1996 Jaguar XJ6 Vanden Plas Sedan

1996 Jaguar XJ6 Vanden Plas Sedan
VIN. SAJKX6246TC782980
3,980cc DOHC Inline 6-Cylinder
Electronic Fuel Injection
245bhp at 4,700rpm
4-Speed Automatic Transmission
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Disc Brakes

* Long term single ownership
* An average of under 2,500 miles driven a year since new
* Last of the inline six Jaguars
* Top-of-the-line example

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

Introduced in September 1994, the restyled 'X300' was just about the final step in the evolution of Jaguar's long-running XJ6 series. Its arrival marked a welcome return to the more fluid lines of the Series III XJ6, the angular appearance of the outgoing XJ40 having failed to meet with universal approval. Equally importantly, the enlarged boot could now accommodate the benchmark 'two sets of golf clubs' just like that of the original. Designated 'AJ16', two heavily revised six-cylinder 24-valve engines of 3.2 and 4.0-liters capacity replaced the previous AJ6 series, producing around 215bhp and 246bhp respectively. The 'old' V12, already enlarged to 6.0-liters, continued in the XJ12 and Daimler Double Six models, though its V8 replacement was only just over the horizon.

This XJ6 is a top-of-the-line Vanden Plas. With its slightly longer wheelbase, the VdP featured the trademark knurled front grill and trunk lid chrome spear, different wheels, extra chrome side trim, and a more luxurious interior with plush lambswool mouton carpets, extra legroom, contrasting piping, and burled walnut picnic tables for the rear seats. Finished in Jade Green over magnolia hides with contrasting brown piping and brown moutons, was delivered new in the northeast in the summer of 1996, the car has had only one owner until recently. The car spent the first four years and 12,000 miles in Connecticut before heading further north to Brookline, Massachusetts, where the Jag would join its owners in the annual pilgrimage south to Florida each winter, with regular services reported in both its north and southeastern homes.

Since 2015 the big cat has been a permanent resident of Florida. The clean CARFAX report records the routine maintenance the Jaguar has received, much it at The Collection in Coral Gables. Having covered under 2,500 miles a year, average, since new, a smidge over 67,000 miles now appear on the odometer.

As luxurious as any Rolls-Royce, the buttery soft leather and rich burl walnut veneers remain elegant and resplendent. And, this being Florida, one only need slide off their sandals or boat shoes to feel the thick lambswool carpets in the footwells. Devoid of the electronic distractions of today's luxury cars, this sedan is elegance defined.