1985 Jaguar XJ6 Sovereign Series III

Sold

1985 Jaguar XJ6 Sovereign Series III

Sold Price

£9,470

Mileage~94,317 on the Clock
TransmissionAutomatic
Engine4.2-litre
LocationChelmsford, Essex

SOLD

1985 Jaguar XJ6 Sovereign Series III

SELL MINE TOO I WANT ONE

Introduction

Dom Ginn

Professional Consigner

An exceptionally elegant example of Jaguar’s celebrated Series III luxury saloon, presented in metallic gold with a tan leather and walnut interior.

The original Jaguar XJ arrived in 1968, with the extensively revised Series III introduced in 1979. Developed with input from Pininfarina, the later model featured a subtly raised roofline, revised glass, new bumpers and a more contemporary interpretation of the familiar Jaguar grille.

By 1985, the Series III had been refined into a particularly accomplished luxury saloon. The Sovereign specification brought a suitably generous level of equipment, while the combination of fluid styling, a beautifully appointed cabin and the long-serving XK straight-six created a car with a distinctly British character.

Coming to market after just over 11 years with our vendor this example is powered by Jaguar’s fuel-injected 4,235cc XK straight-six, coupled to a three-speed automatic gearbox.

Finished in a handsome metallic gold, the Jaguar is complemented by its traditional tan leather interior, polished walnut veneer and factory-style alloy wheels. A previous body restoration has helped preserve its elegant appearance, with accompanying photographs showing stages of the preparation and refinishing work.

This listing was written from information supplied by Dom after meeting John the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Meet the owner

I’ve owned the Jaguar since 2015 and have always made sure it has been properly looked after and serviced regularly.

John purchased the Sovereign in 2015 and has now enjoyed more than a decade of ownership.

During that time, he has maintained the car through regular servicing and has addressed important mechanical areas when required. This work has included replacement brake discs and calipers, together with the rear differential.

A body restoration has also been completed, with photographs showing the Jaguar during stages of preparation and refinishing. The result is a particularly smart exterior, with straight-looking panels, consistent shut lines and a strong gloss across the metallic paintwork.

John reports that the original 4.2-litre engine continues to run very well. The three-speed automatic gearbox changes smoothly, while the steering, suspension and brakes all performed without concern during our visit.

The Jaguar is being sold because John is has moved abroad and feels that, given his age, the time has come to reduce his commitments.

John would be happy to answer any questions in the comments section.

John

Vehicle Owner

John saved £1,620* when they
sold their Jaguar with us.

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EXTERIOR VIDEO

Exterior

Finished in metallic gold, the Sovereign has tremendous presence and beautifully demonstrates the graceful proportions of the Series III XJ.

Wheels and Tyres

The Jaguar is fitted with a set of silver 'pepper pot' alloy wheels with Jaguar-branded centre caps.

The wheels present very well overall, with no significant damage immediately apparent during our visit. There may naturally be occasional light marks consistent with use, so prospective buyers should examine the detailed photographs carefully.

The tyres appear to retain a suitable level of tread.

Please take time to review the photos and videos for a detailed view of the exterior, wheels, and tyres so you can make your own assessment of their condition. Tyres are a key safety item, and you should consider replacing any that are cracked, perished, unevenly worn, or over 10 years old.

Bodywork

The Series III body remains one of Jaguar’s most successful saloon-car designs, combining a low bonnet, slender pillars and flowing flanks with exceptionally balanced proportions.

This example has previously undergone a body restoration. Accompanying photographs show the exterior trim removed and the body prepared during the refinishing process, providing useful supporting evidence of the work completed.

The panels appear straight across the car, with consistent-looking shut lines around the doors, bonnet and boot. We did not notice any significant dents or obvious areas of bodywork damage during our visit.

The bonnet, doors and boot operated as expected, while the distinctive low nose, four round headlamps and gently tapering rear bodywork all present particularly well.

We've highlighted in more detail our observations through our hi-resolution images and videos, so please take time to look through all the media files for a detailed view at what’s on offer, and for you to assess the condition of the car for yourselves.

Paint

The metallic gold paintwork presents to an excellent overall standard and retains a deep, attractive gloss.

