In late 1997, the Jaguar ‘X300’ XJ6 morphed into the car that many people within Jaguar believed it should have been at launch. The V8-engined ‘X308’ was more than just a facelift, although as nip and tucks go the visual differences weren’t huge – at least not from the outside.
But beneath the exterior, which didn’t have an awful lot wrong with it anyway, the X308 was a thoroughly different beast. The most significant changes were under the bonnet, for while the engine displacements remained the same at 3.2 and 4.0-litres, the straight six was replaced with the AJ16 V8 engine, first seen in the XK8 the previous year - the 3.2-litre V8 being all-new. The units were built for Jaguar at Ford’s engine plant in Bridgend and were trucked into Coventry for final assembly.
The V8 is great unit, especially in 2000-onward form where they were more reliable. This one is even more appealing as it’s the less commonly seen ‘Sport’ spec, which was only offered on the X308 until 2001. Lej6i5gE0I8Tk2eW4KrqlTNQQA9CfsGwsDamrFlZ.jpeg1.79 MB
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
One family owned from new
Less than 62,000 miles
Just returned to the road after a two-year lay-up
UK V5
MOT April 2023
The XJ8 has two recorded owners, who are father and daughter. The car was purchased new as a 50th birthday gift for the first owner in October 2000 and was used by him as his main transport until 2019. He then returned to his native China and left the XJ8 with his daughter for safekeeping.
Having now decided she doesn’t want the car, the daughter applied for ownership to enable her to sell it and became the second owner last year.
Included with the XJ8 are its original book pack and service book, stamped to 61,483 miles concurrent with its annual service in 2019. It has covered less than 500 miles since.
Inside, the XJ8 is immaculate, as you’d expect from a car with such a low mileage. The Magnolia leather is spotless and free from any signs of damage, with hardly any wear to the driver’s seat bolster and no obvious faults or problems. The only minor issue is a droopy headlining – a very common XJ fault that would benefit from being sorted, especially if you’re a tall person.
All of the dials and switches operate as they should, including the trip computer. The XJ8 also has the optional part-wood steering wheel, which is a sought-after extra. QcoxXbcV00usIzw4TkTMU1Fa4KIK8WJUuPe3V6FF.jpeg979.61 KB
THE EXTERIOR
Pearlescent Sapphire Blue
No visible rust
Straight tidy panels
18-inch 'Milan' Sports alloys
Finished in stunning pearlescent Sapphire Blue, the XJ8 looks absolutely fantastic with no visible evidence of any corrosion or damage, prior to photoshoot the car was fully machine polished panel by panel. This has brought the shine and colour back the car deserves after being in dry storage for the last two years.
It sits smartly on its almost-unmarked 18-inch 'Milan' sports alloys, which are shod with decent amounts of rubber all-round.
There’s no notable damage nor signs of prior accident damage, just an area on the rear boot trim where the paint has de-lacquered and some very small marks on the bumper corner and one door mirror. 6FPxNHj5z26JVtzXWNyobfXrBRtk44gWR4qSq4cV.jpeg1.76 MB
THE MECHANICS
3.2-litre V8
Five-speed auto transmission
Runs well
Well-serviced and low mileage
According to the service book, the XJ8 was given a complete new engine under part of a service action by Jaguar in 2001 – a drastic measure taken by the manufacturer after a series of failures, which likely would of been 'bore wash' from the earlier Nikasil lined engines. The fact it had the engine changed is a good thing, as anyone who knows these cars will confirm. This can be found in picture 84, page 27 on the service book.
It’s a low mileage car otherwise and shouldn’t present any major problems. The vendor reports it to be in excellent driving order with no known faults and no untoward clonks or rattles from underneath. It starts and runs sweetly and engages all gears as it should. K5t3i3bDcWg1kryq8bAH6EEuCeWGrM6y0fwVVsDY.jpeg1.31 MB
SUMMARY
This is a modern classic with a lot going for it – low miles, rare spec, comprehensive history and – of course – it’s a Jaguar. It’s a really smart-looking car and will be surprisingly efficient with the 3.2-litre engine. It’s very usable, while at the same time being something you can genuine cherish and enjoy as it appreciates for the future.
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