2005 Jaguar XJ 4.2 Special Equipment

The vendor and his invariably superb cars are very well-known to all of us here at HQ.

He has carved out a successful niche in importing exceptional Jaguars and other prestige cars from Japan.

He understands and appreciates that luxury European brands have a good deal of kudos attached to them in the land of the rising sun and that, consequently, they are almost always pampered, cared-for, protected and curated with levels of care verging on the obsessive.

He also knows that salt is used for throwing over the shoulders of Sumo wrestlers in Japan, not chucking all over the roads, as we do for some woeful reason in this country.

All of these factors combined mean that Japanese cars coming our way from this vendor are always minty-fresh, squeaky-clean, salt-free and, frankly, world-class.

This particular model is the rarer and more coveted SE (Special Equipment) SWB (Short Wheelbase) iteration of the X350 XJ8, meaning it has the handling and dynamics to really make the most of the car’s fine 4.2-litre engine and powertrain. 

Highlights on its long and comprehensive options list include the following.

• 18″ Dynamic Alloy Wheels with Pirelli P Zero Tyres
• Bi-Xenon Headlamps with Power Wash
• Front and Rear Parking Sensors
• Front Fog Lamps
• Power-Folding Door Mirrors
• Reverse Camera
• Heated and Electrically Adjustable Front Seats with Memory
• Electrically Adjustable Pedals and Mirrors with Memory
• Heated and Reclining Rear Seats with Memory
• Electric Rear Window Blind
• Rear Door Sun Blinds
• Touchscreen UK Satellite Navigation
• Cruise Control
• Alpine Premium Audio System with Subwoofer
• Wood and Leather Multifunction Steering Wheel

It starts, drives, handles and stops with all the capability and refinement we’ve come to know and appreciate in these always impressive cars. 

‘Emerald Fire’ with ‘Barley’ hide leather interior, it is also in quite exceptional condition, inside and out, even by the lofty standards of the vendor.

The car is virtually unmarked inside and out, there’s no corrosion anywhere that we can see, and it has been fully switched to UK spec – MPH speedometer/odometer, UK satellite navigation, UK lights, and full-sized front and rear number plate plinths.

We advise selling your television. 

You don’t need it. 

Just get a comfy chair, some decent lighting, and spend your free time staring at this car.

The extraordinary ‘Emerald Fire’ paintwork is a dazzlingly mesmeric colour and one that shifts and morphs like a chimaera as the light refracts into countless hues ranging from deep green to teal-blue and everything in between.

And, just to make sure the finish pops and signs optimally in the sunshine, it’s been machine polished and finished with ceramic sealant.

Even entirely standard light scratches, scuffs and stone chips are far more notable for their absence than their presence.

Underneath the paintwork you will find pristine bodywork that’s untroubled by any dinks, dents, creases, dimples or wrinkles that we can see anywhere.

The shut-lines and panel gaps look crisp, consistent and even. 

All four alloy wheels appear to be untroubled by any unwarranted encounters with kerbs or other roadside obstacles, and the matching 235/50 ZR18 Pirelli P-Zero tyres look to have a reasonable amount of life left in them. 

The car’s chrome-work is free of any foxing or tarnishing, and the lights, lenses, badging and other exterior fixtures and fittings all look utterly untroubled by time, use, weather or other external factors.

As is virtually always the case with this particular feature (on various makes of car), the satin-finish alloy trim surrounding the side windows has adopted a faintly mottled pattern.

Very few manufacturers come close to matching the classy, elegant interiors offered by Jaguar at their best.

The interior of this example is no exception and is pretty much a masterclass in the arcane skills of the saddler and the French polisher.

Pretty much everything in the gentlemen’s club-like interior is in exemplary order, not least because it has been professionally detailed and the leather cleaned and fed with high quality products. 

The wood veneers on the dashboard, door cappings and centre console wouldn’t look out of place on a Sheraton table and are relentlessly rich, glossy and opulent. 

The ‘Barley’ leather seats are comfortable, supportive and fully functional, front and back.

There’s more cream-coloured hide in here than you’d find at a Jersey cattle market, and all of it is supple, rich, welcoming and untroubled by anything so vulgar as a crease.

There are no meaningful signs of wear anywhere that we can discern.

The door cards are excellent, as is the headlining.

The brown carpets and mats are following the same impressive script in terms of quality and condition. 

The wood and leather steering wheel, gear selector and handbrake are entirely unblemished.

As far as we’re aware, all switches, dials, buttons, levers and instruments do exactly as they’re told without any displays of tardiness or petulance.

The rear central armrest hosts a control unit for the entertainment system. Its counterpart at the front contains two cup holders, the black plastic surround to which is starting to shed some of its lacquer.

The vast boot, needless to say, is immaculate and doesn’t look as if it’s ever played host to anything weightier or bulkier than a raincoat or a hat.

It contains a space-saver wheel.

The car has been given a complete mechanical and electrical inspection (with all and any faults addressed), a full service, and now complies with all UK regulations and preferences regarding, lights, odo/speedo calibration, number plate plinths and satellite navigation – at a total cost of over £2,500.

There’s not much to look at under the cowls and covers in the very full engine bay, but rest assured that underneath them resides a powerful and well-regarded 4.2-litre V8 capable of summoning-up 294bhp.

Everything in the engine bay looks as clean, dry and correct as you’d hope and expect to find on a car that’s been so fastidiously cared-for and curated.

We’re pretty sure that the undersides of this car wouldn’t recognise rain, snow, sleet, slush or salt if they turned up in an identity parade.

This is a one-owner-in-Japan car. 

It comes with full export paperwork and has entirely standard UK insurance classification - so, no import uplift - and attracts road tax at the annual rate of £360.

It also comes with a full and comprehensive service history, but you may need to brush up on your Japanese language skills if you’re going to fully understand the contents.

Rest assured, though, that the vendor only ever sources the best cars from Japan, and that invariably means that the cars have impeccable service, maintenance and repair credentials. 

The car comes with 2 full sets of keys, a pack of books and manuals, a new issue UK V5C, an HPI report, a mileage verification certificate, and an MoT, with no advisories whatsoever, that’s valid until 11.6.26. 

We’ve long thought that the final iterations of the XJ model line (when they were still recognisably related to Heynes’ and Lyons’ seminal design) are seriously underrated cars.

They are very well built, opulently appointed in Jaguar’s typically classy way, and are mechanically and dynamically highly capable luxury cars.

This one is in time-warp condition and we know from its Japanese provenance that it will be every bit as good as it appears to be.

And then there’s that utterly sublime colour.

Did we mention the colour?

We are happy to offer this car for auction with an estimate in the range of £10,000 - £14,000.

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 ‘Enquire About This Vehicle’ button on the listing. Feel free to ask any questions, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.