Description

1992 Jaguar Sovereign 4.0-litre - loving the leaping cat

The Jaguar XJ (known as the XJ40) was unveiled on 8 October 1986 as an all-new, second generation of the XJ to replace the Series III and the model was produced until 1994. The XJ40 used the traditional Jaguar independent rear suspension arrangement, and featured a number of technological enhancements (such as an electronic instrument cluster). In 1993, it earned the title of "Safest Car in Britain" in a government survey.

The car benefitted from an all-new engine, at first a 2.9 L and a 3.6 L version of the AJ6 inline-six. In 1990 the 3.6 L was replaced by a 4.0 L model.

The car we offer here is a high specification Sovereign model. The Sovereign came with significantly more features than the base XJ6, including air conditioning, headlamp washers, a six-speaker sound system, rear self-levelling suspension (SLS), anti-lock braking system, and inlaid burl walnut wood trim. The headlamps fitted were the rectangular single units. The window frames were made from stainless steel.

Our Sovereign – a rust free Japanese import - is UK registered, with all duties and fees paid. It has covered just 85,000 miles and is in beautiful condition. As one would expect from a Japanese market car, it has been fastidiously cared for with frequent servicing as required. The coachwork is resplendent in what appears to be its original grey metallic finish, set off by silver coachlines. The underside of the car is in fantastic rust-free condition, and the interior is unworn, and is without any of the common wear on the outer edge of the driver’s seat. The walnut wood trim is in excellent condition and generally the car appears to want for nothing, excepting that it should be noted that the headlining is sagging and will need some attention.

The lusty powerplant in our car - giving some 245 hp - is complemented by the most advanced transmission of its day, the German ZF company’s four-speed ZF 4HP24 unit, which helps give vivid acceleration and good economy. The car runs and drives wonderfully, and has that hard-to-describe Jaguar combination of opulence, a roomy interior and a considerable turn of speed. Indeed the car exudes Grace, Space and Pace, as the slogan went.

We have placed an estimate of £8,000-10,000 on the Sovereign and we see it as a wonderful opportunity for a new owner to enjoy classic Jaguar motoring at a very inviting price.

Model: Jaguar XJ40 Sovereign 1992

Engine: 4.0-litre 6cyl

Power/Torque: 245 hp/392Nm

Transmission: Four-speed automatic, rear-wheel-drive

Recorded mileage: 85,000

Vehicle colour: Grey metallic