2007 Jaguar XJ 3.0 V6

In a tangible sign of how far the world had moved on, the X358’s lighter construction allowed for the use of the popular the 3.0-litre AJV6 engine previously seen in the S-Type. This 2967cc 240bhp engine was sufficient to give the model a 0-60mph time of 7.8 seconds and a top speed of 145mph. These impressive metrics compared favourably with the original XJ12 of 1972. That’s progress.

This example was supplied new to the Japanese home market via the Jaguar dealer network in mid-2007. It seems the car was lightly and sympathetically used on the salt-free and well-maintained Japanese road network until the Summer of 2023 when the XJ was returned to the UK by a specialist marque connoisseur and enthusiast.

On its arrival in the UK the XJ was also converted to a UK specification. The conversion work included new number plate plinths, a radio frequency expansion, provision and uploading of a UK satellite navigation DVD and the fitment of a miles per hour speedometer. At this stage the Jaguar had covered around 35,000 miles.

Current keeper, Anthony, was the winning bidder of our original auction of this XJ back in February 2024. Since then the Jaguar has been lightly used with its digital odometer today sitting at a shade over 39,000 and hence retaining a remarkably low original mileage for such an able mile-muncher from 2007.

This lovely example of what many consider the last “real XJ” has clearly benefited from spending the majority its life in the benign motoring environment of Japan. No road-salt is used in Japan, and the majority of the country enjoys a dryer climate than Western Europe. As such this X358 presents beautifully in its original and Jaguar-appropriate Brooklands Green livery.

The front of this impressive looking sports saloon features quad headlamps with individual power washers, front fog lamps and mesh grill are fitted. The X358 exhibits minimal chrome embellishments helping it to manifest a sophisticated yet sporting look. This also helps the XJ retain a surprising contemporary look for a 19-year-old car. The signature wing vents with accompanying Jaguar badging help underline this subtly sporting demeanour. A discreet boot lid lip spoiler is noted as are the body-coloured parking sensors front and rear. The double-glazed acoustic cabin glass and light lenses are clear and un-fogged and free from imperfection.

This Jaguar prowls on 19-inch, five spoke Cremona alloy wheels. These multi spoked items appear to be in an excellent condition. They are fitted with a matching set of quality Pirelli P-Zero tyres in a 255/40 configuration. 

As usual our consignment team have been over the car carefully and note a handful of very minor imperfections. These include a paint chip on the nearside rear wheel arch and a scuff on the rear bumper cover of the same side. They also mention that the paint is quite “swirly” in places and may further benefit from a professional machine polish.

Bill Lyons ensured his 1968 XJ6 interior was notably of the “special occasion” variety, with the standard of fit and finish very much the equal of the high-class materials used. This X358 continues that proud tradition exuding luxury, elegance and charm by the bucket load. This is not at the expense of enduring modernity, however.

This XJ’s cabin is a classy combination of Champagne hued hides and copious accents of dark walnut, gloss varnished veneer. The front seats are fully electrically adjustable as well as three stage heated. A three-position seat memory function is also present which is paired to the electrically adjusted pedal box and wing mirrors for the ultimate in a personalised driver environment. The rear cabin is equally well presented and trimmed in an identical way. A centre armrest folds down, and rear seat ventilation and climate control is provided via centrally mounted vents between the front seats.

The dashboard is fronted with walnut veneer which sits between leather trimmed and stitched upper and lower rolls. The white on black gauges sit in a hooded binnacle which, in turn, sits behind the original four spoke multifunction leather steering wheel. The centre console houses the big control screen and numerous other switches. The control screen manages the functions of the dual-zone climate control, satellite navigation and the audio system. This car has cruise control, and double-glazed acoustic glass. The impressively large boot is finished in the original, deep pile but hardwearing grey carpet. This is also home to the satellite navigation DVD reader and the multi-CD changer. Under the floor can be found the space save spare when and original tool bundle.

This Jaguar features the tried and tested 3-litre AJ30 V6 petrol engine. Essentially a Ford unit the engine also received significant design input from mechanical luminaries Porsche and Cosworth. Power is fed to the rear wheels via a six speed ZF automatic transmission. Despite this being a large and commodious car, its aluminium unibody construction helps keep the kerb weight sensible, thus endowing the car with an impressive turn of speed when called upon.

The under-bonnet presentation appears to be flawless with all expected data plates and workshop alerts in place. By today’s fully faired in standards the AJ30 is a characterful engine displaying a sinuous and alloy intake manifold. Given the car’s age the underside looks clean and straight and almost completely faired in with aerodynamic and protective plastic covers. These are both areas that are likely to have benefitted considerably from this Jaguar’s life in the land of the rising sun.

The current V5 in the name of the owner is present, detailing him as the second UK keeper. The car currently holds an advisory free MoT which is valid until August 2026. The car comes with one Jaguar key and its original book pack. 

The service book documents the last maintenance inspection in April of last year at 36,836 miles – just a couple of thousand ago. These are joined by several documents relating to the import process and the Japanese years of the car’s life. The marque and model specific registration number is included in the sale.

For some the X358 encapsulates the apogee of development of the original 1968 Jaguar XJ6 concept and ethos. Beloved by purists as the last Jaguar saloon to benefit from the direct input of “Mr Jaguar,” Sir William Lyons. With the passing years and the X358s now around 20 years old, finding a low-mileage, pristine and corrosion free example remains the challenge.

This fine example delivers exactly that combination of assets in one, sleek looking and pristine package. Its low mileage Japanese life has helped ensure the unusually fine and totally original condition of this example. Often a cliché, but entirely apt in this case, this X358 offers a huge amount of William Lyons’ inspired sporting saloon for a pleasingly attainable guide price.

We’re confident to offer this fine car for auction with an estimate of £8,000 - £12,000. 

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at THE MARKET HQ in South Oxfordshire. Viewings are STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT and we are open weekdays (apart from Bank Holidays) between 10am - 12pm or 2pm - 4pm. To make a booking, please use the ‘Enquire About This Vehicle’ button on the listing. Feel free to ask any questions, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.