2007 Jaguar XJ 4.2 Super V8

The X356 was the 2005 update for the XJ, with a revised grille, deleted mid-door trim and different front fenders along with some updates to the electronics systems. A minor update to the trim levels was also introduced with the engine sizes remaining but the premium model now being designated the Sovereign, with the Super V8 remaining the top spec. This XJ8 Super V8 comes with the biggest displacement engine in the line-up, the 4.2 litre V8, supercharged, bringing the power up to around 400 BHP.

More good news comes in the form of this car being supplied new in Japan. Japanese owners generally take better care of their cars, and the unsalted roads give the metal work more than a fighting chance of surviving in good health well past its British counterparts have returned to mother earth. 

The specification of the car, being a Super V8, includes the supercharged V8, the chrome mesh front grille and the 20” Calisto alloy wheels. The Sovereign badge on the rear might throw some off the scent, but this is an ex-Japan car and the Sovereign trim was available with the 4.2 litre supercharged engine for export markets only. The specification also includes silver calipers, heated steering wheel, ruched and piped leather, shagpile over mats, burr walnut trim, radar cruise control, heated memory electric seats with picnic tables, rear door blinds and rear screen blind and the entertainment console in the rear middle arm rest, although the screens are removed.

All this comes with some recent work and new parts, which we’ll detail below, and a recent MOT until the end of January 2025 as well as an oil service at 60,053 miles.

Classy black over silver exterior colour combination is the perfect, understated look for these XJs, the 20” 5 spoke silver, Calisto alloy wheels finish the exterior look beautifully with the recently refreshed silver ‘Jaguar’ labelled callipers peeping out from behind. 

Metallic black is a notoriously difficult colour to hide any imperfections and whilst there are a few flaws honestly pointed out in the photo gallery below, after a recent cut and polish to the paint, the condition overall is very good indeed. The flaws include some crazing of paint around the headlight washer blanks, a minor scuff on the offside rear bumper corner and some bubbling paint here on the back pillar (which is thought to be paint related as the body is aluminium and therefore rules out rust being the cause) along with a new indicator lens needed, not a long list, and all easily fixed by a good body shop. 

Elsewhere outside the Jaguar, the facelift grille is in good condition and sits below the leaping cat bonnet emblem, sat pride of place. The wing mirrors should be chrome covered as per Super V8 specification and we can tell you they are included with the sale, however the current owner opted for a more subtle style of body coloured wing mirror covers. It is reported that all electronics work around the exterior of the vehicle and the chrome trim serves to add highlights to the subtle metallic black paintwork. 

The interior is where this car was made to impress. It was the part of the car that would be judged most, and it certainly didn’t disappoint. Before we get into it however, we’ll quickly mention the boot area with its clean, tidy carpet with the spare wheel and battery hiding underneath. The metal work we can see in here is all in good condition, not surprising considering its home for most of its life. 

The cabin space, then. Ruched and piped beige leather screams British luxury and indeed many a dignitary and VIP were escorted to their various functions and dos in the back of an XJ, so it had a lot to live up to. Condition wise, the car rates highly with only the smallest amount of general wear on the driver’s side bolster, something we’d suspect you’d barely notice. Headlining is good with only the glue around the sun visors at the front seemingly starting to give way 

The rear seats, we’d theorise, would have seen the most traffic. However they are in great condition too from what we can see, with no rips, tears, or marks to speak of and with beige leather it would be hard to hide anything big. A testament to how the Japanese owners of this big cat kept the car over their ownership. The rear seat passengers are also supplied with window blinds for privacy and protection from the sun; the passenger side one of these is missing a plastic clip, which should be an easy part to source.

The walnut trim inserts are in great condition too with little to no marks, lacquer peeling, cracks or marks from what we’ve seen. The heated leather steering wheel with walnut rim is in great condition too, with all the user controls falling to hand where you’d expect, including the radar cruise control. 

The backs of the front seats have walnut picnic tables which are in good condition and there has been no report of the mechanism being stiff or noisy. The other impressive survivor are those deep pile over mats, which still look to be in great condition with no marks, rips or tears either. 

Clearly the owners of this car have treated it well and it shows in its condition inside and out, the interior is a wonderful place to be, and we’d imagine that driving it would be equally as enjoyable.

As you’d expect, the Jag needed some work recently after failing on an MOT on some suspension components and other odd jobs. Blakeney Garage in Norfolk was tasked with giving the Jag a bit of a refresh in order to get it back to tip top condition and flying through the MOT again. A task they completed, with the car now having the following list of new parts fitted:

• New o/s/r shock absorber
• Both rear upper wishbones
•  n/s/f track rod end and o/s/r ARB link
• Both rear wishbones
• New Bridgestone tyres all round.

The car has also had a recent fluid change and a full valet this February. In addition to all that, the wheels have also been powder coated along with the aforementioned callipers freshened up. 

The owner reports that the car drives well and if we take a look under the bonnet, we see that visually, the powerplant is in good condition with no signs of fluid leaks, no split pipes or exposed wires visible. As with many vehicles nowadays, much of the engine is hidden with plastic coverings but from the service history in the past few years, the mileage and the owner’s reports, we’re assured this car has a lot of life left in it and there is a lot more enjoyment to be had from that engine package. 

Underneath the car you can see the new suspension components as well as just how healthy much of the underside looks thanks to Japan’s famous unsalted roads. The Bridgestone tyres look to have plenty of tread left and we’re sure with some careful periodic cleaning of the underside, this car could continue in great condition for many years to come. 

It appears much of the history from Japan has not made it over to the UK with the car, however, all the receipts and bills from its time here are included in the sale.

The Jag comes with one full remote key and one blade key item. The remote fob currently does not work so the blade keys are needed to lock and unlock the car - the central locking does work correctly when operated from the internal switches and on the key blade. A full HPI report has been done as a matter of housekeeping that we do here at Bonhams, and the MOT is good until 31/01/2025. 

Jaguar West London, a well-known importer and dealer, imported and registered the car here in the UK in 2019 and the bill of sale from them is included in the history file. Blakeney garage have been tasked with completing the rest of the work necessary for the car. 

Most recently VRV Felpham Ltd have MOT’d the car, replaced the rear shock absorber and fitted a new battery. 

Jaguar XJs are hugely popular cars produced over 51 years and 5 platform generations, each with their own variations. The X350 series was a seminal point for Jaguar going through two different ownership moves in 2002 and again in 2008. The car managed to continue profitability throughout its life cycle and drove the company forward with innovative and ground-breaking tech advancements. 

XJs remain a great option for a luxurious, handsome, and sporting cruiser today. This exampl has benefitted from a forgiving road environment in Japan along with some careful and conscientious owners, and is a strong contender against its European counterparts of the day and even for more modern machinery. Being a Super V8 is the cherry on top for this car and anyone who knows their Jags would agree, this is a wonderful car that should not be overlooked. We estimate that it will sell for £12,000-£16,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located with the vendor in Dunsfold, Surrey. Viewings are strictly by appointment. To make a booking, please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, and read our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.