Highlights
- A great looking example of the XJR x308 in Pacific Blue Metallic over Ivory leather
- In a highly original condition with even the original Motorola mobile phone still present
- Main dealer service history up to around 55,000 miles and diligent maintenance since
The Appeal
Jaguar had enjoyed much success and many plaudits for its earlier X300 XJR saloon, allowing the brand to go head-to-head with the super-saloons from Mercedes Benz and BMW on truly equal terms for the first time. When the X308 arrived in 1997, Jaguar decided to double-down on that success and up the ante still further. The X308 XJR, as presented here, replaced its predecessor’s straight-six supercharged engine with Ford’s new AJ-V8 unit equipped with a big Eaton M112 supercharger sitting neatly in the “V” of the engine. This gave the X308 XJR full supercar-eating credentials with 370bhp being good for a 0-60mph time of around 5 seconds and a top speed electronically limited to 155mph.
This is a great looking example in a fine original condition and ready to use and enjoy. It has been diligently maintained throughout its history with all key maintenance tasks attended to. Being an exclusive XJR model, every conceivable refinement, in 2001 at least, is also present. Few other cars can offer such a heady mix of luxury, performance and value for money as an X308 XJR.
The History and Paperwork
- A UK supplied and specified example of the X308 Supercharged X308
- Supplied new by Lancaster Sidcup Jaguar with 14 miles on the clock
- First registered on 12th June 2001
- The first owner retained the car for four years covering around 30,000 miles
- The second owner kept the car until 2014 when the car had covered around 56,000 miles
- Up to this point the car had enjoyed an exclusively Jaguar main dealer service history
- The current owner acquired the XJR in April 2021 at around 81,000 miles
- In his ownership he has added a shade under 3,000 miles
- There is a good level of paperwork included with the car
- This includes the current V5 in the owner’s name
- The current advisory free MOT is present in hard copy
- This is valid until November 2023
- A number of earlier, mileage verifying MOTs are included
- The original Jaguar book pack and leatherette fold is on hand
- This included the original service booklet
- This contains 10 main dealer stamps covering up to 54,301 miles in 2014
- There are plenty of maintenance invoices also present
- These cover the period after the service book stamps and many are high value
The Interior
- This XJR features the luxurious and spacious interior so beloved by Jaguar enthusiasts
- The cabin is finished in Ivory leather and accented with burr walnut veneer
- The cabin is in a lovely, original condition with just the right amount of patina present
- The front seats feature perforated leather centre panels
- These are electrically adjustable with a memory function for the driver’s side
- Both front seats are three stage electrically heated
- The rear bench is identically trimmed and in a fine, used condition
- The carpets are well presented, throughout
- These are protected with fitted carpet mats both front and rear
- The dashboard is finished in stitched leather and finished with burr walnut veneer
- The three white on black gauges are deeply recessed into the binnacle
- These sit behind a caramel-coloured leather and walnut Jaguar steering wheel
- The centre console houses climate control head unit and Jaguar Alpine sound system
- The centre lidded armrest opens to reveal the original Motorola car phone
- Door cards are finished in leather, walnut veneer and carpet
- These are all in a pristine condition
- The headlining is tightly fitted and presents in a good, clean condition
- The large boot is finished in the original, hard wearing grey carpet
- The Jaguar CD changer unit is also housed here
- A full-sized spare wheel and original tool set is housed under the boot floor
- The original warning triangle is mounted on the inner boot lid
The Exterior
- This example is finished in sophisticated Pacific Blue Metallic paintwork
- This seems to be original with just a slight mismatch noted on the o/s front wing
- There is an area of minor fading of paintwork to the o/s door shoulders
- Overall, however, the paintwork looks highly lustrous and suits the big car
- There is the odd minor scratch in evidence but only a few
- The front end wears the purposeful mesh radiator inserts and quad light set up
- All light lenses and cabin glass appear to be in a fine, original condition
- The car sits on its original 18-inch Jaguar Penta light alloy wheels
- These are five spoke items finished in silver
- These are shod in a mixed set of tyres in a 255/40 configuration
- These are quality tyres with Nexus items at the front and Pirelli P Zeros at the rear
- A generous depth of tread remains on the fronts with the rears slightly more worn
The Mechanics
- The XJS is fitted with the awesome 4L AJ-V8 supercharged engine
- Commissioned and developed by Ford at huge expense
- The engine proved so good that it remained in use in various applications until 2020
- This engine was originally rated at 370 bhp and 387 Ib-ft of torque
- Power is fed to the rear wheels via a five-speed automatic transmission
- This endows the car with a jaw dropping 5.6 second 0-60mph time
- The top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph
- Despite this performance prowess this is a refined and smooth power unit
- This example has clearly been well maintained based on the documentation present
- This is underscored by the excellent under bonnet presentation
- The underside of the car also looks in keeping with a cherished and cared for example
- The Jaguar service history and subsequent diligent maintenance paint a positive picture
- Combine this with an advisory free MOT and that should be reassurance for a new owner
- As such the car is reported to run very well with no known mechanical issues reported
Summary
The appeal of a sumptuously appointed big Jaguar with a 5.6 second 0-60mph time is explicit and apparent. The X308 XJR is a car that can do it all. Mix it with supercars if that’s your thing or whisk you and three friends away on a continental road trip. Few cars can deliver such a broad set of skills wrapped in such a sublime looking package and at such an attainable price point.
This well cared for and cherished example looks decidedly head turning in its deep blue livery and sitting on big, bright silver alloy wheels. The interior is a delight, too, being spacious, luxurious and generously equipped. Examples of this cared for quality aren’t always easy to find, 22 years on. Be sure to place your bids to avoid missing out on a chance to own and relish this fine example.
Notice to bidders
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UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
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