2008 Jaguar XJ6 3.0 V6 Executive

44 Bids Winner - mac3749
3:30 AM, 26 Jun 2025Vehicle sold
Sold for

£11,273

(inc. Buyer’s Premium)
Winner - mac3749
consigner image

Paul's review

Paul Hegarty - Consignment Specialist Message Paul

“ The smaller engine XJ is no less an XJ. Great specification, low miles and good history makes this lovely example a compelling buy! ”

This fine example delivers exactly that combination of assets in one, sleek looking and pristine package.

Background

Sir William Lyons, or “Mr Jaguar” as many would know him, could have easily been mistaken for a blue blood. He was always immaculately presented, had a penchant for a cravat and liked to have Jaguar publicity shots taken outside his country pile, Wappenbury Hall in Warwickshire. Then, of course, there was his later life ennoblement to the rank of Knight of the Realm in recognition of services to the British motor industry. In reality, however, William Lyons’s was born and bred in modest circumstances in Blackpool as the son of a shop keeper. It was purely through his drive, perseverance and hands-on ability that he was able to build a luxury and sporting car marque that would be known the world over. And all during his own lifetime.

Lyons’s magnum opus and swansong was not the E Type, or the XK120 or even the C or D Types but, in fact, the XJ6. Lyons would later say that the XJ6 was his "personal favourite" and "comes closer to than any other to what I always had in mind as my ideal car." Perhaps no surprise, then, that many of a certain age would associate the core attributes of the Jaguar brand with this curvaceous and accomplished sports saloon. It was no less than an automotive metaphor for Jaguar’s famed strap line – “Grace; Space; Pace.” So much so, indeed, that the 1968 XJ6 became ground zero for a model dynasty that would be reproduced in numerous forms until the X351 arrived in 2009.

The X350 iteration of the range debuted in 2003 to become the third interpretation of this successful recipe. Whilst retaining plenty of the original’s DNA, the X350 was all new and highly innovative. It was a bigger car than its predecessor, being six inches longer, two inches wider and a full five inches higher. Despite all this extra real estate, the X350 was claimed to be around 12% lighter. This feat was achieved courtesy of the decidedly space age stressed aluminium unibody whose construction was as complex as it was inspired. The process involved 284 stampings, 35 extrusions and 15 aluminium castings. These were bonded together with over 100 meters of aerospace-grade epoxy and 3,200 self-piercing boron steel rivets.

A 2007 facelifted model provided a late life update for the car and, confusingly, became known as the X358. This was designed to tune out some of the earlier models’ retro styling cues with the addition of a revised front grille and smoother-looking front bumper. The X358 range would be produced until March 2009 when it was discontinued in favour of a very different XJ – the X351.
 

Key Facts


  • Service History From New
  • ULEZ and CAZ Compliant
  • Heated Front Seats
  • Only 51,000 Miles
  • Cruise Control
  • 19 Inch Alloy Wheels

  • SAJKC71H58VH28719
  • 51,050 Miles
  • 2996cc
  • auto
  • Liquid Silver Pearl
  • Barley Leather
  • Right-hand drive
  • Petrol

Vehicle location
Lyne, Surrey, United Kingdom

Background

Sir William Lyons, or “Mr Jaguar” as many would know him, could have easily been mistaken for a blue blood. He was always immaculately presented, had a penchant for a cravat and liked to have Jaguar publicity shots taken outside his country pile, Wappenbury Hall in Warwickshire. Then, of course, there was his later life ennoblement to the rank of Knight of the Realm in recognition of services to the British motor industry. In reality, however, William Lyons’s was born and bred in modest circumstances in Blackpool as the son of a shop keeper. It was purely through his drive, perseverance and hands-on ability that he was able to build a luxury and sporting car marque that would be known the world over. And all during his own lifetime.

