road in this time. It’s only due to the fact that a garage conversion means he now has nowhere to store the Jaguar that it’s available for sale now. He states that the car would benefit from a good recommissioning service and inspection, hence offering it for sale at no reserve; he also points out that everything is present, correct and original-spec, and is keen for the XJR to find a good home. 

The V5 is present in the seller’s mother's name (They have been working abroad for over a decade), and the car also comes with a complete set of original manuals and service book. 

A note on the registration certificate highlights that ‘this vehicle has been salvaged because the estimated cost of commercial repair was more than the value of the vehicle’, something explained by the extensive renovation carried out by the former owner.  This means, as noted at the top and bottom of this listing, that the car was written off as a Cat-C back in 2012. Unfortunately, the seller advises us he was unaware of this when purchasing the vehicle, and cannot expand on what the damage was and who repaired it. 

The gallery shows images of an extensive list of parts from the previous owner. However, we cannot confirm if this was in relation to the write-off repairs.

Cream leather is a tricky thing to keep in good condition, and it seems that this car is winning against the passage of time as the interior is beautifully presented overall. There’s a little light wear to the driver’s seat, but you won’t find any rips or tears here. The headlining could perhaps benefit from a little re-affixing to make it perfect, and unfortunately the CD player appears not to be working, but aside from that everything seems to be in good order. Impressively, the car even has its original Jaguar TWR-branded dealership Parker pen in the glovebox! The retractable rear window blinds work as they should, the carpets are in good condition beneath the overmats, and the cream door cards don’t suffer from the scuffs and marks that are so often found with these cars. Inside the boot, the carpet is correct and in good condition, with the CD changer unobtrusively mounted up top and the space-saver spare wheel in good order.

Cutting a dapper dash in deep green, the exterior of the XJR exudes pleasing wafts of class. It’s all correct XJR spec with nothing missing, and all the panels sit straight and true. The exterior overall is largely free from blemishes, save for a few minor scratches on the bootlid which have happened while in storage and should be easy enough to buff out. With a professional polish and detail, the seller is confident that it would all come up to ‘first-class’ condition. The Penta alloy wheels are freshly refurbished, and shod in brand new Avon tyres which have never seen the Queen’s highway.
These cars can be susceptible to underbody corrosion, so it’s good to note the seller’s reassurance that everything is in sound order underneath. And something particularly interesting to the collector is the presence of the original under-bonnet tool kit, a rare piece which has never been used and is still in its protective plastic wrapping.

The 4.0-litre AJ16 straight-six is renowned as a reliable and long-legged thing as long as it’s properly looked after, and with just under 100k on the clock you’ll find that everything’s original here. The Eaton M90 supercharger and air-to-water intercooler are key to the XJR’s muscular prowess, and there are no issues with the setup in this one. This car is equipped with the GM 4L80-E four-speed auto, a particularly robust unit also found in the Hummer H1 (!), along with Jaguar’s renowned Powr-Lok LSD – tough stuff, and all reportedly working fine. There is a small blow from the exhaust which will need addressing, and having run the car to test it after its slumbers in the collection, the owner found that it threw the alternator belt, and runs a little hot when standing. But as with any car that’s seen little use for an extended period, a thorough service and a decent drive should help to blow the cobwebs away.

If you’re looking to buy a six-cylinder XJR, the likelihood is that you know what these cars are all about – brutal power in a sharp suit and, for the aficionado, arguably the finest generation of the breed. This is a model which is sure to become a future icon; Jaguar’s first supercharged production car, sold in relatively low numbers and representing outstanding value for money today.
As with many a connoisseur’s-choice classic, this is a car which will require a little love and care before it’s ready to be pressed into regular service – which is why it’s selling at no reserve. But with a very minor amount of recommissioning, this should be a truly satisfying ownership proposition: trademark Jaguar luxury, with improbable firepower lurking within. Rarity and enthusiast cachet are baked-in with this one. The owner assures us that it had a new MOT when he bought it two years ago, and having driven zero miles since he foresees no issues for the next keeper. And with everything made shipshape, you’ll be looking at a truly desirable modern classic.


**Please note - This vehicle was previously a Cat-C insurance write-off in 2012, and is being offered with no reserve**


The photos in this listing have been provided to us by the seller