Description
Jaguar XK8 – Mechanically Sorted, Ready to Enjoy – £4, 250.
After 17 years of ownership, it’s time for me to part with my much-loved XK8. I’ve simply stopped using it, and it deserves someone who will enjoy it as much as I have.
This is a car that’s been well cared for, with the big jobs already done. A replacement engine went in just 10, 000 miles ago, the gearbox was rebuilt 11, 000 miles ago, the sills were replaced only 7 years back, and even the ABS ECU was refurbished recently. It’s had 15 stamps in the service book, the last one just 700 miles ago, and the current MOT runs until May 2026.
It’s finished in sports trim (perforated seats and black dash) and has a few tasteful upgrades: Adamesh stainless exhaust (sounds glorious), Adamesh grille, OEM side skirts, Adamesh spacers, and polyurethane bushes to sharpen the handling. Tyres are Dunlop Sport Maxx 245/ 45 Front, 265/ 45 Rear, on 18" wheels.
At 139, 000 miles it’s not a garage queen, and there are two small rust patches above the rear bumper, but overall it presents very well for its age. Most importantly, it drives exactly as a Jaguar should – smooth, powerful, and with a soundtrack that puts a smile on your face every time.
If you’re looking for an XK8 you can actually use and enjoy, without worrying about the big mechanical jobs, this is it. I first bought this XK8 intending to keep it for just two years, until the kids grew too big for the back – but I ended up keeping it for 17 years. The kids even persuaded me to hang on to it, despite having their knees around their ears in the back seats, and in the end all of them have driven it. That was one reason I kept it just a bit longer – the last one only passed his test recently.
It’s a car that has been part of our family, and one I’ve loved driving it – smooth, powerful, and with that glorious Adamesh soundtrack that makes every trip feel special. The main reason it’s for sale now is that I’ve simply stopped using it - that and the service book is now full, and it deserves an owner who’ll enjoy it as much as we have.
