Highlights
- 3 owners from new, the first two from the same family
- Legendary AJV8 engine
- ‘XJ Sport’ specification
The Appeal
Released in 1997, the X308 represented something of a sweet spot in XJ production and was much more than just a facelift of the X300 XJ6. Under the bonnet, the straight six was replaced with the AJV8 V8 engine, first seen in the XK8 the previous year and the engine that cost Jaguar millions to develop.. Furthermore, the 2000 example we have here is the revered ‘XJ Sport’ model, featuring sportier suspension, seating, suspension and styling than other X308s.
With just 3 owners from new and having covered just under 63,000 miles, this is a cherished specimen and with its 3.2-litre V8 engine and ‘Sport’ specification, is arguably the pick of the bunch. If you fancy a Jaguar of this revered vintage, then this is certainly one to consider.
The History and Paperwork
- Service book stamped up to 61,483 miles
- Fewer than 63,000 miles covered
- Recently returned to the road after a two-year lay-up
- V5C present
- MOT valid until April 2023
- 3 recorded owners
- Purchased new as a 50th birthday gift for the first owner in October 2000
- Passed to the original owner’s daughter in 2019 who sold the car to the vendor in 2022
- Original book pack and service book, stamped to 61,483 miles (2019)
The Interior
- Magnolia sports seats
- Optional full leather
- Pale maple veneers
- Part-wood steering wheel
Inside, the XJ8 is a lovely place to be, as you’d expect from a car with such a low mileage. The Magnolia leather looks to be almost spotless and free from any signs of damage, with hardly any wear to the driver’s seat bolster and no obvious faults or problems. All of the dials and switches operate as they should, including the trip computer. The XJ8 also has the optional part-wood steering wheel, which is a sought-after optional extra. We are also informed that the headlining is in excellent order, clean and well supported throughout.
There is a little damage to the pale maple veneers, most notably a finish crack that has spread across the dashboard. However this is quite minor in the grand scheme of things with the remainder of the interior presenting rather well indeed.
The Exterior
- Pearlescent Sapphire Blue
- Straight bodywork
- 18-inch ‘Sport’ alloys
Finished in stunning pearlescent Sapphire Blue, the XJ8 looks absolutely fantastic. As an ‘XJ Sport’ model, it loses the chrome surrounding the grille and window trims, which we think results in a very clean look that has aged very well.
As we would expect to find on a car of this age, a glance underneath reveals some corrosion on various components, although the car’s MOT history would suggest that rust has never been an issue. Topside, the bodywork appears to be in very good shape. This Jaguar is really straight down the sides with good panel alignment and no corrosion we could see.
The Pearlescent Sapphire Blue paintwork continues to gleam and is generally in remarkable condition when you consider that the car is 22 years old. There is some localised lacquer peel and paint loss in certain areas, particularly along seams and under the rear window seal although this does not detract significantly from the overall smart appearance of this XJ. There are no notable damage nor signs of prior accident damage, just an area on the rear boot trim where the paint has de-lacquered and some very small marks on the bumper corner and one door mirror. There are a few small scratches to be seen around the door handles, but nothing at all major.
It sits smartly on its almost-unmarked 18-inch ‘Sport’ alloys, which are shod with a fair quantity of rubber all-round.
The Mechanics
- 3.2-litre V8
- Five-speed automatic transmission
- Well-serviced and low mileage
According to the service book, the XJ8 was given a complete new engine under part of a service action by Jaguar in 2001 – a drastic measure taken by the manufacturer after a series of failures. Seemingly, Jaguar got it right the second time around and this engine apparently hasn’t given any trouble at all.
The vendor reports it to be in excellent driving order with no known faults and no untoward clonks or rattles from underneath. It starts and runs sweetly and engages all gears as it should via the now iconic Jaguar ‘J gate’ gear selector.
Summary
This is a modern classic with a lot going for it – low miles, rare specification and comprehensive service history. It’s a really smart-looking car and is guaranteed to provide an engaging and rewarding driving experience with its 3.2-litre engine. It’s very usable, while at the same time being something, if cherished and enjoyed, should appreciate over time.
Notice to bidders
All items in this listing are sold on an “As Is - Where Is” basis. Photos and listing descriptions should be used as a guide only. Although every effort has been made to verify the accuracy of the information in this listing and Car & Classic performs a level of due diligence prior to the auction, we do not warrant the accuracy of the listings. The seller assumes all responsibility for this listing. Inspection is highly recommended prior to bidding. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion.
Please take care when making a bid as once your bid is placed, it cannot be withdrawn and will not be cancelled. If you are unsure do not bid as no refunds will be given.
A nonrefundable buyer deposit is applied to all items won at auction. Please see our FAQs and T&Cs for further details.
All bidding is subject to our T&Cs. By registering and bidding you agree to the terms. Please ensure you clearly read them alongside the special terms and conditions contained in this listing.
