Description
Rare Jaguar XJ8 Sovereign 4. 0 V8 of 285 hp, Long Wheel Base version (long wheelbase), registered in France. Technical inspection OK 05/ 2026 valid until 2028
Registration: October 1998 in the UK
Imported in 2016 to France (the owner moved to France and handed it to their nephew who sold it to me in 2022)
Automatic gearbox – 117, 000 miles (about 188, 000 km)
Champagne metallic colour
Cream leather interior and walnut veneers
French registration certificate in my name.
This Jaguar is regularly used and is in very good mechanical condition. No warning lights on, smooth and pleasant to drive, air conditioning functional and MOT valid.
History:
* Jaguar maintenance in the UK up to 82, 000 miles
* Original service book
* Numerous invoices available
* More than €5, 000 invested since my acquisition in 2022
Recent work:
* Automatic transmission oil change
* Full service
* Replacement of ignition coils
* Replacement of lambda sensors
* Rear tyres new
* Front tyres recent
* Various maintenance and refurbishment work (notably partial front-end paint)
Equipment:
* Cruise control
* Automatic climate control
* Power steering
* Heated seats
* Electric seats
* Walnut veneers
* Sovereign high-end version
* Long Wheel Base version (increased rear space)
Points to note:
* Right-hand drive
* Matte paint on the roof, boot lid and rear bumper
* Surface corrosion mentioned in the MOT (treated and protected 2 years ago)
* Minor corrosion on rear right wing (not perforating)
* Small tear on the driver’s seat
* Headlining previously repaired by the previous owner (it holds but it’s not perfect)
Vehicle sound, reliable and ready to drive without extra costs. There is still some cosmetic work if you want a perfect example but it’s an excellent base.
Additional photos on request.
Price: €8, 290 negotiable on-site in front of the vehicle. This XJ8 Sovereign had a simple and coherent history. Delivered new in the United Kingdom, it was maintained within the Jaguar network up to around 82, 000 miles. In 2016, its British owner imported it to France when he settled there. It was then passed to his nephew, who sold it to me in 2022.
I was drawn to this car for several reasons: its rare Sovereign Long Wheel Base configuration, its elegant champagne metallic and cream leather combination, but above all its sound mechanical condition. Since my acquisition, more than €5, 000 has been invested to continue its refurbishment and maintenance, including an automatic transmission fluid change, replacement of ignition coils, lambda sensors, a full service and various reliability works.
What makes this Jaguar particularly endearing is the driving experience it offers. The X308 represents, in my view, one of the last true Jaguars of the classic era: a long bonnet, a generously leather-and-wood-lined interior, and a 4-litre atmospheric V8 that can be discreet on light throttle but reveals a strong character when asked to perform.
On the road, it truly feels like driving a rolling sofa. Everything is designed for quiet and comfortable travel, with that sense of serenity characteristic of large English saloons. It’s a car that invites you to enjoy the journey rather than seek performance.
Of course, it isn’t perfect. Some aesthetic faults remain, notably paint fatigue on certain parts of the bodywork and a headlining previously repaired. But mechanically, it proves reliable, pleasant and ready to hit the road.
For those seeking an authentic Jaguar to use and enjoy without shelling out the sums currently asked for the most valuable collector examples, this XJ8 represents, in my opinion, an excellent entry point into the Jaguar universe: a noble V8, a clear history, documented maintenance and a timeless presence for a still reasonable budget.
