1991 Jaguar XJR 4.0

Lot details
Registration No: J422KNH
Chassis No: SAJJPALD3AD653089
Mot Expiry: Jan 2013

Following numerous delays, the all new XJ6 (XJ40) was finally launched in October 1986 as a replacement for Jaguar's ageing Series III cars. More evolutionary than revolutionary, it boasted all-round independent suspension, power-assisted rack and pinion steering, four-wheel disc brakes and generous levels of sound deadening. It proved to be a credible alternative to the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and BMW 7 Series and was well received by the contemporary UK motoring press. The newcomer was initially available with a choice of two variants of the straight-six AJ6 powerplant - the 2.9-litre SOHC unit or the 3.6-litre DOHC engine. The former produced 165bhp and 176lbft of torque and the latter gave 221bhp and 248lbft of torque. Allied to either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic 'J-gate' transmission, they allowed purchasers to prioritise performance over economy and vice versa. By 1989, Jaguar had been bought by Ford, who changed the engine offerings to a 3.2-litre DOHC unit or a 4.0-litre DOHC one. The built-to-order XJR variant was a JaguarSport product, born of a partnership between Jaguar and Tom Walkinshaw's TWR concern. Once produced, the standard cars were shipped to TWR for completion. The modifications included engine upgrade, enhanced suspension, bodykit and special interior trim. From 1990 onwards, the output of the 4.0-litre XJR was around 250bhp. Just 273 Series 1 XJRs and 293 Series 2 models were built in right-hand drive form.

This smartly-presented, three-owner Series 2 XJR 4.0 is a 1991 right-hand drive example finished in Flamenco Red and trimmed in Red-piped Magnolia-coloured hide. We understand the indicated mileage of 43,648 is supported by a full service history (20 stamps) and old MOTs (every one to date), and that the last service was carried out at 39,460 miles. Since then the Jaguar has been treated to new brake pads, front dampers, rear hub bearings and a battery. The vendor considers this eye-catching saloon to be "excellent in all respects" and to "drive extremely well". It comes with old tax discs, invoices, letters and notes by previous keepers, original sales brochures, repair and parts manuals, two sets of keys, handbooks in their original leather case, original tookit etc. A rare opportunity.