1999 Jaguar XJR

The Jaguar X308 XJR was in production from 1997 until 2003. Styled in house, it is a front-engine, rear wheel drive saloon range seating five adults.

The X308 XJR was Jaguar’s followup to its first supercharged stormer, the X300 XJR. Like that car it took the XJ saloon and added a supercharger, but what was new was the engine to which it was attached. The AJV8 was an all new engine, first fitted to the XK8 of the previous year. In this installation, fitted with an Eaton M112, it produced 370bhp and 387lb.ft of torque. Fitted with a five speed automatic gearbox from Mercedes, but dropping the limited slip differential of its predecessor, it earned itself a name as one of the world’s finest sports saloons in part through repeat purchases by respect motoring authority Jeremy Clarkson. When the X308 XJR was discontinued in 2003, Jaguar replaced it with an XJR variant of its new X350 saloon. This used a development of the same engine – now 4.2 litres and married to a six speed automatic.

Cars with black leather interiors are most desirable, while turquoise is the most desirable body colour. If you’re lucky you’ll find an XJR100 limited edition – black inside and out, with split rim alloys and contrasting seat stitching. These can command a premium of up to 50%. It’s important however when buying a Jaguar X308 XJR to find a good original example with low miles, plenty of history and no corrosion if you want to make the best returns when you come to sell. Cars with higher mileages can offer better value if well maintained but won’t appreciate to the same level.

No true rival to the Jaguar X308 XJR can match it on price – the E39 BMW M5 was closest in its day, but these fetch considerably more money. The Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG might offer similar value, but its more brash bodykit and interior trim will appeal to a very different type of client. The Audi S8 has street cred courtesy of Ronin, but may be too anonymous for a Jaguar owner to appreciate.