The Sport model is one of the rarest variants of Jaguar’s ‘X308’ series of XJ8 models, introduced in late 1997, as part of the new range of cars featuring the company’s new AJ V8 engine line-up.
Along with the new engine, the new ‘X308’ had a few visual tweaks – a new dashboard, better wood, clearer dials and rounder bumpers.
The ‘Sport’ spec, which was one-up from the entry-level car and was aimed at younger customers, identifiable by its body-coloured grille surround and mesh grille. But it didn’t last long, as in 1999, the model was dropped because Jaguar didn’t want XJ prices to overlap with the new, smaller S-TYPE executive saloon.
It was one of the rarest XJ variants, on sale for less than 18 months. It’s also one of the most desirable, as the Sport specification meant it got the steering and suspension from the flagship XJR, making it a wonderfully engaging car to drive.
This one has been with its current owner – a Jaguar enthusiast – for the past nine years having previously been owned by a long-term keeper in Sussex. There’s a huge file of paperwork with it showing that it has been loved and cherished throughout its life.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
Four previous owners
Every MOT back to 2002, showing genuine mileage
Book pack and service history
Service book stamped up to 101,000 miles
Stacks of receipts and invoices verifying careful maintenance before and since
UK V5C
MOT until 28 April, 2023
Supplied new by TWR Jaguar of Oxford on 1 March, 1999 – and originally on a cherished registration
Regularly used and shown at Jaguar Owners’ Club events
THE INTERIOR
Unusual Oatmeal part-leather, part velour sports seats
Good overall condition with minor wear to seat bolsters
Headlining in good order
Dark Ash veneers
Black hand-stitched leather-covered steering wheel
Climate control
Factory stereo
Excellent carpets and door cards
Fully functional electric tilt/slide sunroof
Tailored black over mats
Clean and tidy load bay with space saver spare
THE EXTERIOR
Platinum Silver Metallic
Smart and tidy condition
6-spoke ‘Dimple’ alloys
Mesh grille with body coloured surround
Factory option mudflaps
Some swirl marks and light scratches to paint on bonnet and boot lid
Minor dent on N/S front wing
Some rust bubbles on both front wings at lower edges
Small amount of corrosion visible on lower rear arches
Scuff to O/S corner of front bumper
THE MECHANICS
3.2-litre V8
Five-speed auto transmission
Starts on the button with no excessive smoke
Runs and well with no apparent suspension noises
Traction control warning showing on dash
SUMMARY
This is a very rare and quite collectable variant of the XJ8 – a really rare spec with a comprehensive history file and an unusual interior colour scheme.
It’s in sound and tidy overall condition with potential to very easily take it to the next level, as a particularly interesting and sought-after variant of the wonderful XJ8– seen by many to be the last of the true classic Jaguar saloons.
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