Lyons’s magnum opus and swansong was not the E Type, or the XK120 or even the C or D Types but, in fact, the XJ6. Lyons would later say that the XJ6 was his "personal favourite" and "comes closer to than any other to what I always had in mind as my ideal car." Perhaps no surprise, then, that many of a certain age would associate the core attributes of the Jaguar brand with this curvaceous and accomplished sports saloon. It was no less than an automotive metaphor for Jaguar’s famed strap line – “Grace; Space; Pace.” So much so, indeed, that the 1968 XJ6 became ground zero for a model dynasty that would be reproduced in numerous forms until the X351 arrived in 2009.

The X350 iteration of the range debuted in 2003 to become the third interpretation of this successful recipe. Whilst retaining plenty of the original’s DNA, the X350 was all new and highly innovative. It was a bigger car than its predecessor, being six inches longer, two inches wider and a full five inches higher. Despite all this extra real estate, the X350 was claimed to be around 12% lighter. This feat was achieved courtesy of the decidedly space age stressed aluminium unibody whose construction was as complex as it was inspired. The process involved 284 stampings, 35 extrusions and 15 aluminium castings. These were bonded together with over 100 meters of aerospace-grade epoxy and 3,200 self-piercing boron steel rivets.

A 2007 facelifted model provided a late life update for the car and, confusingly, became known as the X358. This was designed to tune out some of the earlier models’ retro styling cues with the addition of a revised front grille and smoother-looking front bumper. The X358 range would be produced until March 2009 when it was discontinued in favour of a very different XJ – the X351.
 

Video

Overview

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. Despite being a relative minnow for an XJ, this 2967cc 240bhp engine was sufficient to give the model a 0-60mph time of 7.8 seconds and a top speed of 145mph. As a mark of car manufacturing progress across the years, 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 August 2008. The car was lightly and sympathetically used on the salt-free and well-maintained Japanese road network until the end of 2024. In December 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. 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. This work amounted to around £2,500 of expenditure. 

Today this fine example presents in a corrosion free condition thanks to its pampered Japanese life.  The car is ULEZ / CAZ compliant and subject to a £360 annual VED charge. The Jaguar has covered a mere 51,046 miles to date making it an unusually low mileage, and as a result, a rarely seen example for its year.
 

Exterior

This lovely example of the last “real XJ” 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 corrosion free and in a nearly unmarked condition. It presents beautifully in its original Liquid Silver Pearl 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 it to manifest 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 and original fitments to the XJ6. They are fitted with black and silver Jaguar head centre caps. The wheels are shod with a mixed set of quality tyres (paired by axle) in a 255/40 configuration. These are reported as all retaining a good level of remaining tread.
 

Interior

Bill Lyons’s XJ6 interior was certainly of the “special occasion” variety, with the standard of fit and finish very much the equal of the high-class materials used. This X358 continues that proud tradition exuding luxury, elegance and charm by the bucket load.

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 a personalised driver environment. The rear cabin is equally well presented and trimmed in an identical way. A centre armrest folds down, and 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 audio system. A front dash camera and reversing camera are fitted as is cruise control, double glazed acoustic glass and fitted Jaguar carpet mats. A new headlining has been fitted, and the large boot is finished in the original, deep pile but hardwearing grey carpet. This is also home to the satellite navigation DVD reader and the multi-CD changer. 
 

Mechanical

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 “It runs and drives to perfection.” 
 

History

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 December 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. The vendor confirms that the XJ6 is ULEZ and CAZ exempt and is not subject to any insurance premium uplift based on its import history.

Summary

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 fine example delivers exactly that combination of assets in one, sleek looking and pristine package. Its low mileage Japanese life has helped ensure 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 worries or concerns over the car’s condition or history. Often a cliché, but entirely apt in this case, this X358 offers a huge amount of William Lyons’ inspired car for the money.

We are happy to offer this car for auction with an estimate in the range of £8,000 - £12,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this particular car is located with the vendor in Lyne, Surrey. To arrange an appointment to inspect this vehicle, please use the ‘Enquire About This Vehicle’ button on the listing. Feel free to ask any questions, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.


 

About this auction

Seller

Trade: v12vandenplas


Viewings Welcome

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and is strictly by appointment. To book one in the diary, please get in contact.

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