Highlights

An original and honest example of this popular, convertible GT car
Presenting well in a great colour combination and having covered a sensible mileage of around 3,200 a year on average
Complete with a full-service history and full original book pack

The Appeal

Under Ford’s new ownership and by utilising some components from the XJS, the XK8 was announced in March 1996. This represented an unprecedentedly short gestation period for new car, let alone a premium GT. Launched in Coupe and Convertible iterations the XK8, much to the relief of Ford senior executives, was well received from the start. Unlike the XJS, there was an obvious family resemblance to the iconic E Type and the fitment of the all new 4L, 32 valve AJ-V8 engine represented a statement of future intent by Jaguar.

This example offers a great prospect for those looking for a highly original XK8 Convertible. It looks very smart too, in the highly desirable colour combination of Sapphire Blue Metallic over ivory leather upholstery.

The History and Paperwork

A low owner car having had just four seemingly careful owners
The car has been in its current ownership since 2018
The current owner was previously a Senior Manager at Jaguar and worked on the XK8 development program
During its current ownership the car has covered less than 3,000 miles
The car holds a valid MOT until July 2023
The current V5 is on hand in the name of the owner
Numerous invoices and previous hard copy MOT’s are on hand
The car comes with the original, full Jaguar book pack
This includes the all-important service book
The service book contains eight stamps from main dealers and independents
The last service is noted at 77,712 miles, around 2,000 miles ago

The Interior

The interior is sumptuously appointed in true Jaguar fashion
Upholstery is finished in soft ivory leather
There are accents of mushroom leather to the door trim, steering wheel and dash top
The high-backed, tombstone seats are box pleated with double needle stitching
The front seats are electrically operated and heated
The dash and centre console are equally, luxuriously dressed
Stitched and padded leather, against deeply varnished wood veneer features here
Contrasting caramel carpets are clearly original and present in fine fettle
Fitted with the factory-original Jaguar stereo head unit
The boot contains the full, original tool kit and space saver spare wheel
The original CD changer is fitted in the boot wall

At launch, in 1996, the interior of the XK8 drew much praise by owners and pundits alike. It was seen as a marked improvement in terms of luxury and quality over the already luxurious XJS and struck the right balance between sportiness and Jaguar’s signature luxury.

This example is no exception. It is sumptuous and manages to remain quite modern looking. It is in good general condition too. The only area of obvious wear is some discolouration and minor cracking to the driver’s seat bolster.

The Exterior

The Sapphire Blue Metallic paintwork appears to be in excellent overall condition
It appears deep and shiny and thickly applied
Inevitably for a car of this age there are a couple minor external imperfections in evidence
This includes a minor scuff to the nearside front bumper extremity
The fit of the front bumper cover may also benefit from a slight realignment also
Overall, however, body work presents in excellent order
All doors and hinged panels open and close with ease and precision
Panel gaps appear are tight and symmetrical
The original light lenses are clear and unmarked front and rear
The cabin glass appears to be in a fine, unmarked condition throughout
The optional 18-inch Jaguar seven-spoke alloy wheels are in good, used condition
The wheels are fitted with quality Pirelli tyres in the correct configuration
Whilst exhibiting good tread depth, the owner suggests the rear tyres may need changing due to minor sidewall perishing

The XK8’s design really stands the test of time very well and looks great in this Sapphire Blue paintwork. This is a very honest example which presents very well with only some minor blemishes and imperfections considering the age of the car. This is certainly a car to get noticed in and one that remains very fresh looking despite being over 25 years old.

The Mechanics

This XK8 is fitted with the AJ-V8 engine was new at the launch of the car
Originally boasting nearly 300bhp and torque to match
Power is fed to the rear wheels via a 5-speed ZF automatic gearbox
Given its history and mileage the car is reported to be in excellent mechanical condition
The owner reports that the drive is very dynamic with all mechanical systems working well
The underside appears to be in decent condition, dry and free of oil leaks

Jaguar fitted the XK8 with the, at the time, all new AJ-V8 compact DOHC engine. Amazingly it became only the fourth engine type in the history of the company. Mated to the smooth ZF, five-speed automatic gearbox it endows the XK8 with a silky-smooth power delivery and a highly satisfying turn of speed where conditions allow.

Summary

Twenty-five years on, the XK8 remains a great looking GT car with more than a passing resemblance to its iconic E-Type ancestor. The combination of power, luxury and enduring looks makes this a car that is now starting to both appreciate and receive the appreciation it richly deserves.

This example ticks all the boxes with its popular colourway and big 18-inch wheels making it a head-turning example. The interior is light, airy, and well presented in the best colour making for a great place to spend time and enjoy the dynamic driving experience from.

Lastly, this is 25-year-old XK8’s with original low mileage and a good, solid service history. This is definitely one of the best all rounder British convertible sports cars around and this example will provide the new owner with a lot of car at a surprisingly attainable price-point.

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