Jaguar XJ Supersport | Noticed

Whereas it was at all times simple to foretell that curiosity within the 5.0-litre V8 Jaguars would improve after they had been gone, reality is that they at all times held an terrible lot of enchantment. Didn’t matter if it was in new vehicles, evenly used bargains or a temptingly low-cost courageous tablet, the AJ133 would simply maintain us coming again for extra. It was such an ideal match for Jaguar’s method of doing saloons and sports activities vehicles, the place slightly bit an excessive amount of was at all times nearly proper. 

Smaller engined F-Sorts would deal with extra eagerly; a diesel XJ could be simply as refined; and the sixes made fairly a pleasant sound as properly. However the V8 expertise was unrivalled, the blood and guts fury of a force-fed 5.0-litre motor the proper accompaniment to some superb Jag chassis. You’d at all times have appeared elsewhere for the very sharpest sports activities vehicles and saloons; however for essentially the most beguiling, there was little comparability. 

If there might be a criticism, it was maybe that the R-badged Jags may maybe be only a tiny bit OTT. A part of the purpose in fact, when making an attempt to tempt clients from BMW Ms, AMGs and Porsches, however not superb for individuals who needed to cover their V8 mild underneath a bushel. It’s why the outdated F-Kind P450 was so interesting, as a result of the sound and the texture (and a number of the efficiency) was there from the R, with out the value premium or punchier styling. 

Identical goes for the XJ Supersport. The 510hp, six-speed precursor to the XJR wasn’t an enormous vendor new – the diesels had been extra vital, and the XJR was coming – then largely forgotten about after. Nevertheless it was solely 40hp much less highly effective – 510hp towards 550hp – and actually was supremely discreet. Even by quick Jag requirements, there’s nothing to present the supercharged V8 sport away; no badges, simply the pair of tailpipes, and good – however not foolish – 20-inch wheels. It appears to be like like a wonderful method to go quick with out attracting consideration. 

As fashions like the ultimate XJR 575s change into extra collectible (and worthwhile), so the Supersports look all of the extra interesting. The engine will not be with out its points, in fact, however as a result of it discovered so many houses all through the JLR empire lots is thought about it. And extra energy is unquestionably solely a shorter supercharger pulley away. 

This one may be too good for such mischievous meddling. It’s coated fewer than 60,000 miles in 13 years with three homeowners, it’s solely ever been serviced at Jaguar brokers, and there are matching Dunlops on every of the unmarked wheels. It looks as if the primary proprietor ticked just a few containers as properly, given this Supersport has heated and cooled seats, Bowers & Wilkins sound, plus rear screens. It’s simple to think about this automobile’s £19,490 asking value being one thing like 20 per cent of the unique RRP, mainly. In case your hankering for a 5.0-litre Jag wanted any assist. 

Engine: 5,000cc, supercharged V8
Transmission: 6-speed automated, rear-wheel drive
Energy (hp): 510@6,000rpm
Torque (lb ft): 461@2,500rpm
MPG: 24.9
CO2: 264g/km
Recorded mileage: 56,000
Yr registered: 2012
Value new: £87,455 (2010, earlier than choices)
Value now: £19,490