2008 Jaguar X358 3.0 Petrol

This excellent example of the X358 is a 2008 3-litre petrol model. The lighter construction of the X350 allowed for the use of the popular the 3.0-litre AJV6 engine previously seen in the S-Type. This 2967cc 240bhp engine was sufficient to give the model a 0-60mph time of 7.8 seconds and a top speed of 145mph. By way of an apt demonstration of how the range had developed, this compared favourably with the original XJ12 of 1972.

Our example was supplied new to the Japanese home market via the Jaguar dealer network in April 2008. The car was lightly and sympathetically used on the salt-free and well-maintained Japanese road network until the beginning of 2024. In April of 2024 the Jaguar was imported to the UK by a specialist marque connoisseur and enthusiast.

On its arrival in the UK the Jaguar benefitted from a full, professional inspection with any areas requiring attention being addressed. The XJ was also converted to a full UK specification at this point too. Work undertaken included a replacement headlining, wheel refurbishment, a new air suspension compressor and the provision and programming of a spare key. The conversion work included new number plate plinths, a radio frequency expansion, provision and uploading of a UK satellite navigation DVD and the fitment of a miles per hour speedometer.

Today this fine example presents in a corrosion free condition, benefitting from a machine polish and ceramic coating and ready to drive and enjoy. The car is ULEZ / CAZ compliant and subject to a £345 annual VED charge. The Jaguar has covered a mere 50,321 miles to date making it an unusually low mileage example for the year.

This example has clearly benefited from spending the vast majority its life in Japan. No road-salt is used in Japan and the majority of the country enjoys a dryer and more benign climate than Western Europe. As such this X358 is reported to be entirely rust free and in a nearly unmarked condition. It presents beautifully in its original and very rare Winter Gold livery. 

The front of the car features quad headlamps with individual power washers, front fog lamps and sporting looking upper and lower mesh grills are fitted. The X358 exhibits minimal chrome embellishments helping to lend it a sophisticated yet sporting look. The signature wing vents with accompanying Jaguar badging help underline this subtly sporting demeanour. A discreet boot lid lip spoiler is noted as are the body-coloured parking sensors front and rear. The double-glazed acoustic cabin glass and light lenses are clear and un-fogged and free from imperfection.

The Jaguar sits on 19-inch, ten spoke Carelia alloy wheels. These multi spoked items are in pristine condition having been fully refurbished and balanced just a couple of months ago. They are fitted with black and silver Jaguar head centre caps. The wheels are shod in a matching set of quality Continental tyres in a 235/40 configuration. These are reported as all retaining at least 6mm of remaining tread.

Jaguar are renowned masters of the “special occasion” cabin with the standard of fit and finish very much the equal of the high-class materials used. This X358 is certainly no exception to that rule with the cabin exuding luxury, elegance and charm in abundance.

This XJ’s cabin is awash with Barley hued hides combined with copious accents of dark walnut, gloss varnished veneer. The front seats are generously bolstered with central perforated panels. These are fully electrically adjustable as well as three stage heated and cooled. A three-position seat memory function is also present which is paired to the electrically adjusted pedal box and wing mirrors for the ultimate in personalised comfort and safety.

The rear cabin is equally well presented and trimmed in the same exquisite way. A centre armrest folds down and, when opened, reveals cup holders and twin felt lined storage cubbies. Rear seat ventilation and climate control is provided via centrally mounted vents between the front seats.

The dashboard is fronted with walnut veneer which sits between leather trimmed and stitched upper and lower rolls. The white on black gauges sit in a hooded binnacle which, in turn, sits behind the original four spoke multifunction leather steering wheel. The centre console houses the big control screen and numerous other switches. The control screen manages the functions of the dual-zone climate control, satellite navigation and the 320W music system.

A new headlining is fitted, and the complementary hued woollen carpets are in a fine and original condition. These are protected with fitted carpet mats. The large boot is finished in the original, hardwearing grey carpet. This is also home to the satellite navigation DVD reader and the multi-CD changer. An unused looking space saver spare wheel is housed under the floor together with original jack and tools.

This Jaguar features the tried and tested 3-litre AJ30 V6 petrol engine. Essentially a Ford unit the engine also received significant design input from mechanical luminaries Porsche and Cosworth. Power is fed to the rear wheels via a six speed ZF automatic transmission. Despite this being a large car, its aluminium unibody construction helps keep the kerb weight sensible, thus endowing the car with an impressive turn of speed when called upon.

The under-bonnet presentation appears to be flawless with all expected data plates and workshop alerts in place. By today’s fully faired in standards the AJ30 is a characterful engine displaying a sinuous and nicely finished alloy intake manifold. Given the car’s age the underside looks clean and straight and almost completely faired in with aerodynamic and protective plastic covers.

This is an impressively low mileage example of the X358, and its condition suggests diligent and attentive care and maintenance throughout. Additionally, the car was thoroughly checked by Jaguar specialist technicians on arrival giving it a clean bill of health to go along with an advisory free MoT. The current owner reports that “all electrical items work as they should. It runs and drives to perfection with a perfect engine, gearbox, suspension and brakes.”

The current V5 in the name of the owner is present, detailing him as the first UK keeper. 

The car currently holds an advisory free MoT which is valid until March 2025. 

Two Jaguar keys are also included as is the original Japanese market book pack. 

These are joined by a number of documents relating to the import process as well as an invoice for £2090 for pre-sale preparation, to include a new headliner, air suspension compressor, wheel refurbishment and a machine polish and ceramic coating. 

For some the X358 encapsulates the ultimate development of the original 1968 Jaguar XJ6 concept and ethos. Beloved by purists as the last Jaguar saloon to benefit from the direct input of “Mr Jaguar,” Sir William Lyons. With the passing years and the X358s now around 17 years old, finding a low-mileage, pristine and corrosion free example remains the key challenge.

This car ticks all those “hard to find but important to have” boxes. Its low mileage Japanese life has helped underwrite the unusually fine and totally original condition of this example. In addition to that everything has been attended to by renowned Jaguar specialists meaning that the new owner can enjoy the car without any nagging worries or concerns. The result is an exceptionally well sorted exemplar of the breed which is ready to use, enjoy and cherish immediately.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at Bonhams|Cars Online HQ. Viewings are STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT and we are open weekdays between 10am- 12pm or 2pm-4pm. To make a booking, 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, and read our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.