• Just 3 owners from new

• Lovely colour combination

• Good history file

• Superb value

Replacing the long-running XJ-S range in 1996, the new XK8 launched in 1996 and was available in two body styles; a coupe and convertible.  

Sleek and modern, the exterior was designed by Ian Callum (who also penned the contemporary Aston Martin DB7) and were well equipped with cruise control, air conditioning, CD player, Sat Nav and mobile telephone in some models.   

Based on the XJ-S floor pan its V8 power unit - Jaguar's first - was entirely new. The all-aluminium 32-valve unit displaced 4.0 litres and produced 281bhp, an output good enough for a top speed of 156mph. 

Power was transmitted via a ZF five-speed automatic gearbox to the limited-slip differential, while traction control was standard.

This three-owner XK8 was purchased from Arun Jaguar by its second owner in 2014 to add to his small car collection.  He was Chairman of the Daimler - Lanchester owners club and owned several Daimlers and Jaguars.  

A competent mechanic, he did some of the maintenance on the car himself in his own workshop, but any issues or major servicing was carried out by JagTech of Eastbourne who got to know him and the car well over the years.  

Unfortunately he passed away before the 2020 lockdown, and his widow offered the car to the garage that had looked after it.  They purchased the car as they know its history, and put it into store during the past 18 months.  

Now reawakened from its slumber it is ready for a new owner.

The Service book with the Jaguar shows 9 stamps the last being at 78,599 miles, and the odometer now reads 83,847, so that’s just5,248 miles ago.   Looking at the history it appears that upon purchase the Jaguar had covered 54,044 miles in 2014.

There are regular bills from JAGtechnic who cared for the XK8 from 2014, replacing worn parts where necessary and generally keeping it running nicely.  One problem that was addressed was the Sat Nav system that was no longer receiving updates to the maps. 

 JagTech discreetly installed a TomTom system, using the Jaguar wiring so that it could work properly and be updated when necessary.  The MoT is valid until June 2022, and there is a V5c and two sets of keys.

Overall the interior is in great condition.  The driver’s seat is a slightly different shade to the rest of the interior as it appears there was an attempt to recondition the seat where the leather had started to show its age.  

There is slight wear to the side bolster and to the armrest of the driver’s seat.  The other seats are all in better condition.  The burr walnut on the dash and centre console is all unmarked and shows a good shine and the buttons are clean and there is no evidence if “tackiness”.  The Oatmeal coloured carpet is unmarked, protected by grey mats in the front.

The sill plates show minor scratches, especially on the driver’s side, and there is also some bubbling in the paint on the sill.  The switchgear all appears to operate correctly and the dash showed no warning lights. 

The Pacific Blue exterior looks the business, and contrasts nicely with the cream leather interior. Overall the paint condition can be described as good with only a few small areas that will need to be addressed eventually.  

There is a small amount of bubbling at the rear edge of the driver’s side rear wheel arch, along some of the window trim and a few stone chips on the nose of the car.  Upon close inspection the blue paint on the front bumper appears a different shade to the rest of the car which suggests it may have been repainted or changed at some point.

The 18 inch Flute style alloy wheels are all in excellent condition, showing no curbing or corrosion and the Jaguar centre caps are all clear.  The tyres are all Avons, with plenty of life left in them.

The hood is clean with only the odd mark, and deploys and folds correctly.  In the boot the original Sat Nav and Alpine CD system is present along with the spare wheel.  The battery was recently replaced. 

The Vendor says the car is mechanically sound, and has been well cared for during the seven years he has serviced and maintained it. The engine bay is clean and tidy, if a little dusty.  

There is no evidence of leaks or drips and the Jaguar drives as it should.  He says that at some stage it is likely to need replacement suspension bushes, but there is nothing needs addressing imminently, so the Jaguar can be enjoyed straight away.   

The XK8 was a good seller when launched, and continued be successful with updates until 2014 for good reason.  

Exciting to drive, and exceptionally comfortable, Jaguar XK8s are now excellent value for money, and are just being recognised as a classic in the making!  

Probably the best value convertible V8 you can get your hands on!