Why did a Jaguar dealer tell me that my chain cam XJ6's timing belt needs changing?

I own a 2004 Jaguar XJ6 3.0 petrol automatic which has completed 61,000. It has been main dealer serviced from new and I have owned it since August 2007. The car has been a delight to own. At its last service it was mentioned that the timing belt will need to be renewed shortly at a cost of £1,200. I checked with a well-trusted local family-owned garage that we have used for years, which has serviced our other family cars. They stated that my car has a chain rather than a timing belt and does not need replacement. I'm now confused and clearly would value advice. If it does have a belt, are there any independent garages that could carry this out now that the car's value is low?
It's a chain cam Ford engine and the chain should last the life of the engine. It’s actually a very good engine. It is even used in 200mph turbocharged Noble sports cars. If a Jaguar dealer workshop manager misled you, then write to the dealer principal accusing his dealership either of gross incompetence or of attempted fraud.
Answered by Honest John on

Ask Honest John