Jaguar Sovereign V8 4.0 LWB

One of the greatest saloon cars of all time, the Jaguar XJ range was launched way back in 1968 but, so beautifully proportioned was the original design, that it was still recognisably the same car over three decades later. After some issues over build quality in the late '70s and over styling in the late '80s, the XJ once again regained its old magic in 1995 with the launch of the X300. Under the masterful eye of chief stylist Geoff Lawson (who also penned the dramatic XJ220 and the retro-cool S-Type), the slabby styling of the XJ40 was binned in favour of a return to the muscular curves and quad headlamps that had traditionally defined the big cat's appeal.

In 1997 things got better still with the launch of the X308 which had a revised interior, minor external styling tweaks and new adaptive suspension. But the big news was under the bonnet which now housed a magnificent V8 in either 3.2 or 4-litre capacity. With 240bhp and 290bhp respectively, these units were paragons of refinement and reliability and the X308 became the best-selling luxury car in the UK.

First registered in June 1999, this particular Sovereign V8 4-litre has had just four owners from new. Looking most elegant in Champagne Gold Metallic with a magnolia hide interior, it has covered only some 64,500 miles and comes with a comprehensive service history and was last serviced less than 1,000 miles ago. Being a long wheelbase model, it has ample legroom in the rear. Said to drive superbly it is currently taxed and MOTd and is ready to drive away today. It also has a nice personalised number plate, XJI 2485, which replaces the plate shown in the photos.

If you have never experienced one of these magnificent machines you really don’t know what you are missing – perfectly proportioned and with superb road manners, everything about them is designed to make you feel good about driving and even, dare one say it, proud to be British.