A genuine 2 owner only car with the last owning cherishing the car for 22 years
Having covered a mere 58,500 miles, representing a mere 2,400 per year on average
Complete with a full service history and plenty of provenance providing paperwork
The Appeal
Under Ford’s strict oversight and by utilising some underpinnings from the XJS, the XK8 was announced in March 1996, an almost unprecedentedly short development period for a, mostly, new car.
Launched in Coupe and Convertible iterations the XK8 was well received from the start.
The family resemblance to the E Type was obvious but respectful and the fitment of the all new 4L, 32 valve AJ-V8 engine represented a statement of real intent by Jaguar.
This example offers a highly desirable prospect for those looking for a highly original XK8, future proofed with one of the common XK8 issues having been professionally addressed.
It looks amazing too, boasting the highly desirable colourway of Bordeaux Red Metallic over oatmeal leather upholstery.
The high-backed, tombstone seats are box pleated with double needle stitching
The front seats are electrically operated
The dash and centre console are equally, luxuriously dressed
Stitched and padded leather, against deeply varnished wood veneer features here
Contrasting caramel carpets are clearly original and in fine fettle
Fitted with the factory-original Jaguar stereo head unit
Back at launch in 1996 the interior of the XK8 was the subject of much positive comment by owners and pundits alike.
It was seen as a marked improvement in terms of luxury and quality over the already luxurious XJS and proved to be a very nice place to spend time.
Sitting in this example, it is easy to see why this interior was so well received. It is sumptuous and modern looking in equal measure. It provides the perfect environment from which to enjoy the innate charms of this sporting British GT car.
The Bordeaux Red Metallic paintwork appears to be in excellent overall condition
It is deep and shiny and thickly applied
The areas of refreshed paintwork to the lower body have been expertly applied with an excellent colour match having been achieved
The current owner reports a few stone chips and the odd age-related mark
The body work presents in excellent order
All doors and hinged panels open and close with ease and precision
Panel gaps are tight and symmetrical
The original light lenses are clear and unmarked front and rear
The original 18-inch Jaguar seven-spoke alloy wheels are in good, used condition
The owner reports some signs of age, however, to the internal wheel area
The wheels are fitted with a mix of quality Dunlop tyres in a 245/45 configuration
All tyres retain a minimum of 4mm of remaining tread
The cabin glass appears to be in a fine, unmarked condition throughout
The XK8’s exterior design really stands the test of time so well.
Much more evocative of the E-Type that its predecessor, the XJS, was, there is no wonder that it was so well received at launch. This example looks pristine in, surely, one of the best colours and sitting squarely on the 18-inch Jaguar alloy wheels.
This is certainly a car to get noticed in and one that retains a surprisingly current ambiance despite being over 25 years old.
This XK8 is fitted with the AJ-V8 engine was new at the launch of the XK8
Originally boasting nearly 300bhp and torque to match
Power is fed to the rear wheels via a 5-speed ZF automatic gearbox
Given its history and mileage the car is reported to be in excellent mechanical condition
The owner reports that the drive is “tight and smooth and is very responsive”
The underside is understood to be dry and free of oil leaks
Whilst the AJ-V8 engine was new at the launch of the XK8, it has gone on to prove a robust and reliable unit capable of significant mileages when regularly maintained.
It was impressively powerful too, pushing out nearly 300 bhp with torque to match.
The XK8 is a great looking GT car with power, finesse, and luxury to spare.
A car that has stood the test of time very well and is now starting to both appreciate and receive the appreciation it richly deserves.
This example looks great with its lustrous Bordeaux Red Metallic paintwork and big 18-inch wheels making it a head-turning example. The interior is fresh and well presented in the best colour making for a great place to enjoy the deep growl of the big V8 from.
It is especially rare to find 25-year-old XK8’s in such low mileage, low owner and excellent original condition as this one.
Effectively future proofed with one of the main XK8 issues having been expertly addressed, this car can offer its new owner many years of amazing motoring memories.
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1997 Jaguar XK8
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