1990 Jaguar XJ40 Sovereign Saloon

Description

Introduced in October 1986, the long awaited replacement for the much loved XJ6 series was given the codename XJ40 and ushered in a new era at Jaguar, finally laying to rest the venerable XK engine after almost four decades of incredible service. Retaining the familiar XJ6 moniker, the new model was powered by an entirely new range of AJ6 engines featuring twin-overhead camshafts, four valves-per-cylinder and electronic fuel injection, to simultaneously provide more power and better fuel economy. Buyers could choose between a Getrag five-speed manual gearbox or the optional ZF automatic transmission (with a distinctive J-gate lever providing the driver with a degree of manual control). Initially launched in 2.9 or 3.6 form, a 4-litre model was introduced in September 1989 and these later models are generally regarded as being the best built, with any earlier quality control issues well and truly sorted. In 4-litre guise, the AJ6 motor develops 235 bhp and can push the Big Cat to a top speed of nearly 230 km/h, with acceleration to match. Inside, the new Jaguar was beautifully finished and a big improvement in terms of space over the earlier XJ6s, along with every feature one might expect to find in a luxury sedan of the era. With the XJ40 models yet to move into classic territory, now is certainly a great time to buy one these cars - with robust mechanicals and plenty of spares and specialists in Australia to look after them, the XJ40 is luxury motoring at a very affordable price.