Highlights
- Full main dealer service history with 12 stamps
- Stored in a dry, heated garage throughout current ownership of 3 years
- Stunning original condition inside and out
The Appeal
1996 saw the birth of the XK8 first unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show, a 2+2 made by Jaguar to replace the former XJS and sharing a platform with the Aston Martin DB7. The XK8 was the first vehicle to use Jaguar's newly developed 32-valve 4.0L V8 engine which produced a very punchy 290bhp.
These Jaguar XK8’s really are a luxury sports car that can stand on their own merits, renowned for their smooth power delivery and opulent living space at surprisingly good value (in current times, at least). When new, these big cats would set you back an easy £50k and change - with the convertible costing a considerable amount more.
This example here appears to have been greatly cared for and the condition throughout can attest to this, so if you’re looking for an early 2000’s sports car, or just that bodacious V8 grumble, you need not look any further than this.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered on the 13th of June 2001
- All original Jaguar documents present
- V5C present and in current owners name
- MOT to be renewed before the sale of the vehicle
- Stored in a dry, heated garage during the current owner's possession and only used in the summer months
- Reported to have had the transmission replaced at some point in the past
- Recently replaced nearside front wheel bearing, both track rod ends and cam cover gaskets
The Interior
- Completely original condition
- Very rare ‘Birds Eye Maple’ veneer
- Slate Grey leather
- Half wood half leather steering wheel
- Stainless steel sill plates with lovely brightwork
- Electric front seats
- Carpets all in great condition
- Cargo net present in boot
- Spare wheel present
- Original toolkit present
Beautiful and typically Jaguar, featuring soft and luxurious leather hide upholstery and wood veneer facia, it’s a very pleasant place to be. However, although beautiful, the rear seats are of the “plus two” variety and are somewhat inadequate for ferrying passengers around in.
Entering the cabin you instantly get a feel of opulence, the front seats are comfortable and provide good support and show no signs or rips or tears, however they do feature the usual creasing “patina” that’s present in most cars of this vintage. All of the stitching appears to be intact and in good shape, and the electric functionality remains.
Sitting in the driver's seat, you’re greeted with the gorgeous half leather / half wood steering wheel, which presents in lovely condition. The leatherwork is free of damage and the stitching remains intact. Just behind the steering wheel we get a glance at that gorgeous and seemingly very rare Birds Eye Maple wood veneer, encompassing the gauges, controls and air vents. The gauges themselves all work as they should and present no unwelcome warning lights.
Moving across to the centre console everything here is well kept, the original controls and tape deck are present and in good shape with only a small amount of discolouration beside the “Mode” button and the odd very light scratch - it should be noted that all of the text is easily readable and everything here is functional. Around the gearstick we see more of that gorgeous Birds Eye Maple as well as some lovely brightwork.
To the rear, the “plus two” style seats are in beautiful condition, with few signs of use - and we can completely understand why, it would be a tight squeeze at best! The original tonneau cover is present with the vehicle and is in lovely shape too, covering up the soft-top when you want to experience that open top excitement.
Overall, the interior is in very well presented condition and it’s quite easy to see that it has been carefully looked after throughout the years, and rightly so. Who wouldn’t with such a comfortable and pretty living space?
The Exterior
- Stunning Pacific Blue Metallic paintwork
- All original bodywork
- Panel gaps all of factory fitment
- Functional electronic drop-top
- Arches all free from corrosion
- Original Jaguar 5-spoke wheels
- Underbody in solid condition, some underseal present
- Gentle paint chipping in door jamb on the sill seam, both sides
Even from the outside, these XK8’s radiate refinement, and are somewhat reminiscent of the older XKE’s thanks to the long bonnet and the low-slung body style - truly a very well ageing car from all aspects. Finished in a beautiful Pacific Blue Metallic paintwork which all appears to be in very nice shape with no apparent scuffs or scratches, and all of the original body panels are straight and true with nice and uniform panel gaps throughout the vehicle which is to be expected of Jaguar and their legendary quality control.
Toward the front of the vehicle, the bumper and brightwork appear to be in good condition, with the headlights free of any damage or water ingress. The bonnet is straight and true, with nice and uniform panel gaps, and the Jaguar big cat badge sits proudly up front.
Moving around to the side of the vehicle we get a better look at that gorgeous and iconic sleek body shape we all know and love. All four original wheels appear to be in great condition with no apparent curb markings, all are shod in new tyres. All of the body panels are nice and straight and the paintwork is in great condition too, with both front and rear arches seemingly free from rust or corrosion (no doubt aided greatly by the heated garage the current custodian keeps the vehicle in). The only part to report is upon opening the doors, where the seam on the sill is, there is some slight paint chipping here just under the kick plates, however this is easily overlooked.
Around the rear, the story is very much the same with paintwork in good condition and nothing to report in terms of damage. The tail lights are well presented with no cracks or water ingress and the brightwork is nicely cared for too. The exhaust pipes do exhibit a good amount of carbon build up but that’s nothing that can’t be polished back, we know all too well how difficult it can be to keep tail pipes shining with big-engined cars.
Overall, this XK8 seems excellently presented with little to be concerned about, it’s a breath of fresh air to see original examples in such cared for condition that have been used throughout their lifetime and not hidden away for decades.
The Mechanics
- 4.0L V8 longitudinal engine (AJ-V8) (later model engine)
- 6-speed ZF 6HP26 gearbox
- 290bhp
- Recently replaced nearside front wheel bearing
- Recently replaced track rod ends
- Brand new tyres all round
- Recent tracking and alignment
- Recent cam cover gasket replacement
- New timing chain kit fitted at 97,000 miles
- Complete main dealer service history with stamps
- Reported to have had the gearbox replaced at some point in the past
This example appears to be rather well sorted mechanically, with no expense spared when it comes to keeping things running as they should. The current owner reports that the car pulls very well and the 6-speed auto box happily moves through the gears trouble free and smoothly, and the car produces no unwanted knocks or bangs throughout while driving.
Thanks to that big Jaguar V8 lump up front, you get an incredible grumble from the exhaust which is only amplified when you want to drive with the top down. Aston Martin underpinnings offer a fantastic driving experience - sporting yet relaxed and comfortable. When the moment calls for it, this big cat wakes up and roars.
Summary
Oozing character in an oasis of sophistication, this big cat is sure to fulfil anyone's requirements for a luxury sports car. A sure fire modern-classic with excellently engineered underpinnings, and looks that really do turn heads.
Well cared for and sorted XK8’s can be a hard find, and are quickly becoming a desirable car, whether it's to introduce to an existing collection or just for a summertime runaround, this surely won’t disappoint!
Notice to bidders
Notice to bidders
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