The colour suits the formal appearance of the Sovereign particularly well, changing subtly with the available light and contrasting effectively with the bright chrome trim and tan leather cabin.

The finish appears consistent across the main panels, and the restoration has resulted in a very smart overall appearance. We did not identify any major defects during our visit, although minor age-related marks or small imperfections may become apparent upon close inspection.

The images are taken from a few different angles to show off the car as you would see it if you were standing there for yourselves. So please take the time to fully assess these hi-resolution images and videos of the car, for you to make up your own minds about the condition of the paint.

Glass and Trim

The chrome and brightwork form an important part of the Series III’s appearance and present well across the radiator grille, window surrounds, door mirrors and exterior fittings.

The four round headlamps, rear light units and indicator lenses appear clear and free from obvious damage. The Jaguar bonnet mascot, grille badge and Sovereign 4.2 badging are also present and complement the car’s formal appearance.

The exterior glass appears clear overall, while the window surrounds and associated seals look presentable for the age of the vehicle.

Black-and-chrome bumpers complete the exterior and retain the more traditional appearance associated with the later Series III cars.

Please view the photos and video below to review the condition of the glass and trim for yourself.

VIEW ALL

INTERIOR VIDEO

Interior

The tan leather and walnut cabin creates exactly the warm, luxurious atmosphere expected from a classic Jaguar saloon.

Seats and Carpets

The front and rear seats are upholstered in tan leather and present very well for their age.

The broad front seats retain their shape and provide the comfort expected from a Sovereign. Some gentle creasing and light wear can be seen around the areas of regular contact, but this is consistent with careful use and gives the leather a pleasingly established character.

The rear bench also presents attractively, providing generous accommodation and retaining its original-style pleating and centre armrest.

Matching door cards continue the tan colour scheme throughout the cabin, while darker carpeting provides a practical contrast. The carpets and surrounding trim appear well kept, showing only ordinary signs of age and use.

Please take a look at the photos and video below to decide on the condition of the seats and carpets for yourself.

Dashboard

The dashboard combines traditional walnut veneer with clear analogue instrumentation and a logically arranged centre console.

Large speedometer and rev-counter dials sit directly ahead of the driver, accompanied by smaller gauges monitoring the engine and fuel systems. The odometer indicated approximately 94,317 miles during our visit.

The walnut veneer presents very attractively and provides a rich contrast against the darker upper dashboard and tan lower trim. The centre console retains its period radio, climate controls, clock and original-style switchgear.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The leather-trimmed Jaguar steering wheel presents well and provides a suitably relaxed driving position.

John reports that the steering is excellent, and it felt positive and consistent during our time with the car. The power assistance makes the Sovereign easy to manoeuvre while retaining an appropriate amount of feedback once moving.

The automatic gear selector is mounted within the centre console and is surrounded by polished walnut veneer. Its clearly marked gate provides access to the transmission’s drive and lower-gear settings.

The selector and surrounding trim present well, while the three-speed automatic gearbox operated smoothly during our drive.

VIEW ALL

'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO

Mechanics

The 4.2-litre XK straight-six provides the smooth and unhurried performance that defines the traditional Jaguar saloon experience.

Engine and Gearbox

The Sovereign is powered by Jaguar’s fuel-injected 4,235cc XK straight-six engine.

John reports that the engine has never required rebuilding and has instead been preserved through regular servicing and attentive maintenance. It started readily during our visit and settled into a smooth idle, producing the refined mechanical note expected from the long-serving XK unit.

On the road, the engine delivered its power progressively and without fuss. No specific running problems or unwanted mechanical noises were reported by John.

The engine bay presents honestly, retaining much of its original appearance. The prominent twin-cam covers, intake system and associated components are all clearly visible, with light age-related patina consistent with a regularly maintained classic.

Power is delivered through a three-speed automatic gearbox. The transmission engaged correctly and changed smoothly during our drive, without unwanted noises or obvious hesitation.

Please watch the mechanical and on-the-road videos to hear the engine starting and running and to see the Jaguar being driven.

Suspension and Brakes

The Series III XJ uses independent suspension at both ends, contributing greatly to the supple ride and composed handling for which these cars remain highly regarded.

