Ramshackle Jaguar XJ40 Sovereign to Be Set to Rights

Once a gorgeous 1989 Jaguar in Racing Green, it will undergo long overdue restoration. 

The other day we were checking out some Jaguars online when we came across this…sight. Obviously, we were disheartened to see a 1989 Jaguar XJ40 Sovereign looking so rough. But we got a little more info. We found out that not only will the Jaguar be undergoing a restoration, but the owner is well-equipped for the challenge.

It was posted on Instagram by David Robey. Robey, it turns out, is Manager for EBRO Racing. So if there is someone who has the means to bring this XJ40 back to its former glory; Robey is the man.

“After a few years being laid up, time to get the Jaguar XJ40 going again!” Robey wrote. “Has lowered Harvey Bailey suspension, AJ Engineering exhaust, XJ12 wheels and work by Chasseur/Paramount Performance over the years! Bought new by father in 1989, who only did 800 miles it in. I took it over and covered just 150,000 miles over a few year!!”

Jaguar produced the XJ40 Sovereign from 1986 to 1994. Also kown also as the XJ6, the sedan is a throwback we quite like as a project. Especially considering that the original missed the mark at the time. When the XJ series rolled out in 1986, it had retired the XK engine after almost 40 years. In its place was the Jaguar AJ6 inline-six. At the time Jaguar offered two options, a fairly lackluster 2.9 L, and the far superior 3.6 L.

As a build, we would seek to correct some of what failed Jaguar at the time. A better powerplant, definitely. Upgrade the headlights to the twin round lamps found in the later models of the generation. And add some more classic Jaguar style inside and out.

We have to say, this car is clearly not trashed. Despite the dust, it seems to be in pretty good shape, and up for the challenge.

Now, we realize that this era of Jaguars was not exactly a hit with everyone. It has some haters. But we kind of love the XJ40 Sovereign. And this baby has a lot of potential.

Photos: Instagram; Jaguar 

How would you rebuild this classic? Let us know in the Forums! 

Sherry Bryan

Longtime automotive journalist S.J. Bryan has been covering the automotive industry for over five years and is an editor with Ford Truck Enthusiasts and regular contributor to F-150 Online, Harley-Davidson Forums, and The Mustang Source, among other popular auto sites.

Bryan first discovered her passion for all things automotive while riding in her parent's 1968 Ford Mustang. The automotive expert cut her teeth growing up riding on Harleys, and her first car was a Chevy Nova. Despite her lead foot, Bryan has yet to receive a speeding ticket.

The award-winning former playwright was first published at age 18. She has worked extensively as a writer and editor for a number of lifestyle and pop culture publications. The diehard gearhead is a big fan of American muscle cars, sixth-gen Ford trucks, and Oxford commas.

S.J. can be reached at sherryjbry@gmail.com.