CLASSIC JAGUAR IN WAITING
In early 2017, I bought a 2006 Jaguar XJ – the all aluminium X350 in Sovereign trim with the 4.2 litre V8 petrol engine. From that moment I have been delighted with every aspect of the car. However, what some of your readers may find difficult to understand is how I did this in relative ignorance. At the time, it seemed to be just another XJ, albeit in mint condition with low mileage etc. How wrong could I have been?
Ask any Jaguar aficionado for their opinion of this model and prepare yourself for a plethora of superlatives, the like of which are seldom heard within automotive circles. The praise is almost endless. Sublime bodylines, without a single awkward viewing angle is certainly a popular one, followed closely by high quality of construction and attention to detail.
This was the first Jaguar saloon to make extensive use of aluminium for the chassis and body, making it the lightest Jaguar saloon in production history to leave Browns Lane.
Five engines were available, a V8 4.2 litre petrol (with or without supercharger), 3.5 litre petrol V8, 3.0 litre petrol V6 and a 2.7 litre diesel. The low kerb weight of just under 4000lb meant any of these options produced a very respectable performance. In particular, the supercharged V8 could achieve 0- 60mph in less than 5.0sec and max out at an electronically limited 155mph. Another XJ first was the absence of a manual gearbox option – Mercedes being chosen for their superb, silky smooth, 6-HP26 six-speed auto with manual override and shift pattern change.
The exterior of the X350 is exquisite and the interior complements it well with an old- school Jaguar style: Lots of quality leather and wood, accompanied by classic Jaguar instrumentation and caring emphasis on ergonomics. My only gripe is the location of the electrically adjustable seat controls. These are flush-mounted in the front right-hand side of the squabs and difficult to see and operate when seated. Granted, their position is electronically memorised but a dedicated panel, on the main dash would have been better.
My X350 is a delight to behold and sheer pleasure to drive. It has impeccable manners and is content to obey commands with minimal fuss. A high final drive ratio of 40mph every 1000rpm makes for extremely relaxed driving and returning a very respectable low 20’s to the gallon. The only bad point worth a mention is the car’s habit of showing a clean pair of feline heels to any spotty hot hatch driver who cares to show interest. Ray Ganderton
Ray: I have to agree with all your comments. The V8 powered Jaguar X350 is a remarkable car and well looked after examples are currently offering excellent value for money. The dark blue X350 we featured in Classics Monthly last year is still very much part of the Kelsey Media classic fleet and the car is a delight to drive. Driven carefully, our X350 can return a very reasonable 29mph, which is excellent considering there’s a 4.2-litre V8 sweetly singing away under the bonnet. – Ed.