Gentlemen, we are in exalted company. Gordon Brown, the ex Prime Minister of the UK travelled to Buck House to see The Queen yesterday in a 10 year old XJ8 Sovereign 4.0 and today the new Prime Minister, David Cameron is travelling in a 2003 XJ8 Sovereign 4.0. Looks like the men of power prefer the big old XJ8's to the more modern version. It is of course possible that a new bullet/bomb proof XJ would be an extravagance too far in these straightened times.
Having seen these cars on a TV report I immediately rushed out and gave my XJ8 a wash and polish, I will now drive around the neighbourhood waving at the lesser mortals.
It was heartening to see that the politicians cars did not break down, at least not on camera anyway.

 

Thats funny Dinger, and a good post. I would not be surprised if you were not spot on about using a new style jag for political travel with the current situation over there. The people would not be too happy if they saw that.

Also, I can just see you driving around waving...

 

Of course Gordon Brown went the Palace in a Government Jaguar, so that's why its pretty old, whilst David Cameron went in a privately owned Jaguar, and it looked similar in color to one I looked at in Wigan, Lancashire. (I now have Jaguar Racing Green XJ6 Sport instead)

 

Here's one photo which has been circulating with the wire stories.

It looks like the 17" Solar wheels on a car with no sunroof?

 

Can't fit armour AND a sunroof.

 

exactly right, a weakness. These cars were built at Brown's Lane Special Vehicle Operations (S.V.O.) Department.
Kevlar, special glass and tested against bombs and big calibre rounds. To order a fleet of 6 at a time. Brakes by Alcon, larger at the back for J turns. Axles are standard. Special cars costing in the region of £300k/$500K each.
They're on assignment all over the world, slowly being replaced, I saw several black cars in from the middle east being disposed of.