In 1994, Jaguar pulled the wraps off the ‘new’ XJ6 – a car that was essentially a heavily facelifted version of the model before it, but which was the first new model to come from Jaguar under Ford’s ownership.

The ‘X300’ was an instant hit, even if it used tried and tested straight-six engines instead of the V8 power plants that Ford had wanted to get ready for the model.

They came a couple of years later, initially in the new XK8 sports car in 4.0-litre form. In 1997, though, they finally found their way into the Jaguar saloon, which also got a nip and tuck of its own to correspond with the arrival of the new engines. 

Codenamed X308, the new V8-powered models also ushered in a new 3.2-litre version of the V8 powerplant first seen in the XK8. 

External differences were minor - new oval indicator lamps, a more curvaceous radiator grille, circular fog lamps and softer-edged bumpers front and rear, with less chrome.

The new engines were built by Ford at its engine plant in Bridgend, South Wales, making the XJ8 an all-British collaboration. The quad cam engines were of all-alloy build and had variable valve timing, fly-by-wire throttle control, and a new five speed automatic gearbox. 

But they weren’t reliable to begin with. The nickel-based ‘Nikasil’ cylinder liners in pre-2000 cars would become porous, leading to catastrophic engine failures and multiple warranty claims. Jaguar addressed this by 2000 with steel-liner engines, and these are the ones to go for if you want longevity.

The good news is that this car is one - a 2000 Model Year XJ8 Auto 3.2 in Platinum Silver, with optional black leather and less than 71,000 miles on the clock.

W774 UGU has spent most of its life in and around London and has covered 70,797 miles from new – an average of around 3,200 miles a year, backed up by its VOSA MOT history that shows a steady but small mileage increase year on year. 

It has had five previous owners in total, but until 2021 had only had three – two of the more recent keepers have been in the motor trade.

Supplied with the Jaguar is its original black leather service wallet, inside which are an owners’ manual, car phone guide, alarm system handbook, audio manual and maintenance book.

There’s no service record to speak of as this has been lost, but the car has very recently had a full oil service by the vendor’s preferred garage and the mileage is verified by its VOSA MOT history. 

The car has a current MOT valid until August 2022, for which it received advisories for minor corrosion that have since been rectified. It also has a UK V5C registration document issued last year.

Finished in rare and unusual Platinum Silver, a brighter alternative to many of the dark hues used on XJs, the X308 is in good overall condition bodily. It’s very smart from every angle and there are no major issues that jump out at you. 

The paint is in tidy condition with no obvious defects, though a couple of the panels have been painted and show a slight mismatch if caught in bright sunlight. It’s barely noticeable, though. 

It also features a matching set of desirable ‘Celtic’ alloy wheels – one of the most popular designs from later X308 models.

One thing that will really sell this car is its charming cabin – trimmed in black leather with matching door cards and dash, it has dark maple veneers and a really charming appearance that exudes class.

It has a gentle patina, but this adds to its charm – there’s no major wear or damage anywhere to be seen and heavy wear areas such as the central armrest and driver’s side seat bolster are in good order, though the bolster does have some scuff marks from the seatbelts. 

This one has the advantage of optional sports seats with chunkier bolsters, based on those found in the supercharged XJR. The original Jaguar radio cassette works and is linked to a D changer system in the boot, while the air conditioning also appears to work.

Most of the horror stories relating to the Jaguar V8 engine only apply to pre-2000 models which have the Nikasil linings. Later cars, such as this one, are generally pretty tough. This one idles smoothly, shows good oil pressure, holds a steady temperature and has no timing chain rattle so we can’t see any areas of concern.

With less than 71,000 miles on the clock, this one runs and sounds great with no known faults. 

The vendor reports that it drives really well with no steering, suspension or brake issues, a smooth gear change and lively performance for the smaller V8.

There’s been a surge of interest of late in 1980s and 1990s Jaguars and that extends to the X308 models from the turn of the century, which are rapidly gathering interest as usable, enjoyable modern classics – helped, no doubt, by their beautiful styling. 

This is a smart and usable low mileage example that has a couple of very minor cosmetic area that you may want to sort out, but is solid, smart and clean with a strong engine, low mileage and genuinely lovely interior. It’s an extremely handsome thing and represents a lot of car for the money.