1998 Jaguar XJ Sovereign (X308)

• Highest-spec Sovereign model with only 18,093 miles, a couple of previous owners and a comprehensive history file
• Naturally-aspirated 4.0-litre V8 with a more than adequate 290bhp and a proper big-capacity growl
• Beautiful condition inside and out, a testament to its cosseted and well-maintained life
• A remarkable car that offers all the old-school charm of a ‘proper Jaguar’ with modern and capable underpinnings

The Jaguar XJ (X308) is a full-size luxury saloon manufactured and marketed by Jaguar Cars from 1997 to 2003 across two generations and featuring Jaguar's AJ-V8 and Jaguar's independent rear suspension. It was the third and final evolution of the XJ40 platform which had been in production since 1986.

The ‘Sovereign’ represented the highest luxury specification for Jaguar models, sitting next to the XJR. Sovereigns featured more elaborate and expensive wood veneer, commonly highly figured Burr Walnut, with window control and ashtray trim panels also in veneer as opposed to plastic in other models. The leather was also of a higher quality and often features contrasting piping, with seats being of the traditional fluted style. The suspension setup was biased towards touring and the wheels were normally 16" or 17" to provide high profile tyres for additional ride quality. Computer Active Technology System adaptive suspension was also offered as a rare option.

Externally, a Sovereign can be distinguished by the complete use of highly polished steel/chrome work around windows and rear light clusters, as well as polished radiator grille and boot garnish. The cars are simply badged as ‘Sovereign’ with no mention of ‘XJ’.

Having discontinued production of both the AJ16 inline-six and V12 engines, Jaguar offered the new XJ model with their newly designed V8 engine (named the AJ-V8) only. It was available in either 3.2-litre or 4.0-litre form (the latter with a Supercharger in the XJR model). The Sovereign utilised the naturally-aspirated 4.0-litre V8 with a more than adequate 290bhp and a proper big-capacity growl, married to the ZF 5HP24 5-speed automatic gearbox.

‘Motor Trend’ described the X308 as, "a masterful blend of British luxury and American muscle," continuing, "this car makes you feel elegant and gets sweeter by the mile," calling it a "muscle car in a tuxedo.” Brian Cooley, an editor of ‘Roadshow’, called the X308 his "favourite modern car." In 2018, ‘Motorious’ claimed the X308 provides the most luxurious ride of any car ever produced due to its status as the "last steel-bodied XJ and the first to feature a modern V8 drivetrain, the perfect concoction of classic and contemporary Jaguars," continuing that, "this is a car that fits anywhere it goes, be that the supermarket car park, a country hotel or even outside the Casino de Monte-Carlo." Jeremy Clarkson of ‘Top Gear’ remarked that the X308 is "faster, in the real world than a Ferrari F355... fastest saloon I've ever seen, the epitome of luxury, beauty, and performance.”

The car presented here is a 1998 Jaguar XJ Sovereign with only 18,093 miles, a couple of previous owners and a comprehensive history file. Quite possible, the best example of its type available, this is a remarkable car than now offers all the old-school charm of a ‘proper Jaguar’ with modern and capable underpinnings. Coming from a privateer owner, a true Jaguar marque enthusiast, having owned a beautiful Mk2 3.8 and XK140 amongst others over his years, he knows a good car and is sad to be parted from this true modern classic. The car was put into storage in 2003 and was recently recommissioned with a comprehensive service and new tyres. In an elegant combination of Jaguar Topaz paintwork with Oatmeal leather interior, this is a fine, comfortable, and elegant motorcar. With many years of loyal service ahead, the condition and mileage belying its age, this is a rare opportunity to acquire a true ‘Big Cat’ living up to the Jaguar slogan of 'Grace, Space and Pace'.