1986 Jaguar XJ Sovereign v12 5.3 EFi

1986 - Jaguar XJ Series 3 v12 Sovereign

It may surprise people, that have followed the story this car since I picked it up in the late spring of 2024, but I’ve decided to sell it as I have too many projects and my 1965 S Type needs my dedicated time and space.

This XJ is a road worthy, reliable modern classic that I’ve spent the last 6 or so months fixing and repairing a whole host of issues, some serious, some easy and just because the car deserves it, to bring it back to an acceptable level for day to day driving.

Current Miles 101000 - MOT until 19th April

You would need to be a fairly competent home DIY motor enthusiast to take this car on - I’m no expert but have some experience of older cars and it’s been pretty straight forward for me, with the support of my trusty local independent Jaguar specialist at SE Jags Ltd, to complete something like 25 jobs the car needed when it was purchased.

The car has also been dry stored since I bought it and hasn’t been in the rain on a wet road for nearly 7 months now.

The overwhelming selling point on this car is that it runs near enough perfectly and if you want a cheap entry point into the world of the Jaguar v12 5. 3 liter electronic fuel injected engine - this is it.

You get a whole lot of car for your money.

The worst part of this car is the bodywork which I would describe as average - good in some places and poor (mainly around the windscreens) in others - but there are far more worse out there but this is not a concourse car.

The air conditioning compressor was removed previous to my ownership but as afar as I can see all the system is still there and works but no cooled air.
The cruise control has also been removed so there is no cruise control. You could argue with these two components missing from the top of the engine, there is more room to maintain the rest of what’s going on under the bonnet. I don't miss them.

The rear passenger electric motor has been disconnected as it needs attention and I do not want to risk it being stuck down.

Headlining needs re assembling but is neatly held up with pins.

There is a battery light on because the regulator on the alternator is faulty - however it charges the brand new battery and there are no issues in the 1500 miles I've driven it.

The 'bulb out' system on the side and dipped lights shows a false positive when the lights are on - there are no issues with the lights.

There is a small oil leak from the worn gasket of LHS and RHS rocker covers - it's lost half a litre of oil in 1000 miles - it doesn't impact the oil pressure but it does make a bit of a mess on the engine. It would have been one of my next 'involved' jobs.

Everything else works as it should and if interested, I will list all the things I’ve fixed to what I think is an acceptable level for the price.. Here are some of the important jobs

Complete overhaul of the Ignition and Fuel Injection system including new fuel rail and injectors. Plugs, leads, dist. cap, rotor arm etc

Replacement of Auxiliary Air Control Valve plus all related vacuum pipes

Replacement of both coolant thermostats

Replacement of failed RHS Fuel Tank gauge sender

Replacement of failed Autobox lower mount bush

Replacement of an array of failed switches and fuses affecting many of the cars internal electrical features and functions

So… if you want a very easy running project with a special car that drives as it should with some bodywork jobs and a few easy electrical issues to fix… this is it. I will be sorry to see it go but i need the space in my dry storage.

No time wasters please. This is either a car for an existing Jaguar enthusiast or an entry point for someone who has some level of experience of home DIY mechanics. You will be able to drive it away.

This may be important to some but its 2 years away from being Tax, MOT and ULEZ exempt. The car was originally owned for 15 years by a mechanic. I purchased it from a guy that saved it at (we think probate) auction and it was too much work for him to take on. It has some service history but not all. A vehicle inspection carried out when I first purchased showed recent work on the brakes, underbody and new tyres. I firmly believe I saved this car, sorted out a whole host of issues which has given it a new lease of life to the daily running of the car and the next owner can focus on the next set of things that need sorting… this v12 car can seriously move and it eats motorway miles like nothing I’ve ever driven.