2003 Jaguar XJR 4.2 Supercharged

This sublime XJR was manufactured within the first year of X350 production in 2003. Like all X350s, this car’s bodyshell would have originated from the ex-Spitfire and Lancaster factory in Castle Bromwich. That monster of a supercharged V8 engine would have come from Bridgend in Wales. These exalted ingredients were all melded together at the spiritual home of Jaguar – Browns Lane in Coventry.

From Coventry the car was shipped directly to Japan to be distributed and sold through the Jaguar dealer network there. This XJR has spent virtually all its life on the salt-free roads and in the benign climate of Japan until 2024. At that point the car was imported to the UK by the current, Jaguar specialist dealer.

On arrival in the UK the car was brought up to a full UK specification. This includes provision of full-sized number plate plinths, an MPH speedometer face, UK satellite navigation maps and radio spectrum. Additionally, the car was thoroughly checked by Jaguar specialist technicians on arrival at a cost of over £2,500. It was registered in the UK in November 2024 and an advisory free MoT obtained at that stage.

"The new XJ is a luxury car with a true sense of gravitas. The proportions, stance and obvious dynamic quality clearly display that all-important Jaguar DNA and give it real presence on the road." Not our words but those of Ian Callum the Jaguar Director of Design at the time. Surely the essence of a range topping Jaguar saloon?

This example has clearly benefited from spending its life up to last year 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 XJR is reported to be entirely rust free, in an unmarked condition and devoid of any paint or bodywork repairs. It presents very well indeed in its factory original Brooklands Green livery. Since import the XJR has been treated to a full body detailing, machine polishing and the application of aceramic sealer. As a result, every panel seems to exude a deep and lustrous shine and helps to emphasise the subtle yet appealing design language.

The front of the car features a chromed Jaguar leaper, and a distinctive mesh grill insert. Xenon headlamps with power wash system and front fog lamps are fitted. The matt black windows surrounds add to the subtly sporting look of the car. The expected Jaguar R badges are in evidence on the boot lid and behind each front wheel. All cabin glass and light lenses are clear and un-fogged and free from imperfection.

The car sits on 19-inch Jaguar alloy wheels. These five-spoke items are in pristine condition thanks to a post import refurbishment and the open architecture of the wheels allows sight of the Jaguar R inscribed brake callipers. A new set of 255/40 configuration tyres are also fitted.

This XJR’s cabin is a superb place to spend time, of course. It is awash with Charcoal leather with twin, red needle stitching paired with copious accents of burr walnut veneer. The front seats are deeply bolstered and stitched into generous horizontal panels. Discreet “R” emblems are embossed into the backrests and the extremities of the seats are finished with contrasting red double stitching. The seats are fully electrically adjustable and three stage heated.

The rear bench is equally well presented and trimmed in the same exquisite way. A centre armrest folds down and, when opened, reveals cup holders and ample lined storage. The rear seats are also heated for optimum comfort and convenience. An electric rear roller blind and side window blinds help ensure privacy can be enjoyed when required. A new headliner has also been fitted.

The dashboard is fronted with burr walnut veneer which sits between leather trimmed and stitched top and bottom 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 and the 13-speaker 320W Alpine music system. The original remote control is also present.

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. Currently the Sat nav unit reader is not operable but the vendor is willing to supply a replacement for the new owner. 

As a high-specification luxury saloon the XJR is impressively equipped. Refinements include satellite navigation, front and rear parking sensors, radar cruise control, electrically adjustable pedals and steering wheel with full memory function.

The XJR houses a behemoth of a V8 supercharged engine. The 4,196cc unit is fitted with an Eaton supercharger which, itself, boasts a 2L capacity! This is sufficient to produce 395bhp and nearly 400Ib-ft of all important torque. Despite this being a large car, its aluminium unibody construction helps keep the kerb weight impressively low. As a result, this is a luxurious saloon car with supercar troubling performance capabilities. The 0-60 mph sprint was originally dispatched in 5.3 seconds and the top speed was pegged at a limited 155mph.

The under-bonnet presentation appears to be flawless with all expected data plates and workshop alerts in place. Even the original under bonnet insulation is present and in good order. The predominantly fared in underside looks clean and straight and really belies the age of the car, thanks to its charmed Japanese history.

The XJR comes with an impressive level of history verifying paperwork. You may need to brush up on your Japanese for some of this, however. The Japanese elements include the original book pack and numerous workshop documents from the car’s service history. This is believed to have been full and diligent throughout the car’s life.

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 2026. An invoice is included detailing a spend of over £2,500 from the end of last year. This documents this spend on new tyres, refurbished alloy wheels, fully body detailing with machine polishing and ceramic sealer, new headliner, new battery and new suspension components. Two new Jaguar keys are also included.

The vendor notes that annual road tax currently costs £360 and that insurance rates carry no premium over a UK supplied model.  An Emissions Certificate is also available from Jaguar to make it ULEZ and CAZ complaint with a cost of only £160, making it a perfect city daily classic.

Sir William Lyons would doubtless have been very proud of the X350 XJR. He would have loved that all this comfort, luxury and heart-quickening performance is available at such an attainable, too. A car that truly embodies Jaguar’s “pace, space and grace” mantra.

This example is a compelling proposition, too. Its Japanese life has translated into a condition that is very hard to find in UK based cars of the same vintage. Everything has been attended to by Jaguar specialists meaning that the new owner can enjoy the car without any nagging worries about what the motoring future holds. They don’t make cars like this anymore and here’s your chance to sample this remarkable automotive achievement.

We are happy to offer this car for auction with an estimate in the range of £8,000 - £10,000.

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’.