Jaguar XJ8L 3.2 Saloon

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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.

Dating from September 1998, this long-wheelbase XJ8L 3.2 has had just three owners from new and comes in an attractive light blue metallic with a Parchment hide interior. It has covered some 119,000 miles with a good service history comprising nine stamps to date, the last about 7,000 miles ago, plus many supporting invoices.

Said to be in good condition throughout and to drive beautifully, it is MOTd until April 2016 with no advisories recorded. Only recently acquired by the Jaguar enthusiast vendor who spent some time looking for the right car, it is only very reluctantly offered for sale due to an unexpected change in circumstances.