Jaguar XJ 3.2 Sovereign

[Pinch]

I just couldn’t resist...

As a previous owner of two XJ6’s over the last 10 years and still having a huge soft spot for them, I’ve now gone and bought another. This is an investment for the distant future.

I’ve been window shopping on ebay and other classic car sites for a few weeks now and I stumbled across a rather nice X300 3.2 Sovereign in Dorchester metallic grey. This model is 1994 and apparently, 1 of only 28 made without a glove box during the early development of the X300 – known as the ‘non-glove box model’. For her 21 years, she’s in very good condition and her previous owner recently passed away, so the family was selling all six Jags owned by the same late gentleman. He was also a member of the Jaguar Owners Club.

This one, of course, doesn’t come without any minor issues which need addressing sometime in the future. Issues include the head lining has started to slightly sag (common with old Jags and Range Rovers), the radiator twin fan casing needs securing at the bottom, the electric mirror control knob has broken, the electric aerial isn’t working and another couple of very minor things. But, overall, she’s a sound honest car which is definitely going to appreciate in value as the years go by.

Here’s a tour of my new old Jag – what a stunner!

I am so pleased I have another one of these beautiful cars.

 

[9fingers]

So how much 4x2 or sheets of plasterboard can you get in the thing??

too many toys methinks :lol:

Bob

 

[Woodbloke]

As the late, lamented Arthur Daily would have said..."a very nice set of wheels Terrance'' - Rob

 

[DaveL]

So how much 4x2 or sheets of plasterboard can you get in the thing??

too many toys methinks [emoji38]

Bob

I have a company car and much to the amusement of the rest of my team, the ability to get an 8' board in, is my main concern, don't think the jag passes the test. [emoji2]

 

[9fingers]

So how much 4x2 or sheets of plasterboard can you get in the thing??

too many toys methinks [emoji38]

Bob

I have a company car and much to the amusement of the rest of my team, the ability to get an 8' board in, is my main concern, don't think the jag passes the test. [emoji2]

I'm with you all the way Dave. A car has to be a practical box on wheels, reliable and no matter what it looks looks like.

Although I've not tried to find one, a hearse seems quite practical, comfy in front, load platform with rollers etc.

Bob

 

[Rod]

Nice car and if all fails you can offer a Wedding Chauffeur service? [emoji3]

Have you somewhere to store it and your others under cover?

Rod

 

[AndyP]

:mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

But I with Bob re the practicalities. A car of over 5 metres long would have to give me more legroom in the back than that . Kids, bikes etc..

 

[Rod]

How many cars can manage 8x4's?
None that I can think of unless you count Transit vans etc?

This is not about practicalities but someone who loves cars and sees it as an investment.

Rod

 

[chataigner]

I think it's lovely and fully understand the thinking !

I already have an old 4x4 with all terrain tyres etc. that will take a door easily, if not an 8' panel, plus a trailer for it which will take an 8x4 and up to 1.5tonnes of whatever you fancy - plus a modern lightweight very comfortable crossover 4x4 (Kuga) for long trips, however I still lust after a classic. I think mine would be a Toyota Supra, under 6s 0-60mph (in first gear), top speed around 155mph, corners like a train. I had the 3L turbo from new back in the mid '90s for several years and loved it.

 

[Pinch]

:shock: :shock:
Now look here chaps (Bob, Dave and Andy), I have a van/bus for my work and she effortlessly does everything I need her to do. This old Jag has no interest in wanting to carry lengths of timber or sheets of man-made boards, or bikes, or large skateboards, or surf boards, or piles of bricks, or even a wildebeest kill from the African plains; she is a refined piece of British design and engineering to be enjoyed and nurtured as she appreciates in value – comprendo??

Like Arthur Daley said, “a very nice set of wheels Terrance.” – Cheers Rob.

Rod and David – thanks for the acknowledgement and support against the above mentioned (Bob, Dave and Andy) riff-raff element.
bscene-drinkingcheers:

Rod, indeed Sir, she’ll be on the farm in the same barn as Betty-the-beemer.

