Project Description
Jaguar Sovereign 5.3 V12
A true gentleman’s carriage, fully restored with great history
Price
SOLDYear
1987Mls/Kms
135,081 kilometresSold in
GermanyHistory File
This European-German specification Sovereign appears to have changed hands on a number of occasions between 1987 and 2003, before finally finding a discerning owner who bought the car for a mere €1500! He would then set about restoring it to its former glory with a wonderful array of invoices and letters to suppliers in the neat history file outlining the cars new venture. Credit must be given where it’s due as his persistent style clearly set the car up well for what one can only describe as a beautiful restoration journey. Sadly, however, as funds started to drain, and a sudden change in personal circumstances, the car is sold to one of the best restorers in north Germany. Cathedral Classics have bought several cars from them in the past and can’t wait to hear what they have in store whenever we hear of one of their new restorations. An exacting team is an understatement when it comes to their restoration prowess and here is a perfect example where literally hundreds of hours have been invested in this superb V12 Sovereign. The car could not have been in better hands, but, the process was sadly delayed by several plus months due to the final Brexit (debacle) transition periods, where parts were intercepted delayed by Customs in both the UK and Germany, until finally being released. But it was worth the wait as the end result is just astonishing. Any new potential owner should be treasuring this car and keeping it for a very long time!
Exterior
This gentleman’s cruiser left the factory in Westminster blue (JFG) and was recently treated to a full respray by Firma Wallaschek in Detmold, Germany. All body panels were completely dismantled before painting with both front wings and bonnet replaced. In particular, great detail was taken when dismantling all four doors allowing access and subsequent servicing to all 4 electric door regulators. Early in the process, it was also decided to replace the windscreen to match the overall front end restoration. Overall, the finish is stunning and a real head turner and one for real Jaguar enthusiasts.
Interior
The interior is a complete joy and commensurate with such a low kilometer example. Naturally, the usual suspects have been changed: a new headlining along with a replacement dashboard which has brought the whole environment back to life. Blue leather (JEF – Isis Blue) with dark grey carpeting is a superb combination and is probably not as popular as other combinations of the period but, it’s certainly lasted the test of time. As ever, the rear seats look like they have just left the factory, but the front seats are testament to the quality used by Jaguar from the period; only very slight wear on the driver’s side is evident and is well within the bounds of the 135k kilometers travelled. Vital in terms of comfort, for these cars, is that the air conditioning has been completely overhauled with a new compressor and new fluid.
Documents
Engine & Transmission
A huge amount of time and effort has been invested in making this a superb running V12 and therefore the list of work is enormous and simply too much to list here. In particular, great attention has been given to the cars underside which is quite impressive (see below images): new rack and pinion servo steering; track rods and tie rod ends; suspension front axle completely renewed; wheel bearings; shock absorbers; cross struts and rear axle; two new fuel tanks chemically cleaned and treated before fitting; fuel injectors renewed; a new Bosch fuel pump; both catalytic convertor sensors renewed….and much, much more. Needless to say a full fluid service change has also taken place including rear axle differential and gearbox. The list goes on and on…
Wheels, Tyres & Brakes
The previous owner took some considerable timing in sourcing a good set of chrome series II wheels, and we must admit that they suit the later model car rather well. Expensive Pirelli 4000 Super-Touring 215/70 ZR15 (M+S) “shoes” have been rightly invested for each corner with a new Pirelli Cintuaro for the steel spare. A complete brake overhaul was completed during the comprehensive restoration including: calipers, new piston sleeves, pads and all brake hoses renewed.
Underneath
