• Very eye-catching example in Radiance Red Metallic

• Rare 3.5 V8 equipped car

• Original service book with 10 stamped entries

The X350 Jaguar was the company’s seventh iteration of the range topping XJ Saloon. The X350 was noted for its advanced electrical systems, self-levelling adaptive air suspension and full aluminium unibody chassis and bodywork - a first for the XJ.

These were all notable innovations when the car was first revealed in 2002. The bodyshell was 40 per cent lighter and 50 percent stiffer than its predecessor, making this one of the best driving big saloons of its day and even today in 2021, remains a beautifully poised chassis.

The rare 3.5L V8 engine featured in this car was all new for the X350 and, as here, mated to the durable and smooth six speed ZF automatic gearbox, is considered the range sweet-spot for its blend of power, refinement and economy.

The car has had a total of five owners during its life, who have averaged a very moderate 5,000 miles or so per year. 

The first owner was Jaguar themselves, with the car having been supplied directly by the Browns Lane factory and enjoying its first two services there.

The most recent owner has been enjoying the car since 2015 and has continued the excellent maintenance regime of their predecessors. 

A consequence of that regime, this car has the all-important ten service stamps in the original book covering the recommended 10,000-mile intervals;

9584, 19,375, 29,900, 9,373, 50,820, 59,885, 70,083, 87,707 and recently 93,128. This vehicle has had very little use over the last few years, between 2016 and 2020 it covered less than 2000 miles.

In addition to that the car comes with its current V5, a number of previous paper MOTs and its original book pack.

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 a car specified for Jaguar themselves, the interior is a delight.

The Warm Charcoal leather seats and upholstery, provides a wonderful contrast to the walnut veneer trim, elegantly encompassing all the usual Jaguar refinements. It's business as usual here for Jaguar - it really is an interior that provides a lovely place to spend time. 

Those refinements include heated, powered front seats and heated rear seats, satellite navigation and original Jaguar over-carpets.  More recently a Parrot hands free system has been added to provide additional functionality for today’s needs.

The vendor explains that the remote locking with the key is working on three doors however, all doors lock on the central locking button in the car.

As you will see from our photographic package, this is a very eye-catching XJ8 indeed. The combination of Radiance Red paintwork, Team Dynamics 18 inch alloys and the grille from a later X358 facelift car manages to successfully blend a sporting demeanour with a dignified air.

The alloys are in great condition and appear free from kerb-rash or any significant dents or dings. The panels present straight and true and the panel gaps remain admirably tight and symmetrical.

The paintwork has a high gloss finish to it and no areas of lacquer deterioration, dulling or crazing are obvious. Clearly a car that looks equally at home in paddock at Silverstone as it does outside a stately home. What is particularly impressive is the absence of any serious aluminium corrosion in the paint, a common issue with the X350's.

The 3.5L V8 engine in this car was all new for this X350 model, derived from the 4.2 litre version. These engines have proved very reliable in service providing an “iron hand in a velvet glove” experience of silky smooth, quiet refinement belying significant power and athletic when called upon.

As you would expect from such an impeccably maintained 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.

There aren’t many cars which can offer the range of appeal of this XJ8 at such an affordable price. A sumptuously appointed interior with every conceivable extra on hand to enhance the driver, or passenger experience. 

A sporting appearance combined with that indefinable dignity and presence of a big Jaguar saloon.

This all comes in a package that is both head-turning, fault free and diligently maintained. The X350 represents tremendous value for money - classic Jaguar looks, superb driving manners and solid mechanicals. What's not to like?


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