2001 Jaguar Sovereign LWB

One of the factors that can give us the most comfort about a classic car - or any car for that matter - is where and how it’s been driven. In that respect, this V8-powered ‘Emerald pearl’ Jaguar Sovereign has two things in its favour; firstly, it had only covered just shy of 40,000 miles in its 19-year life span and, secondly, all of those were driven on salt-free Japanese roads as the car was only imported to the UK a handful of months ago. The car has also been garaged all its life, and because of that, this Jaguar retains that brightness and lustre to paint and wood that only sustained protection from UV light can give. Reportedly, everything works exactly as it should and the car drives as beautifully as it looks, with engine, gearbox, suspension and brakes perform quietly and without fault.

What details that have needed to be altered for the UK - such as a speedometer in mph, a proper UK-spec radio, and even the correct number plate plinths - have all been attended to.

Remember also that this is the long wheel-base version, so, while remaining a sporting drive for the driver, the Sovereign offers rear seat passengers the benefit of an extra four inches of knee and leg room, making for a great journey for everyone.

As a few of you eagle eyes viewers may have noticed we offered this car back at the start of 2021. Unfortunately the now owner doesn't have the storage capacity any longer so has tasked us with offering the vehicle for a second time. 

Like many Jaguars, the X308 shape had lines that were at once both classic and contemporary; understated and beautifully proportioned. However, that poise and elegance depend on the car retaining an impeccable panel fit and finish, a prerequisite that this example totally fulfils. Looking down the flanks, you will see that all contours in the metal match perfectly with neighbouring panels. There are no ripples in the doors or wings and the rubbing strips on the lower doors run in perfect parallel to the belt line. Panel gaps and shut lines are impeccable.

The Jaguar retains its original paint - virtually blemish-free and the colour match across materials is excellent. As previously mentioned, there is no fading or discolouration anywhere. The front chin spoiler and rear valance - pierced for the exhaust pipes - also look to be in good shape, with a distinct lack of scuffs or chips.

For a ‘modern’, the Jaguar retains quite a lot of chrome trim - grill (of course) and windows, plus bumper tops, light pod surrounds and the wing mirror caps. Like the paintwork, the bright metal is in superb condition, showing no pitting or discolouration. Joins in the chromework remain close and the supporting seals haven’t warped or cracked, and retain their deep black pigment. In these areas, around the lights, and indeed around the general areas of folds or joins in the metal, it’s good to see just how clean all the nooks and crannies of the bodywork are. Likewise, the areas around badges - that famous growler - and the model insignia, are very tidy. The similarly bright leaping Jaguar is firmly mounted, sitting straight and secure.

The overall condition and effect are very impressive.

Jaguar’s wood and leather interiors are a reason in themselves to buy their car, and that remains very true of this particular example. Trimmed in cream Connelly hide, the seats display only the gentlest patina, showing only light creasing (understandably a little more on the driver’s seat cushion), and retaining all of their colour. There is no fading across the leather - or the wood in the cabin. Note the stitching too - often a casualty of time and heavy handedness - remains tight and even.

The rear seats are in a similarly excellent condition and the seat backs and magazine pockets show no scuffs or tears.

Continuing the ‘scuff-free’ theme, take a close look at the wood veneer. As well as its deep rich colour, you will see the lacquer is in beautiful condition (on the optioned wood-trimmed steering wheel too), with a surprising absence of ring or fingernail scratches. The wood-topped gear selector is just as nice okay, there’s a small crack in the plastic surround - but it seems Japanese drivers (or at least this one) wear gloves at all times. It might be that he/they also wear no shoes while driving - the original lambs’ wool mats look very little used, and the carpets underneath are clean, showing no signs of damp or water ingress. The kick plates are understandably a little scuffed and, actually, you will find one or two (very tiny) marks/stains here and there. Also, one grab handle missing a screw cap and, if you look hard enough (with a big enough magnifying glass), you will see some small scuffs to the seat controls. Still, the overriding impression when looking through the pictures of the cabin (there’s a reason there are so many) is just how beautiful it remains - right down to the small details.

Also take a moment to notice that the Sovereign is equipped with an Alpine 11 speaker audio system (with subwoofer), the aforementioned wood and leather steering wheel, electric steering adjust with memory, and three-position memory (heated) front seats and rather handy cup holders in the front arm rests.

The underside of the Jaguar appears infeasibly nice and it is the area of the car where you most realise just how protected it has been over its life. The original undersealing appears pretty intact and there is a general lack of corrosion or deterioration. This is particularly true of the outer faces of the lower sills, and it’s also worth noting how clean the bottoms of the doors are, as well as the (potentially), but not here) dirt collecting areas in the door cavities.

Going back under the car, look at the potentially more vulnerable components - exhaust brackets and bolts - bolts in general - or fuel and break lines; all are clean and appear to be in good working order. Similarly, brackets and bracing, suspension arms and springs look very sturdy and corrosion-free. Even the exhaust heat shield is pretty clean and remains in its proper position. Rubber gaiters on the suspension parts look supple and show no splits and bushes appear sound.

All four 16" wheels appear scuff-free and are secured by bright, corrosion-free bolts (an achievement in itself). 

Looking under the bonnet - with its very clean and tidy sound proofing - it isn’t always easy to see around the protective plastic covers to the V8. Even so, what you can see definitely inspires confidence. Everything appears present and very correct, and again; very clean. Again, it’s the small things which give you confidence; jubilee clip screws, caps, the way leads and cables attach to components - and the condition and deep colour of the plastics. If feels easy to have a lot of faith in this car.

This is a tricky one as most everything is in Japanese. The Jaguar does have a stamped service history as well as the auction/export report. It also retains all of its service books, but, like we said; Japanese. (It has been issued with a new UK V5). When weighing up the car, one must go back to its appearance and condition - those unduplicatable signs of careful stewardship - everything from the way the hifi buttons line up perfectly to the sturdy anti roll bar drop links. The evidence is in the detail. 

Since the vendor purchased the car back in February he has had routine service work completed as well as fitting new continental tyres all round, a full wheel alignment, new rear gas struts and more as indicated on the most recent invoice in the auction gallery. 

This would be that bit in the advert where it says; ‘not to be confused with lesser examples’, and this car definitely should not be. Apart from simply being an elegant driver’s car, it is its condition and the level of care it has obviously enjoyed that sets it apart. (And the colour combination is pretty chic too).

Being a long wheel-base version gives this Jaguar an extra dimension - literally - of being suitable for use as a wedding/event car, but really it deserves more than that - one for three grand less would do just as well for that. This one deserves cherishing and using for those special family days out.

Even at the top of X308 Sovereign values (excluding the XJR), this brand of special will probably come cheaper than its German rivals, and we would expect it to sell for between £6,000 and £10,000.

Inspection is always encouraged, within Govt. guidelines of course, and this particular car is located with us the vendor in Fareham; to arrange an appointment please use the ‘Contact Seller’ button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.