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 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 car is a UK manufactured, right hand drive car which has spent its life in Japan and has recently been re-imported to the UK. The car has enjoyed two careful owners only to date and has been used very lightly, having covered a mere 59,055 miles – just 3K miles per year on average.

As you will see from our photographic package the car is presented in excellent condition throughout with an original, rust free and near unmarked condition.

The car has been registered on a new UK V5 and MOT’d. The MOT is free of advisories, underlining the remarkable condition of the car. Also included in the paperwork is the original Japanese issue book pack and the export mileage verification certificate.

Jaguar saloons have always provided an object lesson in offering the lucky owner a “special occasion” feel to every drive. This car is certainly no exception. As you would expect from such a lightly used car, the interior is a delight. The car even has the original plastic film protectors in place over the chrome sill tread plates!

From the Ivory leather seats and upholstery, extensive use of birds eye maple veneer trim through to all the usual Jaguar refinements, this interior provides a lovely place to spend time. Those refinements include heated, powered front and rear seats, Alpine Premium sound system with 10 speakers and electrically adjustable steering column with an easy entry / exit facility. 

The current owner confirms that this car has never been smoked in, witness the cigarette lighter, and that the sumptuous leather appears to have been regularly cleaned and conditioned.

As you will see from our photographic package, this really is a pristine example of the sublime X308 XJR. The original Carnival Red paint appears in an “as-new” condition and the body work is devoid of and dents, dings or scratches. 

No surprise given the provenance of this car. The car has also benefited from a full machine polish with a ceramic topcoat being applied. This all helps underline what a stunning looking sports saloon this really is.

The exterior specification includes front fog lights, rear parking sensors and original 18-inch “Asteroid” Jaguar alloy wheels. The alloys appear to be in as good a condition as the rest of the car and are shod with 255/40R18 Yokohama tyres all round.

The 4L AJ-V8 supercharged engine is a real engineering masterpiece. Commissioned and developed by Ford at huge expense the engine proved so good that it remained in use in various applications until 2020.

The engine is at the heart of the XRJ experience providing jaw-dropping performance when called upon but perfectly able to waft along like a civilised limousine when preferred.

As you would expect from such a lightly used example, the owner attests to all aspects of the mechanical systems of this car to be entirely as you would expect from a car with this pedigree and fastidious previous ownership. 

The salt-free roads of Japan have ensured that this car is presented in a totally rust-free condition.

The appeal of a sumptuously appointed big Jaguar with a 5 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.

This must surely be one of the most lightly used and low mileage examples of a 2002 X308 XJR outside of a museum collection. It appears as if the car has been kept in a time-capsule given the condition of the car. For those looking for a highly accomplished British super-sports-saloon at an attainable price point then this car must offer a unique proposition for you. 

 
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