・Rare special order Amaranth Mica Pearl paint ・Very high specification ・Full Jaguar service history
THE BACKGROUND
Made between 1997 and 2003, the X308 was the third and final evolution of the XJ40 platform underpinning both Jaguar and Daimler’s models. Daimler’s cars had a softer, more luxurious feel than Jaguar’s cars and came equipped with a very high specification and subtle visual changes such as a redesigned front grille.
This particular model also benefited from an upgraded, more reliable engine, with redesigned timing chain tensioner and cylinder liners, as well as being the final XJ to feature a full steel body.
First registered in September 2001, the car has been kept in the UK and stayed with it’s first owner until November 2011. The second owner passed away in 2020, and his wife re-registered the car in her name to remove the private plate. So although the V5 states there are 3 owners, in reality the car has only been in two households. The current keeper is a dealer who has had the car for the last year.
The car has been kept in a dry garage by the previous owner and the current keeper, so has been dry-stored for at least the last 10 years. Paperwork accompanying the car shows it has been well maintained, being regularly serviced by Jaguar main dealers and covering very few miles each year. In fact, over the last 15 years, the car has covered just 26,000 miles.
The correct V5, original handbook with full service record, and MOT history going back a number of years are all present and correct. There are no receipts in the documentation, probably because the car has covered so few miles that there has been no need for maintenance outside of the scheduled Jaguar servicing.
Few vehicles are as opulent and luxurious as a Daimler – they really are a wonderful place to spend time. This model comes with a huge list of standard and optional equipment, including: rear picnic tables, dynamic stability control, CD auto changer, satellite navigation, air conditioning, electric heated seats, factory-fitted sunroof, cruise control, ABS, electric windows and much more. We’re told by the keeper that everything works perfectly.
Cream leather with grey piping adorns the seats and door cards, with swathes of walnut veneer and chrome trim adorning the cabin. It’s a lovely place to be, feeling every inch like a luxury yacht for the road. The leather is soft and of a very high quality, with no signs of significant wear and tear; and all of the veneer is in great condition too. Carpets are thick, oatmeal coloured lamb’s wool and in superb condition. Some of the internal plastics, such as the rear air vents, have some light scuffing - but certainly no more than you would expect to see in a 20 year old car. All of the chrome trim, handles and dials are in good condition and function exactly as they should.
Inside the boot, the grey carpets are in near perfect condition and there is a spacesaver spare wheel in the space under the carpets.
The only real issue internally that needs addressing is a common fault with these models – a sagging headlining.
Immediately when looking at the car you’re struck by the paintwork, which is a stunning deep plum colour called ‘Amaranth Mica Pearl’. It’s classed as a red, which is how it is listed on the V5, but is in reality a very deep purple colour. It’s actually a special order colour, and is particularly rare. The paintwork is in extremely good condition, with just a few age-related marks and light scratches. A full stage-one machine polish would correct these minor blemishes and bring the best out of the already stunning colour. The wheels, badges and brightwork are all in very good condition too.
Underneath the vehicle appears to be in very good condition, looking well for its age. The structure and suspension appears to be in good condition and well maintained, with no signs of any damage or serious wear.
The X308 is already very well proportioned, but in long wheelbase specification, and in this colour, it’s a very striking. Lithe and muscular, yet never in-your-face. It’s a great looking car that just needs a light touch and a little love to turn it into a real stunner.
Super by name, super by nature. The beating heart of this luxury saloon is Jaguar’s 3,996cc supercharged V8. It’s an effortlessly powerful engine, offering smooth and torquey progress through a four-speed automatic transmission. Here it runs beautifully smoothly and pulls strongly through the gears. The owner assures us that the car drives very well, with no issues at all.
The engine bay certainly looks clean, tidy and well cared for, as do all the visible components of the suspension, brakes and chassis. This is no surprise, as the car has been kept garaged for at least the last 10 years and has a full Jaguar service history, it can be expected that it is in very good condition mechanically.
There are few cars that have almost universal appeal amongst car enthusiasts, but the XJ is definitely one of them. Daimler’s version is a gorgeous, continent crushing, luxury powerhouse. As a way of wafting effortlessly across vast distances in absolute comfort, not much comes close to a LWB supercharged V8 Daimler.
The incredibly rare spec of this particular car just makes it even more desirable. Photographs really don’t do the Amaranth Mica Pearl paintwork justice. Sure, it’s in need of polish, but we have a feeling that it’s going to look absolutely stunning after a day with a good detailer. It’s certainly going to make its new owner stand out, as a special order colour on an already rare car, you’re not going to see another one on the roads any time soon. Each of this car’s keepers has clearly adored the vehicle and kept it in excellent condition, so the new owner will be inheriting a car that should give them many years of blissfully smooth and unruffled service.
We’re sure that there can’t be many better ways to travel. Whether you’re driving and enjoying the view out over that long bonnet and beautifully trimmed leather and walnut cabin, or ensconced in the comforting hug of those deeply cushioned rear seats, with acres of legroom, personal picnic tables and even electric adjustment, you’ll be a very happy passenger. It’s the perfect car for nipping down to the south of France for a long weekend, with its whisper-quiet cabin, plush seats and carpets soothing every muscle, huge boot with room for multiple cases and supercharged V8 providing all the power you could possibly require.
We reckon whoever the new owner of this car is, they’re going to be very, very happy. It’s a special vehicle in excellent condition and an extremely rare colour. If you’re after a collectible, eye-catching and usable luxury vehicle, look no further. We only ask one thing: can we come for a waft please?
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
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More about buying with us
2001 Daimler XJ Super 8
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