Sherwood Green Sovereign New Owner File

[Slightly]

Starting a file on my newly acquired 1996 Sovereign to keep record on progress and events as they happen. I was seeking a car that evoked memories of the early seventies when my Dad would haul us down to the south of France and northern Spain in a series I then later a series II. I settled on the x300 as the perfect compromise as I wanted the feel and the aesthetic but not the price tag or a restoration project. My goal - an anniversary run down to Ibiza and back come September.

After the necessary scanning ads period, this Sherwood Green car caught my eye - off to London I went for a viewing. As is often the case, all I saw on the way to and from where x300's - even a BRG one in the same hotel I stayed at! The car looked to be perfect for my needs and close to my budget. More research on regular x300 issues and a list of preventative works was drawn up. The price with the work was agreed and then a patient wait for those to be concluded and here we are - collected and homed in the north west.

I had an Andy bracket installed, new water pump, hoses, all the fluid changed and the underside rustproofed as the car clearly looked worth investing in beyond my term, from the on the ramp inspection. A few initial niggles to sort - the seatbelt isn't engaging reliably; need to source an ashtray cover and a passenger puddle light lens; a slight wheel vibration at 55 mph; and the driver's seat keeps moving into an exit position and not returning when I get in.

Other than that, I returned 25mpg on the return leg - it's first 200+ mile run in 13 years - in a reassuringly smooth trip. Credit due to Danny and Adam at Jagwest for prepping the car in a very pleasant and courteous transaction. Looking forward to tracking down some history - this car was previously based in the Essex/Sevenoaks area - if anyone recognises it please get in contact.

[Andy P]

Hello Slightly,
Congratulations on getting the car.
Sounds like a nice one you've found.
Should always give a lovely drive if they are maintained correctly.
Hope she gives you many years of pleasure.
Safe drive down to Ibiza later on in the year.
If you don't mind me asking what part of the North West are you in?
I travel up to Blackpool a few times a year to visit my son.
I love the area and the people are very friendly.
Take care and enjoy your car.
Andy

[davidr]

I ran an X300 for a while. The body was tatty and it had done a quarter of a million miles, was only a 3.2 in basic spec and I significantly increased its value every time I filled it with fuel but I loved it! The drive was still sublime despite its intergalactic mileage!
I reckon the X300 to be the aesthetic pinnacle of the XJ. Yes the 1968 series 1 has the cachet of being the first and the X350 (best car I ever had) is undoubtedly superior but the X300 just looks spot on.The X351 doesn't figure as despite being excellent it just doesn't look like a proper Jag because you could take the badges off and it could be anything.
I hope you enjoy it and I think you've made an outstanding choice. If you detect a hint of jealousy you'd be right!

[Slightly]

Thanks both. Am based in south Manchester. Ten days in - two washes and about 300 miles...

Neil

[Slightly]

Today I had the tracking done and the wheel wobble at 53-55mph sorted - took over 2 hours, what with stubborn bolts and all. Had a good chat with a modern Jaguar owner in a similar coloured modern equivalent.

[Slightly]

Now the effects of the pandemic are becoming clearer, my planned trip to Ibiza with my brother is now cancelled (redundancy hasn't helped!) and I am resigned to reluctantly put my car up for sale soon, after a mere 4 months/700 miles of ownership - Danny at Jagwest will be managing the process and therefore it will receive their usual high level of preparation.

I specified a load of enhancements for the car prior to collection in February including rustproofing; gearbox and engine oil changes; Andy bracket; waterpump; belts etc. to make it ready for the aborted continental trip, so a new owner will be getting a superb example of an x300 in a gorgeous 'Sherwood Green' metallic.

Classified advertisement now up here:

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