Grace, Pace, Space. The three words together are synonymous with Jaguar. Although they may have been dropped as a marketing slogan many years ago, as principles Jaguar has always kept them close to its heart. Since the marque’s earliest days, there has not been a Jaguar built which was not elegant, fast and comfortable. Jaguar buyers expect those qualities at the very minimum, but there are some for whom speed is of particular importance, and it is for those people that the XJR was built.

The X350 version of the XJ was introduced at the 2002 Paris Motor Show for the 2003 model year, the latest evolution of a long line of XJs which began with the XJ6 of 1968. Designed by Geoff Lawson and Ian Callum, it remained visually similar to the XJs of the 1990s and retained many classic styling cues used since 1968, such as the split horizontal grille and the sloping ridge along the rear wing.

What set it apart from earlier models was its construction and engineering. The aluminium body shell was built using a technique borrowed from the aerospace industry combining adhesive bonding and rivet joinery, which had never been used before on a mass-produced car. It had a six-speed automatic transmission, computer-controlled air suspension with double wishbones front and rear, and four-channel anti-lock brakes with emergency brake assist, traction control and dynamic stability control. A range of V6 and V8 engines from 2.7 to 4.2 litres satisfied most needs. Burl walnut trim, leather upholstery among many other luxuries, were all standard equipment. 

With its supercharged 4.2-litre V8 producing 395 bhp, the XJR really was the car for drivers who need to get around quickly. It had everything a Jaguar should have, and much more besides.

This XJR was supplied new through Hatfields Jaguar to Mr. John Couldwell of Wakefield, who became the owner on 10th January 2006. He retained it until 2010, when it was returned to Hatfields and ownership passed to Mr. Andrew Sharples of Liverpool. 

The present owners purchased the car from Warrington Jag Centre in 2014 and brought it with them to London. Throughout its life, it has been regularly maintained and money has been spent when necessary to keep it in good order.

Besides the V5, the XJR comes with an extensive collection of papers, mainly invoices from various Jaguar specialists and old M.o.T. certificates. Between them, each owner has documented every service it has received, and this is detailed on a sheet at the front of the folder.

The M.o.T. certificates date back to 2011 and the current M.o.T. is valid until January 2023 and shows no advisories.

The invoices extend back to 2010 and, as well as detailing the various works undertaken on the car, also include the bills of sale from Hatfields to the second owner and from Warrington Jag Centre to the present owners.

The interior of this XJR is an eminently pleasant place to be, with all the niceties that go with any Jaguar. The Ivory leather is extremely nice and survives in very good condition. Of course, the Jaguar’s owners have not shied away from driving it, which means that it is showing its age in places. The leather has picked up a few light marks and cracks, which is true of both front and rear seats. There are also some marks around the seat bases and power controls. The rare optional sunroof is also in perfect working order.

The door cards are in a similar way, with a few marks on the leather but no real damage of which to speak. Across the whole interior, it is the walnut which really stands out, because it has survived so well and still looks rich and glossy. It does not appear to have come to the slightest harm that we could see, and since it is an especially nice walnut and has been used quite liberally, it makes an overwhelmingly positive contribution to the atmosphere in the car.

The steering wheel displays just a little bit of superficial wear on the surface. The carpets and the headlining are largely quite clean, and the boot is generally in good condition although the carpet has picked up a couple of stains, but this is nothing a good clean will not rectify.

Since this car has been used as a daily-driver in London for almost eight years, it would be unthinkable to suppose that it might not have picked up the odd sign of wear and tear but, on consideration, it really doesn’t look like it’s spent much time at all on the capital’s streets.

Cosmetic defects are down to an absolute minimum. There are some very light scratches in the paint in places, but they could not be called numerous or obvious. The pearlescent quality of the Indigo paint will enhance its looks on a sunny day, but it’s very alluring under overcast skies, too. These XJs always had a slightly menacing look about them, especially when painted in dark blues or black, and moody skies really make that quality stand out.

The brightwork on the car is exceptionally good, and, for the most part, so is all the glass. However, bidders should note that there is a small crack in the offside front foglight and in the rear indicator repeater lens on the same side.

The alloy wheels look great, and give a subtle sporting dash to an otherwise restrained exterior, although they have acquired a few scuffs over time. The Jaguar centre caps show a little bit of cosmetic deterioration, but by and large everything on this car is in very good order.

This car appears to be us in fantastic mechanical condition. It starts readily and runs quietly, somewhat concealing all the power it has in store. However, find a straight bit of road and it will shoot away if you give the order – it’s a true super-saloon. The gearbox seems to be working well, the brakes are sharp and efficient and the steering is very light. Since it passed its M.o.T. in January with no advisories, we believe this car to be in the very best mechanical state.

As stated, the present owners have spent a lot of money to keep it in peak health. New front discs and pads were installed in 2015 and a new alternator was fitted it 2018. Recent works include a full service by JLC Ltd. in May 2020, which included the fitment of a new vacuum pump hose; new rear pads and discs and some suspension components fitted by Arun Automotive in March 2021; and a full service by S.E. Jags in July 2021 which included the fitment of a new secondary air pump and window regulator.

There’s a time for scruples, but sometimes they just get in the way. It’s scruples that stop people from doing the decent thing and buying themselves a car like this Jaguar XJR to run around in. We all like the idea of keeping a V8 super-saloon onto the driveway, sliding into its homely leather-and-walnut interior and then finding a stretch of open road on which to make the most of its supercharged engine, but then the doubts start. Wouldn’t a 1.2-litre hatchback be more economical, and easier to park? Is it really sensible to buy a Jaguar?

Well, what price can you put on happiness? Perhaps you don’t quite know what you’re missing if you’ve never tried it, but if you’re driving everywhere in a Golf or a Focus then you’re missing out on a lot. It’s time to cast those doubts aside and embrace a better way of motoring, even if you decide to reserve it just for weekends and special occasions. 

The invoices and test certificates with this XJR speak for themselves – it’s a very good ’un. Time, perhaps, to get bidding and find out just what sets Jaguars apart from the rest.