1987 JAGUAR SOVEREIGN 3.6
ENGINE 3590cc/6-cyl/DOHC POWER 221bhp@5000rpm TORQUE 248lb ft@4000rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 133mph 0-60MPH 8.8sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 18-24mpg TRANSMISSION RWD, four-speed automatic MoT July 2021 ODOMETER 25,910 miles
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
The straight-six engine starts readily and settles to a steady idle. It pulls away smoothly from rest and the ZF gearbox provides fluid shifts. The power-assisted steering is light and precise and grip is good. The ride quality is excellent, although there is a rattle from the rear of the car, possibly caused by a loose exhaust bracket. The brakes (discs all round) are effective in operation, bringing the heavy Jaguar to a halt quickly and undramatically, though the pedal travel is long. Both issues will be rectified prior to sale.
BODYWORK CHECK
The body is in excellent overall condition. The panels are straight and there are no obvious signs of accident damage or corrosion, save for a small amount of surface rust where stones have impacted the inner lips at the rear of the wheel arches. The Sovereign Gold paint is in generally excellent order, with only a few tiny blemishes to report, likewise the generally very good brightwork. The 16-inch alloy wheels are excellent, with only the odd mark to note. The 220/65 Dunlop D7 radial tyres have ample tread remaining.
HOW’S THE INTERIOR?
The leather seats have aged beautifully with no stains, rips or tears to report. The carpets and headlining are also in exceptional order, as is the walnut burr dashboard and door panel trim. The similarly unworn switchgear and instruments bear testament to the ultra-low mileage. The electric seats, windows and mirrors all work as they should: quietly, smoothly and without hesitation. Being an early XJ40, this example has a digital Vehicle Condition Monitor, which correctly advises that one of the bulbs needs to be replaced.
UNDER THE BONNET
The engine bay is tidy with no evidence of accident damage, rust or fluid loss. No service history is available and there is likewise a dearth of printed MoT certificates, with online record similarly brief, showing tests conducted in 2006, 2007, 2016, 2018 and 2020. Closer inspection of the records reveals that the car covered just two miles between 2007 and 2016 – the vendor believes that the car was part of a private collection. None of the tests mention any advisories, reinforcing the impression that this car has led a cosseted life. The seller will service the car before sale and it will come with a fresh MoT and threemonth warranty.
THE CCW VIEW
Even in the absence of a service history, the superb overall condition of the car provides ample reason to believe that the recorded mileage is accurate. The asking price is at the top end of the spectrum for an XJ40 but entirely in keeping with this example’s condition and recorded mileage
PROS Overall condition, low mileage CONS Price, lack of service history
BUY IT FROM Peter Vardy Heritage, 20C Seafield Road East, Edinburgh EH15 1ED. 0131 322 6712, petervardy.com/heritage
EXTERIOR Very good paint and body INTERIOR Superb condition Utterly belies age MECHANICALS Drives well Long brake pedal travel