Launched as a grand tourer in 1996, is was the first of the XK series, the first generation of the XK shared its platform with the Aston Martin DB7 with both cars being able to trace their history back to an abandoned Jaguar development in the 1980s thought to be known as the F-type. 

The XK8 used the then new 4.0L 32 valve Jaguar AJ-V8 engine mated to a 5-speed automatic. Power output for the 4.0L V8 was 290 bhp with 393N.m of torque, meaning the XK8 wafted along from 0-60 in a time of 7 seconds and went onto a limited top speed of 154 mph.

Purchased by the current owners from auction, the Jaguar’s previous owner was a member of the owner’s club and treated the car with the utmost respect and care (as has the current owner). The Jaguar comes with lots of documents to match its care during its time on the road, it even comes with the original sales receipt from the previous owners purchase in 2008. 

The history file is fit to bursting with an exhaustive collection of paperwork recording this car’s life so far. The car comes with all the original manuals and handbooks including some extra manuals from Haynes. The car has clearly been looked after during its time and below we’ll summarise some of the work completed to the car from the history file. 

The Jaguar comes with 3 original keys and two remotes, it also has a full HPI check with no issues with mileage, showing no insurance claims or outstanding finance. The car shows two former keepers with the previous owner, since 2008, being a member of the Jaguar Owners Club, the welcome letter is present in the file too. The MOT run until 04/01/2023. Highlights of the history are summarised below.

Inside the cabin of the Jaguar, you find comfortable beige leather seats, in great condition with very little wear and tear. The driver’s side bolster has taken the brunt of the repeated use, but still holds up very well, retaining its shape and padding, the leather does look like it could use some leather feed and a light scrubbing but apart from some elbow grease, the leather is in good condition with no rips or tears. The carpet all-round the car is in good condition as well and the headlining is the same with no rips or tears or staining. 

The rear seats look very clean and almost as if no one has sat in them since the car was new, considering the amount of leg room they have, we conclude they were merely decorative from the factory which explains their untouched state. The dashboard is delightfully Jag, and the walnut veneer is in great condition with no crazing of the lacquer or any chips or scratches. The steering wheel is also in good condition and as one of the main touch points bodes well for the longevity of the item. 

The gear selector looks to have some cracks in the knob, but these are not felt through the lacquer so must not be integral to the items structure, even if they were it is an easy item to replace. All dials and electrics work on the dashboard and the plethora of buttons and knobs in the centre console all have a purpose and work as intended. 

The Jaguar has a few factory options selected in the cabin which are, climate control and AC which is operational, multifunctional steering wheel with phone link and cruise control. There is a radio/cassette with a CD changer, electric windows which work as well as a speed limiter and traction control. The electric roof has also been tested and works as intended. 

The outside of the Jaguar is where the main appeal is, the styling was handsome back in the day and has aged well during the years. The paint is in good condition with little damage, although there are a few light scuffs around the usual areas. It is important to note though that none of these appear to have penetrated deeper than the topcoat so should come out with a cut and polish. 

The Jag is a long car and as such highlights any discrepancies in shut lines and shows clearly any dents, of which this car has none. The shut lines are also tight and uniform and are testament to Jaguars build quality of the time. The convertible roof lowers and raises with ease and works well, with the fabric being in good condition also, it has not faded and has no nicks or small tears. 

The windows are in great condition also; the wing mirrors have either a tint on them or have blown out, it’s hard to tell but again, should it be the latter they are easily replaced. The factory optional extra 18” alloy wheels are in great condition with little curbing or damage, one wheel centre cap is missing. 

The 4.0L V8 is in fantastic condition however and upon start up, gives a pleasant throaty burble akin to the roar the Jaguar deserves. The unit has been regularly serviced and maintained at regular scheduled intervals, started without hesitation and idled smoothly. 

Whilst driving the drivetrain had a smooth and forceful power delivery and was devoid of any unwanted noises or indications that it might be faulty. The engine on the road was quiet and vibration from the drivetrain and road were kept to a minimum. 

This XK8 has clearly been loved and has evidence of plenty of time, money and effort spent on it during it lifetime to keep it at its best. The blue on blue on beige colour scheme is subtle but timeless and one that suits this vehicle well and will stand the test of time. 

With the 4.0L V8 is a delight and would keep any Jaguar fan’s right foot happy. Plenty to love here and as the XK8 moves more into the ‘modern classic’ category the residual values of these big cats are likely to keep rising.