With its lineage tracing all the way back to the late 60's, Jaguars executive saloon had always been known by either the XJ6 or XJ12 moniker, with this referring to the engine cylinder configuration. In 1997, after nearly 40 years and with the introduction of the new Jaguar X308 model, the designation switched to the XJ8, with this reflecting the fact that X308 cars were to be powered by an all new V8 engine.
The exterior styling of the X308 remained similar to its predecessor, the X300 with some minor refinements. The biggest change in the appearance was the switch to a stylistically rounded design for all of the exterior lights, indicators and interior trim and fittings, including information displays and switches. The interior was also updated to eliminate the rectangular instrument binnacle which had gone largely unchanged since the original XJ40 (an XJ6 model from the late 80's); instead, three large gauges were set into recesses in the walnut-faced dashboard in front of the driver similar in design to the recently launched Jaguar XK, itself a replacement for the ageing XJS coupe model.
Powered initially by a 240 bhp 3.2 litre variant of the new AJ-V8 engine, the new XJ8 offered both pace, grace and reasonably good economy and later during the 5 year production run the engine range would be enhanced further with a 4.0 litre normally aspirated model or the mind-bending 370 bhp 4.0 litre Supercharged V8, offering a 0-60mph time of 5.4s and with cars limited to 155mph (believed 170mph when de-restricted), with all cars being fitted with a five-speed automatic gearbox with Sport / Normal modes.
Originally registered through Rossleigh Jaguar, Perth on the 1st June 1999 as a dealer demonstrator, we're delighted to offer this fabulous range-topping Super-Charged Jaguar XJR 4.0 litre, which shows just 67,700 miles from new. She has an impeccable service history, coming to us from a 7 year, long term owner and interestingly was previously owned by the British journalist, TV presenter, mechanic and writer, Richard Hammond.....best known for presenting and exploits on tv's Top Gear and the Grand Tour.
Finished with a Anthracite Mica exterior (Code PED - black metallic) with complimentary Ivory Leather interior (Code NED), Sable / Walnut steering wheel, Ivory / Sable dash, over-mats, she comes with all the usual Jaguar refinements, electric windows / mirrors, electrochromic rear-view mirror, air-conditioning (ice-cold), height / rake multi-function steering wheel, electrically adjustable seats, cruise control, multi-function steering wheel, trip computer, 6 disc auto-changer, stunning 5 spoke 18" alloys (Pirelli tyres all round), factory First-Aid kit, lashings of leather and features wonderful walnut veneer fascias to the dash and door cappings. A visual inspection of the car, confirms her condition is consummate with her age and low mileage. All the factory panels are straight with only light aged related marks visible. All the exterior trim, mesh grill (specific to the XJR), lens, chrome and rubbers are in great condition too.
The interior too remains wonderfully fresh. The leather interior, supple and sumptuous is free from any major wear, the carpets are nigh-on perfect and its reassuring that all the interior electrics etc work just as they did when the car rolled of the Coventry plants production line back in 1999, this XJR is still more than capable of offering luxurious transportation; now at a fraction of her original sale price, at the time, north of £45k!
Mechanically this 'Big Cat' is a delight too. The 4.0 litre Super-charged V8 fires without hesitation, the engine note mutted at tick-over but willing to free-rev and ROAR when the loud pedals depressed! Supporting her overal condition, mileage etc the XJR come with a superb history file, 15 Jaguar/Indepenant Service stamps, the most recent at 66400 miles, her full book pack, two keys and 19 MOT certificates, going back to 2002. Needless to say with such a comprehensive service record (invoicing in excess of £10k supporting maintenance etc) this Jaguar XJR really belies her age, she's drives fantastically and is just a wonderful example of how a classic XJ should be, offering poise and panache and as Richard Hammond was quoted ...the XJR is "every inch the classic executive."