2003 Jaguar XJR

This sublime XJR was manufactured about six months into X350 production in June 2003. Like all X350s, this car’s bodyshell would have originated in Castle Bromwich. That monster of a supercharged V8 engine would have come from Bridgend in Wales. These key 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. The XJR spent its life on the salt-free roads and in the benign climate of Japan until 2022. 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 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, it was fully registered in the UK (September 2022) and an advisory free MoT obtained.

The body work has been treated to a four-stage preparation process finishing off with a ceramic sealant. All interior leather has been professionally cleaned and fed with quality hide food. This fine example is now ready to use and enjoy by its lucky second UK owner.

As is Jaguar’s way, the design of the X350 was a case of evolution not revolution. Ian Callum, who was Design Director of Jaguar at the time, put it better than anyone. "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." Surely the essence of a range topping Jaguar saloon?

This example has clearly benefited from spending its life up to 2022 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 and in nearly unmarked condition. It presents very well indeed in its original Pearlescent Liquid Silver livery. 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 of the collapsible variety. Zenon headlamps with individual washers and the sporting looking mesh grill are fitted. The X350 exhibits minimal accents of chrome to the bumper covers which looks bright and clean. 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 Performance alloy wheels. These ten-spoke items are in pristine condition and the open architecture of the wheels allows sight of the Jaguar R inscribed brake callipers. The wheels are shod in a matching set of Bridgestone Regno GR-X1 tyres in 255/40 configuration.

This XJR’s cabin is, of course, no exception. 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, lined storage and a full audio control panel with headphone outputs. The rear seats are also heated for optimum comfort and convenience.

The dashboard is fronted with light, burr walnut veneer which sits between leather trimmed and stitched upper and lower panels. 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 320W Alpine music system.

A new headliner has been fitted and black carpets are in a fine and original condition. The door cards are finished in double stitched leather and walnut veneer. 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.

As a high-specification luxury saloon the XJR is full 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 on the sensible side. As a result, this is a car with supercar worrying performance potential. The 0-60 mph sprint was originally dispatched in 5.3 seconds and the top speed was pegged at a limited 155mph.

Before being re-imported to the UK in 2022 the Jaguar has benefitted from full dealer servicing in Japan. Additionally, on arrival to the UK the specialist owner fully checked the car to include all suspension components, brakes, steering, engine, gearbox and electrical components.

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 in fine fettle. The underside looks clean and straight and really belies the age of the car, thanks again to Japan’s impeccable road management.

The XJR comes with a good 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.

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 the end of June 2023. Two Jaguar keys are included with one being a brand-new item.

Very few cars, at any price-point, can deliver such a broad set of skills wrapped in such a sublime yet subtle looking package as the X350 XJR. The fact that all this comfort, luxury and heart-quickening performance is available at such an attainable price is, frankly, astounding. A car that truly embodies Jaguar’s “pace and grace” mantra.

This example is a compelling proposition, too. Its Japanese life has translated into a sensible original mileage example in a condition that is very hard to replicate with UK 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 surprises of the unpleasant kind. Don’t miss your chance to own a V8 performance saloon, the likes of which will never be produced again.

We estimate that this Jaguar XJR will reach anywhere between £8,000 - £12,000.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located with us at The Market HQ near Abingdon; 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’.