Jaguar XJR

What is a Jaguar XJR?

Dare we suggest that it’s a modern equivalent to a classic Coombs Mk2? Well, the XJR is a sensational supercharged 155mph XJ saloon that, in the best Jaguar tradition, provides towering ability for amazingly little outlay. Today you can pick up an early straight six version for around £3000 and there can be few better ways to cover ground more quickly, quietly and especially more comfortably than this modern classic. If you buy wisely, you can even mothball it for occasional fun and also be spared any future restoration worries and costs. Is this your sort of classic cat?

History

Codenamed X300, the new Jag XJ range was launched in 1994 to replace the ageing and troublesome XJ40 model, which dated back to 1986 (but was first designed as far back as the early 1970s). That square-cut look was never popular, so the X300 brought back the traditional Jaguar twin headlamp treatment and more rounded styling - a modern interpretation of the Jaguar core values, in fact. However, the big news was the XJR supercharged model that became the new flagship. Jaguar used an Eaton supercharger at a nominal 10psi boost to give the six-cylinder 4-litre AJ16 engine a heady 321bhp (that’s some 100bhp over the standard 4.0) plus a mighty 378lb/ft of torque. It was driven via either a ZF four-speed automatic or a Getrag five-speed manual gearbox, but as is to be expected, the vast majority of cars were ordered with the auto (although the manual is well worth seeking out for its purity of driving and its rarity). Sitting on massive 17” rims with 255 section tyres, the XJR is a purposeful looking car with its black chrome detailing and lowered, tuned suspension.
In September 1997 the old six (which went on to power the Aston Martin DB7 - superbly!) was binned in favour of the brilliant new AJ26 4-litre V8, this time pumping out a tarmac-ripping 370bhp. At the same time the manual transmission option was dropped and a newly designed five-speed automatic became mandatory. For 2000 model-year cars, heated seats, reverse parking sensors and a cell phone kit were fitted as standard while in August 2001 a special edition 100 special was launched complete with nine spoke BBS wheels, superior crossdrilled Brembo brakes, DVD, Sat Nav and more. This particular model is finished in a special Anthracite paintwork.

Driving

Performance is rarely an issue with a Jaguar and it’s certainly not a worry with any XJR. With an easy mid-five second dash to 60mph and a top speed limited to 155mph combined with some blink of an eye overtaking punch this was - and still is - a serious mile-munching motor. With either engine there’s a huge flow of linear power from below 2000rpm right up to the red line. And yet like all good Jags, the XJR is happy to potter along on a whiff of throttle and a handful of revs. Straight six or V8? Well, while the latter is arguably the better engine - it’s usefully more powerful, too - all XJRs are fast enough and there’s something distinctive about the wail of a supercharged straight six! Also it’s probably a bit easier to maintain than the V8, which still has some running problems (see our What to Look For section) while if you dislike autos, then you have to go for the earlier car anyway.

Being more stiffly suspended than the normal XJs, the XJR can suffer a bit too much low speed harshness and while ride isn’t actually spine-jangling, it may not be to your taste if you like Jags to be comfy cruisers. The trade off, however, is a true sports saloon although that perennial Jaguar flaw of a too-light (variable) rate power steering that’s also a tad vague in the straight ahead position means it plays second best to something like a BMW M5. Still, these are mere details when faced with such a complete performance package. The driver of most of the German opposition wouldn’t see which way the XJR went, thanks to all that power and torque - and all wrapped in a discreet package that is somehow looking classier as each day goes by. Being such a new classic, the XJR can be a decidedly satisfying daily driver. Economy isn’t a strong point of course, but once the novelty of all that instant power has worn off then perhaps 22-24mpg is a reality. The XJR deviates from traditional Jag interiors in terms of appearance, but that unique ambience remains undiluted as does the sense of occasion that only a Jaguar can provide. Pity rear seat space and boot capacity still disappoints.

Prices

Costing over £40,000 when new, early examples can be found from £2000 according to Glass’s Guide trade bible, but be careful out there. There is a world of difference between a good XJR and a cheap one and we reckon £4500 is the point at which you are more assured of buying a decent example that’s been properly cared for with a solid service history from a main dealer or specialist. You just try getting a good Mk2 for that… The V8s are now about in fairly plentiful numbers; specialists have most at this age and these can be picked up under the eight grand mark, while the last post-2000 models are only ‘booked’ at £15,000, again according to Glass’s Guide. Great value considering what they cost when new and prices won’t fall much more before they start to climb, so our advice buy sooner rather than later! But only go for a good car, preferably from known Jaguar specialists who know these XJs and offer warranties worthy of your hard earned cash.