John reports that the suspension is in good condition. During our drive, it remained quiet and controlled, with no unwanted knocks, rattles or other concerning noises apparent.

The rear suspension and differential assembly have previously received significant attention. Supporting photographs show the rear assembly removed during the work, while John confirms that the differential was replaced.

The braking system has also benefited from investment, including replacement discs and calipers. The brakes performed well during our visit, bringing the car to a stop confidently without any obvious pulling or vibration.

The power-assisted steering felt smooth and accurate, making the Jaguar easy to place despite its substantial dimensions.

Overall, the steering, suspension and brakes contributed to the impression of a well-maintained and mechanically sorted Sovereign.

The Drive

The Series III XJ6 offers a style of motoring that remains difficult to reproduce in a modern car.

The driving position is relaxed, with a clear view across the long bonnet and all of the main controls falling easily to hand. The tan leather, walnut dashboard and slender pillars create a distinctive sense of occasion before the engine is even started.

Once underway, the 4.2-litre straight-six delivers its power smoothly and quietly. The three-speed automatic gearbox complements the engine particularly well, changing gear without disrupting the car’s unhurried character.

The independent suspension provides the comfortable ride expected from a Jaguar while keeping the car settled and composed. No unwanted suspension noises were noticed during our drive.

The steering feels reassuring and the recently maintained braking system provides confident stopping performance.

John describes the Sovereign as a great car with no known problems, and its behaviour during our visit reflected the care and mechanical attention it has received.

Electrics and Other

The Sovereign is equipped with the electrical features expected from a luxury Jaguar of this period, including electric windows, comprehensive instrumentation, interior lighting and climate controls, the air conditioning was replaced by KWE and is re-gassed.

No specific electrical concerns were reported by John. The cabin retains its period radio and centre-console controls, helping preserve its authentic 1980s appearance.

The substantial boot remains practical for touring and contains the original-style carpeting and trim associated with the Series III.

VIEW ALL

History and Paperwork

John has owned the Jaguar since 2015 and has maintained it through regular servicing and repairs when required.

Important mechanical work has included the replacement of the brake discs and calipers, along with the rear differential. Photographs show the rear suspension and differential assembly removed during the work, providing useful supporting evidence of the attention given to this area.

This represents an appealing opportunity to acquire a handsome late Series III Jaguar that combines long-term ownership, elegant presentation, documented restoration work and the wonderfully refined character of the 4.2-litre XK straight-six.

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned a history check on the vehicle - this is a professional check operated by HPI that will highlight if the car has been previously stolen, recorded as being in an accident, or have any outstanding finance - note, this does not include a mileage history check.

We've summarised our own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, and as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in hi-resolution detail - this has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So please sit back, have a cuppa and take your time to review everything on this listing in order to make your own assessment on the vehicle's condition. Viewings are also welcomed with all our listings, so please get in touch with us to arrange a suitable time - we just need to speak to you first and receive a valid photo ID before confirming.

If there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please first ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bid/s, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - just like a traditional auction house.

Service History

Date	Type	Mileage
17/09/2026	MOT	94,307
08/07/2025	MOT	93,535
04/07/2024	MOT	93,515
30/06/2023	MOT	93,410
06/07/2022	MOT	92,947
02/08/2019	MOT	92,217
31/08/2018	MOT	89,091
21/06/2017	MOT	88,682
13/08/2016	Service	88,522
29/03/2016	MOT	88,271
13/03/2015	MOT	86,937
16/02/2013	Service	86,854
15/02/2013	MOT	86,854
05/03/2012	MOT	86,700
27/01/2011	MOT	86,415
23/02/2010	MOT	86,184
16/02/2009	MOT	85,612
19/02/2008	MOT	84,681
20/02/2007	MOT	83,639
16/02/2006	MOT	82,465
16/02/2003	Service	63,010
12/08/1999	Service	61,385
17/07/1995	Service	57,365
08/04/1992	Service	43,427
15/04/1991	Service	38,750
06/11/1989	Service	34,258
08/04/1988	Service	25,458
04/11/1986	Service	12,492
16/12/1985	Service	6,020
22/05/1985	Service	1,161

