A great looking example of the luxurious X308 saloon with the admired 3.2L V8 powerplant
Clearly a well-cared for example with a service book full of stamps
In a good used condition throughout and ready for many more luxurious trips
ULEZ Compliant
The Appeal
The X308 Jaguar was the company’s third iteration of range topping XJ Saloon and the final development of the XJ40 platform which had served Jaguar well since 1986. The X308 featured Jaguar’s new and acclaimed AJ-V8 engine in two flavours – 3.2L and 4.0L.
The 3.2L V8 fitted to this car is favoured by many as providing the best compromise between performance and economy. The Sport model featured here offered a number of upgrades over the standard XJ8 including stiffer suspension and a sportier seat design.
The interior of this XJ8 is sumptuously finished in Oatmeal leather
The heavily bolstered sports seats feature perforated centre panels
The front seats are electrically adjustable and have a three-setting memory function
The front seats are also electrically heated
The rear bench is sculpted for comfort and accommodates two passengers in great comfort
The condition of the seat leather appears to be very good overall
The door cars are finished in a combination of Oatmeal leather, maple veneer and carpeted accents
The carpets are finished in contrasting dark grey and appear to be in fine fettle
The dashboard, which was all new for the X308, appears unmarked overall
Finished in a combination of black and Oatmeal leather and maple veneer
The instruments are deeply recessed and feature clear white on black dials
The centre console contains the climate control and audio system controls
The signature “J-gate” gear lever is also found here
The light-coloured headlining has undergone a DIY fix to address some sagging
The generous boot is carpet lined and is home to a full-sized spare wheel
The original Jaguar tool kit is also present as is the original warning triangle
Jaguar saloons have always prided themselves in offering the lucky owner a “special occasion” feel to every drive. This car is certainly no exception. The light and airy cabin is sumptuously trimmed, luxuriously appointed and in great overall condition. From Oatmeal leather seats and upholstery, copious veneer trim through to all the usual Jaguar refinements, this interior provides a lovely place to spend time.
There are a couple of areas are worthy of note, however. The headlining has undergone a repair to fix some sagging, a common XJ8 problem. Also, some areas of the wood veneer appear to have weathered more than others, creating some minor mismatches in shade.
It appears to be in great overall condition and exhibits a deep shine
No significant blemishes were noted or reported
The panel gaps appear to be appropriately tight and symmetrical
The light lenses and cabin glass presents well with no obvious issues
The minimal brightwork appears bright and shiny
This being the Sport model the window surrounds are finished in matt black
The car sits on 17-inch, “Celtic” alloy wheels which appear to be in a very good condition
The wheels are fitted with 235/50 configuration tyres
These are reported to retain good levels of tread all round
The Geoff Lawson exterior design of the X308 is very well resolved and retains many design cues form the earlier XJ models. Very much an evolutionary design pitched squarely at Jaguar’s traditional XJ demographic. This model, however, succeeded in significantly modernising the recipe without really changing too much. A neat trick.
This example presents really well and is in a highly original condition. There is nothing obvious externally that would require imminent attention leaving the new owner to do little but enjoy the sublime ownership experience offered by these popular luxury saloons.
This car is fitted with the 3.2L version of the AJ-V8 engine which was new for the X308
This unit was originally rated at 240 bhp and 233 Ib-ft of torque
Power is fed to the rear wheels via a five-speed ZF 5HP24 gearbox
This car has clearly enjoyed fastidious and regular maintenance throughout its life
It has also covered sensible mileage on a regular basis – the best approach for mechanical systems
The current owner attests to the car’s mechanical systems being in a great condition
The engine bay presents very well
The underside of the car appears to in good overall shape too
The one MOT advisory details minor corrosion to a chassis leg that may need some attention ultimately
Otherwise, there is nothing to suggest this car hasn’t got a long and productive life ahead of it
Many purists seem to favour the smaller of the two AJ-V8 engines in the XJ8. Not significantly less powerful than the 4L iteration and offering the same, delightful V8 rumble the 3.2L is also lighter and more compact, seemingly aiding the handling and agility of the package.
With the life-long and regular maintenance this example has received it is little wonder that the current owner rates the mechanical condition of this car so highly.Wh9we4NeoyyFZx5TS64ctpxWaTUebxqcOupaXmRz.jpeg441.08 KB
Summary
There aren’t many cars which can offer the wide-ranging appeal of this XJ8 at such an affordable price. A sumptuously appointed interior with many welcome refinements on hand to enhance the driver, or passenger experience. A great sporting appearance of the Sport model combined with that indefinable dignity and presence of a big Jaguar saloon.
All in a package that is both head-turning, reportedly fault free and diligently maintained. Surely this is a high-class, superb value sports saloon that will continue to surprise and delight its new owner for many years to come.
