Jaguar XJR: Catch It While You Can
Straight-six or V8, the XJR is an old-school Jag to snap up and savour before it's too late
Straight-six X300 has bags of character
Its replacement, the X300 basically took all the best bits of the old XJ40, added in a dose of reliability and quality, and ended up enjoying an extended Indian summer that lasted well into the 21st century. The supercharged XJR sat at the top of the range. It was the one to have - it looked great then, is sinister now and, thanks to a shrill supercharger whine, had a wonderful charismatic soundtrack all of its own, the absolute antithesis of its urbane German rivals.
The core to the XJR's appeal was its straight-six supercharged performance. With 320hp on tap it powered to a maximum speed of 155mph and 0-60mph in 5.9 seconds and was capable of giving the contemporary E34-generation BMW M5 a run for its money. Most were autos, but if you could find a manual, you'll find the XJR even quicker. Importantly for most of its fans, the XJR wasn't - and isn't - flash in the way of the opposition.
V8 brought more noise and more pace to proceedings
We love 'em even if the market currently undervalues them somewhat - but there's no reason not to use this rare pre-adjustment of the market to your favour, and bag a bargain Jaguar before too many people cotton on. Checking out the PH classifieds confirms that XJRs are a hell of a bargain right now, with early six-cylinder cars starting from a mere £2,000.
The straight sixes are cheaper simply because they're older than the V8, not because they are inferior - although neither have really found reason to start appreciating. But some specialists - and enthusiastic owners - would say that the six-pots are a better all-round proposition than the V8. Expect to pay between £2,000 and £5,000 for an X300 that's been loved with a full specialist service history. Only these cars had the option of manual transmission, which now commands a premium. But like all Jaguars of this era, the XJR works better as an auto.
XJR100 remains sought after special edition
We'll put to bed that these cars are unreliable. The X300 is dependable and, in many ways, less troublesome than the V8 car that followed it. Its six-cylinder AJ16 engine is sound aside from the odd misfire, and that's usually down to a failing coil pack. Unlike earlier Jaguars, it won't leak oil either, unless something's badly amiss.
The X308 car suffers from more niggles, although the premature bore-wear that afflicted the Nikasil cylinder-lining of '97 and '98 (and which I really shouldn't mention) is now a thing of the past. They can suffer from worn tensioners and water pumps, both of which you might not spot, due to the car's overall refinement. All of them have complex suspension, and bushes that need regular replacement - and don't forget to watch out for rusty rear arches.
Other than that, they're good as gold, and just fabulous to drive. These retro-styled Jags of old might be out of step with what's coming out of the factory now, but they still attract a huge following, and the XJR is a 1990s highlight. For me, the bulletproof nature of the X300 makes it the one to buy, especially at today's prices. Another one to grab now before the rest of the world catches on...
For that money though I do need to tidy up a couple of spots of rust and change some bushes.
Oh and figure out how to get the old style aircon working, oh and the heated screens
I went for the earlier straight 6 because everyone said that the engine is nearly apocalypse proof and the gearbox is the strongest.
Loving it.
If you look closely on the bonnet above the lights you can often see the metal. Reassuring.
Had the LWB for a while, which was slightly visually impaired in that jag could not afford the new stampings and engineering to move the pillar behind the front doors back and so cut and shut the original SWB and just added longer rear doors.
Those were the days. Great car though.
I really should have realised I could have bargained off the £500 difference between the two cars and gone for the Jag!
At a Milbury's meet, one of our lovely PHers was pleasant enough to let me have a go in his V8 XJR. It was mental. Like driving a supercharged sofa. So comfortable, so refined... but the rate at which the countryside was whizzing past the windows was at a complete juxtaposition with how relaxed it was inside. Unique cars that are absolutely endearing and utterly awesome.
I know he's sold it now, but I still see it occasionally pounding around Southampton. Wish I'd bought it.
I'm planning on getting an X308 later in the year. Just an XJ mind. But still, I've fallen for them and those good looks. What was Jaguar's name for the turquoise paint, as seen above? I love it, my brother hates it!
I picked it up for the bargain price of £4.5k - 70k miles and full service history from a retired surgeon. I've spent a bit on new rear shocks, tyres, bushing, A/C re-gas, etc. (in fact it's in the Jag Workshop in Ealing today getting a new headlining!), but it's now running puuurfectly - I use it every day.
Very underestimated and overlooked super-saloon that's destined for classic status.
I'm planning on getting an X308 later in the year. Just an XJ mind. But still, I've fallen for them and those good looks. What was Jaguar's name for the turquoise paint, as seen above? I love it, my brother hates it!
I was looking for a straight six manual when I bought mine. Very rare, but I'd love to have a go in one.
but to dissagree with the article for a moment...
" the 1986 XJ40, a sometimes rusty and troublesome car that combined retro styling and undercooked electronics"
i will give you the rust and electrics but RETRO- what the actual F are you on about. it's the x300 & x308 that are retro the XJ40 was a very modern design interpretation of the series 1-3 XJ's. It was infact too modern looking according to most which is why they went retro with the X300.
rant over.
oh and dont forget the original non supercharged XJR
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