SOTW: Jaguar XJR
Is this the most powerful Shed of the Week ever?
There is no denying that today's SOTW is a major punt. Semi-bespoke performance saloons are not known for their low running costs, Jaguars are not renowned for their longevity, and 50,000 miles of unknown history is going to be a worry to the bravest of gamblers. Especially when said car's MOT runs out in two months.
But despite so many things about this M-plate Jaguar XJR ringing more or less every Shed alarm bell out there, once we spotted it there was little doubt that we had found today's Shed of the Week.
There are just so many things that scream 'want' about this car. For a start, we don't think we've ever broken the 300bhp barrier on Shed, and to do so in a roadworthy car is a treat indeed. Secondly, the sporty barge is close to the heart of what SOTW stands for. Thirdly, we just love a Jaguar.
This X300-era XJR might not quite have the poke of the later V8 version, but you'll pay at least double that for one of those, and for a grand it would be a churlish fellow who feels that 321bhp and 378lb ft isn't enough to be getting on with.
It being a fast Jag, the transmission is naturally a 4-speed auto, (although 268 XJRs, 103 of them RHD, were fitted with a five-speed Getrag manual, though that info does come courtesy of Wikipedia and so must be treated with caution), while leather and wood abound in the cabin.
Outside it's not perfect (the missing passenger side mirror being a prime example of that), but who cares when you've got the first-ever supercharged Jaguar on your drive for just £1k?
Well, you might, when it comes to MOT time and you're faced with a stack of bills. But SOTW has never been about making sensible choices...
Advert is reproduced below
jaguar xjr straight 6 supercharged (1995)
97,000 miles £1,000
hi here we have my M reg jaguar xjr supercarged in saphire blue with grey leather an 97,000 miles.i have service history up to 47,000 very well looked after car needs some tlc on rear arches an passenger wing mirror missing.also chrome trim on back bumper is bent where someone before i had the car tried stealng it. very fast an reliable car everything works as it should,age related marks mot till june tax till july.any questions feel free to call
You have class, performance, bruiser AND cruiser in a car which was supposedly far better made and more reliable than the cars which came before it (although they did set new lows in those fields so it's hardly a positive thing!!)
Horror stories about parts costs and the 'great unknown' of more than half it's mileage would suggest this is a 'drive it until it stops' car - but a nice one at least!!
The idea of a straight six in a Jag sits easier with me than the modern Jag phenomena of a V8.
Probably be cheaper in the medium to long term to spend three or four times what this car is being offered for and buy a cherished example. Manual box for me ideally. Black with black leather would complete the picture.
Well looked after, then goes on to list reams of a problems, some of which clearly show it has not been looked after.
Seems to have missed the broken seat buckle shown in the photo as well. I just wonder what has not been photographed.
I think this would take a rather brave shed hunter...
Well looked after, then goes on to list reams of a problems, some of which clearly show it has not been looked after.
Seems to have missed the broken seat buckle shown in the photo as well. I just wonder what has not been photographed.
I think this would take a rather brave shed hunter...
I had a V8 for a year, everyone loved it but I never quite clicked with it somehow. I'd be very keen to try a 6 cylinder one, I suspect they might actually be the better car. I've seen a few V12's hovering around the SOTW budget, which might be a better buy?
Yes, they did make a few manual ones, they must really shift.
He's certainly got a black one, a V8 though IIRC.
This is a superb piece of sheddage.
My BIL bought a newer but(much) slower Sport version last year. It cost him very little and is in superb condition. He's had it twelve months and has had zero problems. I went wafting in it and it feels solid and well put together.
The R is just mental.
No, I thought SOTW was about the overlooked stars in the ads that you actually could buy (and run) within the 1000 pounds bracket. A few of years ago (when I didn't know SOTW) I was actually looking for a car for about that price and ended up with a Nissan Primera. It worked fine for a couple of years and hence would have been a prime shed, if only it had been more fun to drive.
What do people think? What should the SOTW be, just for dreamers or also for serious bargainers?
Somewhat a contradiction in terms, surely?
"...also chrome trim on back bumper is bent where someone before i had the car tried stealng it."
Oh well, I'm impressed the previous owner liked the car so much they wanted it back!
JJ
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