It was the only car I enquired about
Your tales of the latest classic car deals. This week, how one reader got a Jaguar XJ40
What made you want an XJ40? Last year was such a depressing year because of COVID that I wanted something to look forward to – touring Europe in a classic. Also, I turn 50 this year so, I was on the lookout for a present for myself. Soon after leaving university in 1994 I bought a 1992 3.2 Sovereign, which I loved. A few years later my local Jaguar dealer tempted me into a 1993 Daimler Double-Six with the 6.0 V12 engine. That car was even more amazing and a complete tonic after stressful days at work.
Tell us about this one.
I wanted a late XJ40 because I knew that the build quality had improved by then. This is such a late one that it was built on the X300 production line. Also the first owner, Sir Austin Pearce, was born down the road and state-educated in Plymouth. It was the only car I enquired about. It was between lockdowns and I did the trip to Nottingham and back the same day. It’s the sort of car I think you need to see before buying. It felt so good to be driving an XJ40 again – the ride, handling, refinement and interior are all wonderful.
Has it been a joy to own?
Yes, I put a few thousand miles on the clock really quickly and only had to replace the battery in that time. Once I was satisfied that it was a good ‘un I paid for an end-to-end check-over, fixing everything that wasn’t spot-on. That included re-building the front and rear suspension. With the gearbox in normal mode it’s too lazy a car, but in Sport mode it really picks up and goes. The straight-six engine is smooth, the ride is calming in a way modern cars just aren’t and it’s a blast on twisty roads. It always makes me smile!
What are your plans for it now?
Its main purpose is European touring though the furthest we have planned this year is a tour of Northumberland. Otherwise it’s used for weekends away – the boot is large enough to hold our tent and equipment. I’m having kit fitted so I can stream music but that’s all – I just want to get out there and drive it!