Lot 001: 1989 Jaguar Sovereign 4.0

Launched on August 28th 1986 as a replacement for the ageing Series III cars, the all new XJ6 (or XJ40 to use its code name) was well received by the contemporary motoring press. Boasting all-round independent suspension, power-assisted rack and pinion steering, four-wheel disc brakes and generous levels of sound deadening, it proved a credible alternative to the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and BMW 7-series. Initially available with a choice of 2.9 litre SOHC (165bhp, 176lbft) or 3.6 litre DOHC (221bhp, 248lbft) AJ6 straight-six engines allied to either five-speed manual or four-speed automatic 'J-gate' transmissions, the XJ40 allowed potential purchasers to prioritise performance over economy and vice-versa. Though, for many the effortless progress promised by the enlarged 4.0 litre DOHC which appeared in late 1989 proved hard to resist (period road tests spoke of 0-60mph in 8.1 seconds and 141mph). H&H are indebted to the vendor for the following information: "The Charles Follett Coachbuilding Group was started in Mayfair, London during the mid 1930s by the famous racing driver of the same name. Specialising in Bentleys to begin with, the firm later turned to Jaguars. One of a number of XJ40s to be given the Follett treatment, this particular example is believed to have been the third car completed (though, some of its history has been lost over the years). As well as a special repaint with zinc spray undercoats and hand-finished top coats, the Follett Jaguars had attention give to their engines, automatic transmissions and suspension. Still to original specification, 'G191 UHL' was ordered for its first owner as a Christmas present in December 1989 and delivered from Follett's Berkeley Street, London W1 showrooms". Finished in Italian Pino Green with beige leather upholstery, the luxury saloon is described by the seller as being in "very good overall" condition. Offered for sale entirely without reserve, it is accompanied by a MOT certificate valid until June 2009.