Friday 26th August 2011

SOTW: Jaguar XJ6 3.2 Sport

Shed returns to its fast-luxury heartland...

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After several weeks of Shed of the Week oddities (and if you don't call an Austin Ambassador, a V6-engined MR2 and Vauxhall Cavalier Sports Hatch odd, then we would politely question your sanity), SOTW has returned to its spiritual heartland with today's offering.

By the time the 'X300' XJ6 came along in the mid-1990s, Jaguar may have lost its way slightly with the third part of its 1960s mission statement to provide grace, pace and space, but it still had the first two bits in abundance.

These days, Jaguar has fully embraced modernity, but the Jaguar of the 1990s was still stuck in a retro rut. Even so, the sleek, graceful lines of this 3.2 Sport still have a certain timeless balance to them.

True, you might risk looking a little Arfur Daley-esque (particularly with the shiny hubcaps and coachline), and you might have to explain to people that you're not driving a Jaaaggg about just because Clarkson told you they're cool (even though he's right), but just look at that creamy, leathery, woody interior...

Unlike the last time we featured a Jaguar of this era (an XJR that seemed attractively powerful, but unattractively tatty) this particular car also sounds like it's in pretty decent nick.

It's done a chunky but not ridiculous 121k miles, seems to have been regularly and diligently serviced. It also seems to be visually pretty tidy, aside from a few minor rust bubbles and a spot of peeling paint lacquer. Heck, it's even got a full 12 months MOT.

There is more than one person at PHHQ who would be mighty tempted by this. If it wasn't for that coachline...

Advert is reproduced below

1995 Jaguar XJ6 3.2 Sport (1995)
121,300 miles £825

1995 Jaguar XJ6 3.2 Sport in carnival red with all the usual Jaguar refinements.

Starting off with the mechanicals, the engine is the trusty 3.2 litre chain cam straight six engine. It pulls well and runs nicely up to temperature, doesn't overheat, burn oil or leak any fluids. The gearbox shifts smoothly with no untoward noises or jerky changes. 

The car had a lubrication service in April and the front upper shock absorber bushes were replaced. I have receipts for all parts purchased. All the warning lights extinguish during ignition as they should. All the electrics work with the exception of the infamous digital clock. The air con blows cold, seemingly a rarity on X300 Jaguars.

The bodywork and interior are clean and tidy with no major issues. There are a couple of very small rust bubbles around the edge of the rear screen and one on the edge of the windscreen. There is patch of peeling lacquer on the rear passenger door. The car looks very clean and presentable with smart white coachlines. All the alloy wheels are in good order. 

I have one working key and one working remote fob. 

Overall this is a very cheap introduction to luxury motoring. The car is totally dependable and I've just completed a 1000+ mile journey through France without any issues, in fact, it was a pleasure to drive over such a long distance. The car has a new MOT and is ready to be driven away. 

MOT expires: 08/2012
Road tax expires: 09/2011

 

[johnpeat]

It's a shed for sure and the price is right - I fear we may be hearing stories of woe in the pages to come tho

[johnpeat]

billzeebub said:

just the thing for popping down to the Winchester Club

Oi Terry!

[johnpeat]

Would I be right in saying this has been the best received and most univerally popular SOTW in recent memory?

I even fancy it myself but being tall I've learned that you buy BMWs and Mercs and not Jag - but - but - but

[johnpeat]

Ecurie Ecosse said:

I'm 6 foot 4, powerfully built and a conpany director and the X300s are
more than comfortable for me.

I'm fantastically amused that your employment status weighs heavily on this issue - perhaps non Company Directors may struggle tho???

They're not actually small but they feel small - they're relatively low (roof line) also makes them feel less spacious - certainly there's not the 'big car' feeling you get from a 7 Series or S Class but perhaps that's deliberate...