Desirable colour combination – dark blue metallic with cream leather
Stored in dry, heated garage by Seller and previous owner
MOT to June 2023 with no advisories
Covered just 6,000 miles since 2018
The Appeal
Ever since the E Type went out of production in 1975 Jaguar enthusiasts hoped the firm would announce a new GT car that continued that car’s sinuous, flowing lines. In 1996 they got it in the form of the svelte XK8, a new design that also introduced Jaguar’s first ever V8 engine.
The XK8 wasn’t quite new – there were some oily bits from the XJS carried over – but it wowed enthusiasts and critics alike. From the beautiful wood veneer dashboard to the all-new 290bhp engine, here was a car that could only be a Jaguar. There were coupe and convertible versions, both offering modern, credible alternatives to GT cars from Mercedes, BMW and other premium manufacturers.
This 2001 car is one of the last pre-facelift convertibles, so it gets the original cross-bar grille and alloys. It has the added advantage of a steel rather than Nikasil-lined engine, so it avoids the problems sometimes associated with those early cars.
There is a full service history by main Jaguar dealers and it is in very good condition inside and out. There is evidence of useful additional maintenance, including a gearbox rebuild. The Seller bought the car six months ago through Car & Classic and is only selling because he has bought an Aston Martin instead.
It’s an attractive car that will provide effortless drop-top motoring for the buyer as the days lengthen and the weather warms.
Jaguar interiors have always been distinctly Jaguar places to be. There is a sense of real craftsmanship in the acres lots of wood and leather. The XK8 is a special place in which to sit and luxurious and refined in that unmistakeably Jaguar way.
The car’s interior is dominated by the swathe of wood veneer – in this case the rare optional Birds Eye Maple – that stretches from one side of the dashboard to the other. It’s shaped like the wing of a Spitfire because XK8s were built in an old Spitfire factory. It is also evocative of the earlier XK sports cars with their three-part construction and their central dials. The veneer, which extends to the part-wood steering wheel, is in unmarked condition throughout the interior.
The attractive leather seats – which include a narrow pair of rear seats with limited legroom – are finished in Slate Grey and in very good condition for the year of the car. There are some creases typical of the mileage and which may respond well to hide feed.
The switchgear is in good condition – we are told that everything works as it should – save for slight discolouration beside the ‘Mode’ button and a couple of light scratches. Overall the condition inside reflects the careful ownership that is evident from the service history.
The boot trim is in good, unstained condition and the original factory tool kit is present together with the correct full sized spare alloy wheel and tyre.
Underbody in good condition with evidence of some underseal
Bodywork presents as rust-free
At its launch in 1996 the XK8 provided a contrast to the low, boxy XJS and a return to the flowing lines of the original E Type. That car’s influence is obvious, but the XK8 is very much its own car, a large, luxurious distinctly Jaguar GT car.
Despite the input of Ford to improve quality and reliability, XK8s do have a reputation for rust. The rear arches and front floors are particular weak spots and can be expensive to repair. This car does not appear to suffer those problems, the pretty Pacific Blue bodywork appears original and rust free and there are no advisories on the MOT. The panel and shut lines are even and appear factory-correct. Aside from some slight deterioration of the paint on both door sills, we could not spot any scuffs or scrapes in the photographs.
The underside of the car appears form the photographs to be solid. The underseal has flaked off in places so the new user may wish to refresh this to help keep the car as good as it looks now.
As a relatively early car this one has the original front and rear bumpers, including the E Type-referencing chrome bar on the front and the chrome surrounds on the rear lights.
The roof appears to be in very good condition and works as it should. The attractive 5-spoke alloy wheels seem to be unmarked and are fitted to new quality tyres.
Neraside front wheel bearing and track rod ends recently replaced
Full Jaguar main dealer service history with 12 stamps
New timing chain at 97,000 miles
We are told that the gearbox has been replaced
New Tyres all round
Recent tracking and alignment
Cam cover gasket replaced
The 4litre V8 engine was specially developed for the XK8 and was the firm’s first eight-cylinder design. Very smooth – the aim was to replicate the smoothness of the outgoing V12 – and effortlessly powerful with 290bhp, it quickly became one of the key reasons to own a XK8.
Early XK8s, up to 2000, were unfortunately specified with Nikasil liners, which resulted in premature wear. Later cars, like this one, have steel liners so avoid the problems and are significantly more reliable. With such a powerful engine it is reassuring to know that this car has a full 12-stamp service history, all from Jaguar main dealers. The timing chain was replaced at 97,000 miles and it has only had light use since 2018.
XK8 gearboxes have to cope with a lot of power and can be a weak spot of this model. We are told that this car has had a replacement gearbox during its life. We do not know any more details but buyers may wish to ask the Seller.
There is evidence of recent remedial work to a wheel bearing, the track rod ends and cam cover gasket, all indicating careful ownership.
The XK8 was a very popular Jaguar and there are plenty about. The key to buying a good one is evidence of careful ownership, most obviously a full main dealer service history like the one with this car.
The appearance of this XK8 confirms what the service book indicates: it has clearly been cared for, the paintwork and interior being in very good unmarked condition. The market for good ones is warming up because they
are very useable, very rewarding modern classics. The convertible versions add extra versatility. This car looks cared for and sorted and ready for some drop-top summer motoring.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only. Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
