Highlights
- Superb history file
- Three previous owners
- 4-litre V8 engine
The Appeal
Jaguar launched the XK8 in 1996, to a rapturous reception from buyers and the motoring press. The engine and gearbox were top of the class, as were the handling, quietness and price. The XK8 used the new 4.0-litre 32-valve Jaguar AJ-V8 engine, and was available as a two-door coupé or a two-door convertible. With styling undoubtedly inspired by the Jaguar E-type, the XK8 set out to blend modernity with heritage
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The build quality of the XK8 was much higher than in previous models, thanks largely to the Ford influence – Ford took over Jaguar Cars in 1989. Jeremy Clarkson, on a Top Gear test-drive, likened the interior of the original XK8 to sitting inside Blenheim Palace. This example is in excellent condition for its age and mileage, and comes with a remarkable folder of paperwork that contains invoices and MoT certificates dating right back to when the car was sold new.
The History and Paperwork
- Original leather folder with owner’s handbook
- Thick folder of paperwork
- Spreadsheet of work and expenditure for the car’s entire life
- Original order sheet
- Historic invoices going back to 2000
- MoT until June 2023
- Past MoT certificates
- Current V5
The car was bought new in Kent in March 2000, by an owner who used it as his company transport. Remarkably, he and subsequent owners have maintained a folder of paperwork that includes every invoice and MoT certificate dating right back through the car’s history. The vendor has prepared a spreadsheet that details everything done to the car, with the costs, dates and mileage.
The original owner covered a lot of miles for his business, but the car was meticulously serviced at Jaguar dealers and the invoices are all present. The same owner took the car off the road in 2010 and it was SORN-ed and stored in his garage for six years before being sold. The vendor bought the car in 2019 and has subsequently spent more than £6000 in refurbishment and maintenance. He owns other cars and has decided that he doesn’t use the XK8 enough so has decided to sell it, having covered less than 2000 miles in it since purchase.
Please note that the car’s current registration, S 99 NDC, is the vendor’s private plate and he intends to retain this. The car will be sold with its original registration, W 773 XKJ.
The Interior
- Cream leather seats
- ‘+2’ rear seats
- Walnut dash in superb condition
- Spare wheel and tyre
- Original tools
- Refurbished steering wheel
- Carpets clean with no visible wear
- Excellent door cards
The XK8 has long been renowned for its refined and comfortable interior, and this one doesn’t disappoint. The cream leather seats are firm and supportive, and while the driver’s seat has some patina the others are in outstanding condition given the car’s age and mileage. The steering wheel had the leather replaced in September 2020, at a cost of £857, and looks superb.
The walnut dash is immaculate, reflecting careful ownership and storage by previous owners, and all the dials and switchgear look good. The radio works, but we didn’t verify the operation of the boot-mounted CD autochanger. The carpets have been protected by overmats and are clean and undamaged. In the boot, the liner has a few marks, and beneath this is an immaculate spare wheel plus the original tools in their holder.
The Exterior
- Dark metallic blue paintwork
- 18” wheels in excellent condition (refurbished in 2019)
- Electric hood in very good condition
- Aftermarket remote hood control
The dark metallic blue paintwork looks pretty good, but inevitably for a car that’s twenty-three years old there are a few blemishes. The nearside has quite a few stonechips, and there’s a small patch of rust bubbling up on the rear wing, just below the nearside rear light.
The dark blue hood is in excellent condition, although the powered mechanism was a little hesitant on the day of our photo shoot – it worked, but needed a slight helping hand. The vendor suggests that this was down to a lack of recent use. The electric hood also has an aftermarket remote function added, allowing it to be raised and lowered from outside the car using the key fob. There’s no hood cover but replacements are available.
The Mechanics
- 4.0-litre 32v Jaguar AJ-V8 engine
- 5-speed ZF 5HP24 automatic transmission
- CATS (Computer Active Technology Suspension) adaptive suspension
- Starts and runs well
- Engine bay in good order
- Clean and tidy underneath
- Recent new underseal
- Recent new bushes and springs
Although slightly less powerful than the outgoing 5.3-litre V12 used in the car’s predecessor, the XJS, the AJ-V8 engine weighed much less and helped the XK8 achieve a significant total weight saving over the heavy XJS, and the convertible had a claimed 0-60mph time of 7.0 seconds. This one starts and runs very nicely, and even on the short drive to our photo location it was clear that the car drives and handles as it should, with rapid acceleration and smooth gearchanges from the auto ‘box.
Under the bonnet all looks to be in extremely good order, considering the car’s mileage. In 2020 the vendor had new underseal applied and this can be seen beneath the car, as can the new bushes and springs that were fitted at the same time – with an invoice of nearly £1900 for this included in the paperwork.
Summary
Despite its mileage, this summer-ready convertible has a lot to offer – not least that reassuring folder of paperwork. That, and the remarkable condition of the interior, attest to the care and attention that have been lavished on the car throughout its lifetime. It’s a performance car with comfort and refinement but it’s practical too, with its ‘+2’ seats and a decent-sized boot.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only. Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
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