1986 Series III Jaguar XJ6 4.2 Sovereign, Series 3 XJ, great useable classic

After 6.5 years of fun, I have decided to let someone else enjoy my Series III Jaguar 4.2 Sovereign. Being a 1986 car, it’s one of the last straight-sixes and is in my favourite shade of Antelope. It is a fantastic colour that changes shade depending on the light, from a goldy-brown to something far lighter.

I have poured a lot of time and money into this over the years and, while not perfect, I’d be surprised if you can find a nicer example for the money. I have driven it all over the north of England over the last two years and it has been an absolute joy and nothing short of perfectly reliable. Having had all rust cut out and been fully professionally repainted in 2020, it now carries a few signs of use and bubbles beneath the paint (from where it had to live outside for 9 months and sweated beneath a cover), which in my opinion just makes it more useable. It still presents beautifully and regularly attracts positive attention. I was initially scared to use it when it was first done.

It had a new (correct colour tint) windscreen in 2020, with any rust in the front scuttle cut out and a new panel fabricated.

Current mileage is around 95,000, and it will be receiving a new battery, and fresh oil and filter before sale.

It has great history with over 20 stamps in the book, loads of receipts for drop links, wishbones, a complete new exhaust system, upper and lower balljoints etc, and the original leather folder with driver’s handbook dealer map, electric data chart, etc etc.

In 2023 I had a late, high compression low mileage 4.2 replacement engine fitted. It received a major service with various new gaskets etc and other works, and I have completed circa 3k miles since then and it runs very well, at the correct temperature and with good oil pressure.

I am only the car’s 5th owner. Current advisory-free MOT runs until May 30th and it will be tax and MOT exempt within a couple of years. Already on very cheap classic policy with agreed value of far more than my asking price.

It drives beautifully. The ride is cossetting, the cabin quiet and yet it handles surprisingly well. The brakes are sharp, the heater toasty and it floats down the road without a single knock, wobble or vibration. All electrics work, including each window, with the exception of the electric aerial. This can be pulled up manually to enable good radio reception. The cruise control also works, as does the changeover for the twin fuel tanks.

The interior is in lovely condition, with only the wood veneer letting it down in places. The headlining was replaced before I bought it in 2018 and is still in good, but not perfect, shape.

Only selling as I have other cars and feel like it is finally time for a change. I am not actively inviting offers of part exchange, but would consider this if it helps to secure a sale and a good home.