THE STORY Manufactured between 1994 and 1997, the XJ X300 was the first Jaguar XJ to be produced entirely under Ford Motor Company ownership. Following on from previous generations of the XJ, it features the independent rear suspension arrangement that Jaguar is known for. The design of the vehicle marked a return to traditional Jaguar styling elements and had a focus on improving build quality and reliability. At the time, Ford had introduced a £200 million facilities program that featured state-of-the-art automated body welding robots manufactured by Nissan. The X300 series was the result of this program and went on to become one of Jaguar’s most successful models. Jaguar’s previously designed V12 engine and AJ16 inline-six engine were both available in various X300 models, though they were updated for the new model line. Both engines were fitted with distributor-less electronic engine management systems. The base model of the range was the XJ6 which featured the 3.2L (195ci) AJ16 inline-six engine. On these models, aluminium alloy wheels, leather upholstery and air-conditioning were all extra-cost options. Later, the 4.0L (244ci) version of the inline-six engine was offered on the XJ6 range as well. Naturally aspirated six-cylinder X300s used either a ZF four-speed automatic gearbox or a ‘Getrag 290’ five-speed manual. On the 4.0L cars, the automatic transmission was electronically controlled and offered Normal and Sport modes on a switch by the gear lever. A 1997 Jaguar X300 XJ6 was featured in the hit movie ‘Snatch’ (2000). THE CAR Delivered into Chatswood, Sydney in July 1996, this 1996 Jaguar XJ X300 is finished in Sapphire Blue with a beige leather interior. The paint is good for its age. The current South Australian owner has had it since 2009, and it is believed to be a 3-owner vehicle. This saloon has been regularly serviced two times per annum by the current owner at Jaguar specialists Sovereign Auto Repairs in King William Street, Kent Town, SA. Extremely well looked after, this Sovereign long wheelbase model sports a powerful 4.0L (244ci) inline-six fuel-injected engine. Gear changes are smooth, the car handles extremely well, and the brakes are excellent. On the inside, there is an upgraded sound system, a beautiful timber gear knob, cold air conditioning and the interior wood treatments are in excellent condition. The upholstery, carpets, dash and door cards are also in excellent condition. There is a rear power seat adjuster for the passenger seat, remote central locking which engages when the car is put into gear, working cruise control, electric side mirrors and an automatic aerial. The is also a sunroof that must be manually operated. This 1996 Jaguar XJ X300 is a fantastic and comfortable long-distance cruiser. Currently registered in SA.
