1994 Jaguar Sovereign 4.0

Lot details
Registration No: L152EAY
Chassis No: SAJJHALD3AJ708017
Mot Expiry: Nov 2012

Following numerous delays, the all new XJ6 (or XJ40 to use its code name) 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. However, 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 (a derivative of Jaguar's legendary V12) 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. They also replaced the often unreliable digital dashboard with conventional analogue instruments. As with previous generations of the X6, the most opulent versions carried the Sovereign badge.

The Jaguar on sale is a high specification, right-hand drive Sovereign manufactured in 1994 and equipped with the 4.0-litre AJ6 engine mated to an automatic gearbox. It features deep Metallic Green coachwork matched to a contrasting piped, Parchment-coloured leather interior. It is understood to have been originally registered to Leicester Jaguar dealer W E Sturgess & Sons Ltd., who retained it as a demonstrator for some three months before selling it to its first and, so far, only private owner - a lady from nearby Nottingham. Her pride and joy, it apparently boasts 15 service stamps; more than is really required for a car that's understood to have covered just 55,747 miles from new. The last service is said to have only just been carried out, as has the MOT which it apparently sailed through, having only covered 1,000 miles since the previous one. 'L152 EAY' is now offered complete with the aforementioned stamped service book and every manual and leaflet the car came with new - including the radio code card. Among the extras are a factory fitted telephone and an aftermarket tow bar. A seemingly well cared for and very nicely presented Jaguar that has the potential to provide many years of pleasurable service to its next owner.