Launched in 2001, the Jaguar X-Type was Jaguar’s first foray into the small executive car market since the 1960s.

As such, Jaguar had a lot at stake and needed to convince prospective buyers to turn away from the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes C-Class, which were well established by that time.

Manufactured and marketed by Jaguar Cars until 2009 under the internal designation X400, in saloon and estate body styles (the first Jaguar estate to go into series production), the X-type would also introduce the marque's first diesel engine, first four-cylinder engine and first front-wheel drive configuration.

At launch, Autocar called the X-Type "the most important Jaguar ever" as it broke so much new ground.

This X-Type was produced to a very desirable specification, with the high-ranking Sovereign trim, the largest (three-litre) petrol V6 and optional all-wheel drive.

It is also most attractively finished in its original colours of Pacific Blue with Ivory upholstery.

It has had only seven r...