David, I would love a Toyota Supra - you must get one! I’ve also thought about a Nissan Skyline GTR, but these cars are over my budget. I was very fortunate to own a Sierra Cosworth back in the early 90’s, but these (if you’re lucky to find one) are selling around £15k in today's market. My new old Jag was over £43k back in 1994 and today, I paid just £700 for her (asking price was £990) – wow!!! I’ve seen this model selling between £500 and £5k in today’s market – so I’m extremely happy at £700. As a straight 6 3.2, she’ll return about 23/26 mpg with 216 horses pulling this old gem. Some of the horses might be a bit tired maybe, but this 6 pot lump pulls and responds like it was new – very impressive.

 

[MCLUMA]

You will really enjoy that one,

Brings back a lot of memories, my dad bought one (The model before you're one) just as a weekend car, and he let me drive it as a 24 year old boy.

We would take it out on the weekend and drive for hours, put a tape on from Richard Clayderman and we both were as happy as ever.

My BIL just bought a MK10 Jaquar - and yes the straight six are the best, at least you can do maintenance on them - can not see you do that on the v12 :eusa-think:

Anyway, enjoy the car

 

[Mike G]

...she is a refined piece of British design and engineering to be enjoyed and nurtured ......

So, you really wanted a Morgan, then?

 

[Phil]

That is one really NICE set of wheels!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
:eusa-dance: :eusa-clap: bscene-drinkingcheers: :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

In local lingo we would call it OM.

Cheers
Phil

 

[Woodbloke]

...she is a refined piece of British design and engineering to be enjoyed and nurtured ......

So, you really wanted a Morgan, then?

My brother had a Morgan and took me out for a spin in the bloody thing down the motorway. I think it used solid iron bars for what was laughingly called 'suspension' :shock: My backbone was thoroughly glad to get out of the thing. I had a Landcover Defender for a few years and compared the Morgan, it's suspension was like a Rolls - Rob

 

[AndyP]

My daughter had a tour around the Morgan factory on a school trip earlier in the year. She brought be back a piece. A 6" laminated beech section from a wheel arch. One day I might get the rest.

 

[Pinch]

You will really enjoy that one,

Brings back a lot of memories, my dad bought one (The model before you're one) just as a weekend car, and he let me drive it as a 24 year old boy.

We would take it out on the weekend and drive for hours, put a tape on from Richard Clayderman and we both were as happy as ever.

My BIL just bought a MK10 Jaquar - and yes the straight six are the best, at least you can do maintenance on them - can not see you do that on the v12 :eusa-think:

Anyway, enjoy the car

Cheers MC, that would have been the X40. I had the 3.2s years ago in BRG and I absolutely loved it.

A 24 year old behind the wheel of a Jag - you were very lucky! Not sure about the Richard Clayderman bit though :|

The MK10's are extremely rare these days. Is it a project?

 

[Pinch]

...she is a refined piece of British design and engineering to be enjoyed and nurtured ......

So, you really wanted a Morgan, then?

Hah ha ha........ cough cough...

 

[Pinch]

That is one really NICE set of wheels!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
:eusa-dance: :eusa-clap: bscene-drinkingcheers: :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

In local lingo we would call it OM.

Cheers
Phil

Cheers Phil

What's OM?

 

[Pinch]

...she is a refined piece of British design and engineering to be enjoyed and nurtured ......

So, you really wanted a Morgan, then?

My brother had a Morgan and took me out for a spin in the bloody thing down the motorway. I think it used solid iron bars for what was laughingly called 'suspension' :shock: My backbone was thoroughly glad to get out of the thing. I had a Landcover Defender for a few years and compared the Morgan, it's suspension was like a Rolls - Rob

Yes, my experience of a Morgan was quiet similar. :|

Now there's another British icon - the Landrover. I've had a few of these too - the old 109 and 88's.

 

[Pinch]

My daughter had a tour around the Morgan factory on a school trip earlier in the year. She brought be back a piece. A 6" laminated beech section from a wheel arch. One day I might get the rest.

You'll be better off with a gorgeous old Jag