・Only 2 owners from new

・Desirable colour combination

・Highly optioned car

・Good history file
・Personalised Plate 'M8 XKK' to go with car

Replacing the long-running XJ-S range in 1996, the new XK8 launched in 1996 and was available in two body styles; a coupe and convertible.  Sleek and modern, the exterior was designed by Ian Callum (who also penned the contemporary Aston Martin DB7) and was well equipped with cruise control, air conditioning, CD player and mobile telephone in some models.   

Based on the XJ-S floor pan it's V8 power unit - Jaguar's first - was entirely new. The all-aluminium 32-valve unit displaced 4.0 litres and produced 281bhp, an output good enough for a top speed of 156mph. Power was transmitted via a ZF five-speed automatic gearbox to the limited-slip differential, while traction control was standard.

With only two owners from new the XK8 was recently taken by the Vendor, a Jaguar specialist, as a part exchange.  He has known and serviced the car for its second owner, a traffic police officer, since 2012.  The officer’s wife worked at Caffyns Jaguar so it’s likely the XK8 was supplied by them in 2007 from its first owner. 

Recently retired from the Police, and moved to rural Wales, he decided to trade the Jaguar in against something more suited to life in the country.

The XK8 comes with a good history file and service book. There are 14 stamps in the book all from Caffyns Jaguar main dealer, the last being from 2012 at 50,000 miles.  There are also invoices from each of the services, and from other work undertaken since.  There is a full leather wallet with the Owner’s Manual and Service book and two sets of keys.   

There are plenty of old MoTs on file; the current one is valid until June 2022.  The cherished registration M8 XKK will remain on the car for the sale.

The Oatmeal leather interior has lasted very well with the only areas showing light wear are the steering wheel and driver’s seat.  This was a highly optioned car from new, with a burr walnut dash, gear knob and steering wheel, cruise control, mobile phone in the armrest, boot mounted CD player and optional 18 inch flute design alloy wheels. 

A quick glance at the photographs show that the interior is as good as one could hope for; all the wood is in excellent condition, the carpets are clean and all the switchgear has aged well with no “stickiness” of the plastic.  Even the original glove box mounted torch is still present.  The optional luggage net is still present in the boot, and there is also the original hood cover to hide the roof when folded.

The smart Sapphire Metallic Blue paintwork on the XK8 suits the car, and is matched with a tidy blue hood which was treated to a deep clean in 2018.  Generally the paintwork is good, but there are issues in a couple of the usual areas; behind the rear wheel arch on the rear wing on the passenger side and around the lower front arches. 

There is an amount of blistering around the centre cap on the passenger side rear wheel.  The other 18" Flute Design alloys are in better condition, with only minor curb marks, and all have matching Roadstone Eurovis tyres in good condition. The glass is all unmarked, and the headlights and fog lights show no stone chips or cracks.  Being quite an early car means it not only has the Jaguar badge on the bonnet, but there is a matching one on the boot lid.

Mechanically the XK8 appears to be in fine fettle, and performed well when taken for its photographs, starting easily partly thanks to a new battery.  With invoices on file for services in 2018 and 2019 and plenty of history to show regular care and maintenance it’s not surprising that it appears to have lost none of its performance over the years.  

Under the bonnet everything is surprisingly clean, with no evidence of stains or drips.

The XK8 was a good seller for Jaguar from the day it was launched, and it’s still obvious why.  They provide an exhilarating drive, are supremely comfortable, and this example is also particularly well equipped.  

Jaguar XK8s are spectacular value for money, and must surely be well on their way to full classic status.  Super value V8 open top motoring! 

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