VIEW ALL

Key Details

Year1985
ModelXJ6 Sovereign
TransmissionAutomatic
Reg. Date15/03/1985
CC4235
Mileage~94,317 on clock
ColourGold
Interior ColourBeige
Interior TrimLeather
Chassis #SAJJCALP3CC413169
Engine #8L173308H
MOTYes exp 16/09/2027
MOT ExemptYes
Road Tax ExemptYes
HPi ClearYes - All Clear
Former Keepers2
LHD or RHDRHD
VisitedYes
Owned~10 Years
Key FeatureCondition
Vehicle RegistrationB132 LPH
Driver’s SideRight
Fuel TypePetrol
Body TypeSaloon
Auction ID4021

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Seller : JohnXJ6 Sale Date 08.10.2026

Post a comment or ask the owner a question about the car.

12 Comments

batman

15 days ago

Hi John,
Many thanks for coming back today.

batman

15 days ago

Hi John,
One more question please. Is there any rust on the inner wheel arches, under the back seat cushion. The reason I ask this is because when I bought my first & only Series 1 XJ6 I learnt a very hard lesson, there was a massive hole in one of the wheel arches & serious rust in the other arch, cost fortune to have repaired.

Many thanks again….Colin

JohnXJ6

Seller

batman

15 days ago

Hi Colin,
I am certain there isn’t, when Keith dir thenrusr repairs he was very thorough and prior to that, County Coach Trimmers fitted at new headlining and cleaned and fed the leather, there was no sign of ruts then. I cannot take the seats out to check, its not physically possible now! Getting old sucks.

Gdad

17 days ago

Hello John, the car looks lovely. Worn front anti roll bar bushes have featured as advisories on several MOTs but the latest MOT is clean. Have these now been replaced?

JohnXJ6

Seller

Gdad

17 days ago

Thank you 🙂 Yes, these were replaced before the last MOT.

Gdad

JohnXJ6

17 days ago

Thanks John. That’s good.

mytradeclassiccar

20 days ago

Hello John, its a long shot but does the car have cruise control ?
Regards Richard

JohnXJ6

Seller

mytradeclassiccar

19 days ago

Hi Richard, sorry, no cruise control fitted.
Cheers 🙂
John

batman

21 days ago

Hi John. Many thanks for your detailed answers, much appreciated.

Thanks…..Colin

batman

25 days ago

Hi John. Can you tell me please, what year the car was restored & resprayed. I’ve seen the photos, but do you have detailed paperwork with costs & dates to back the restoration up please. Also, can you tell me as a buyer, would I pay the final price to you or Trade classics before or after viewing/collection.

Many thanks….Colin

JohnXJ6

Seller

batman

25 days ago

Hello Colin,
The car bodywork was.carried out by XJ Restorations, in Bournemouth, they removed all the rusty metal and welded in new, the only really bad bits were around the front and rear windows, the front n/s valance and a few minor welds on the paned behind the wheels. They had instructions to remove all rust with extreme prejudice. All up, the final bill was around £6000. They’ve now changed their name to Painting Classic Cars. This was just before COVID hit. Keith Partington runs the company, a he’s a cracker on all things XJ. They also rebuilt the diff. Prior to that, KWE at Basingstoke fitted a new aircon system that uses modern gases and seals. Anyway, long story short, the bills for the works, plus much other useful paperwork, went missing when we moved house, probably thrown by my enthusiastic wife. When COVID did arrive, we had both retired, we were stuck in the Canaries, we could not get off the island (we just closed a business there and we had our own place to stay), so we decided to make that our main residence and the UK a holiday home. This is why the car has done relatively few miles, as we only come back infrequently. The eldest visits the car once a month to get her up to temperature and if it’s dry and salt free, take around the block. This car was maintained to be a keeper, my last car. The previous owner was a lady, she owned it from new, when she died, it was registered in her daughters name and then auctioned by Barons.

Regarding the payment, I’m not sure what happens, I will let you know.

Kind regards

John
Ps apologies for rambling on…

JohnXJ6

Seller

batman

24 days ago

Good morning Colin,

I’ve checked with TC, and the payment should be made to me by bank transfer within 7 days of the completion of the auction.

Cheers
John

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Vehicle Location

Chelmsford, Essex

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