1999 Jaguar XJ8

‘B11 WOM’ is an early Jaguar XJ8 Sovereign that’s fitted with the four-litre, naturally aspirated V8 engine. Finished in Mistral Blue, the odometer might have just eased over into six-figures but we have a letter from jaguar (in the documents gallery) as proof the engine unit was replaced at 41,257 miles, so the powerplant has only covered around 60,000 miles.

Being a Sovereign, it sits at the top of the X308 trim hierarchy and boasts extensive wood veneer that even extends onto the door switch panels, somewhere lesser variants have to make do with plastic.

The leather used in the Sovereign is softer too, and the wheels are sized to allow for higher-profile tyres that work in conjunction with suspension that was tuned for comfort rather than mm-perfect cornering.

There’s also more external chrome because there’s no point in paying all that extra unless the plebs realise it, eh? 
 

The X308’s shape is elegant and classic, something the subtle Mistral Blue paintwork reinforces. This one is in good shape too with ripple-free flanks, tight and consistent shutlines, and no major dents or dinks.

The lamp lenses are in good order too with no cracks or sun damage, and the chromework, of which there is a bit more than usual thanks to this one’s top-of-the-range status, is still shiny and only lightly patinated.

The badges, which confirm its V8 and Sovereign status, are good too, and the private numberplate of ‘B11 WIW’ will stay with the car.

The 16-inch alloy wheels are in a decent condition with only very minor nibbles to some of the rims. They’re fitted with matching 225/60R16 Falken Ziex ZE310 tyres too, two of which were replaced in 2021, and one this year.

We will never get tired of telling you that experience shows that matching high-quality tyres are an infallible sign of a caring and mechanically sympathetic owner who is prepared to spend the appropriate amount in maintaining their car properly.

As for flaws, the lacquer and paint are starting to peel from the front bumper, there’s a rust spot above the nearside headlamps, the offside front corner is scuffed, the offside rear corner has a small mark to the bumper, the aerial is rusty, and the nearside door mirror is scuffed and the glass damaged.
 

Extensive use has been made of leather throughout the cabin including the seats, steering wheel, door cards, transmission tunnel, and dashboard. It’s all been very nicely fitted and stitched and has weathered well with the only obvious aging being to – yes, you’ve guessed it – the driver’s seat.

The carpets are in good order, thanks in part we assume to the presence of lamb’s wool overmats.

The walnut veneer might have lightened in places but it is otherwise sound and free of cracks, chips, and other damage.

Toys might be modest by modern standards but they include Harman Kardon speakers, air-conditioning, Bluetooth connectivity, cruise-control, and electric front seats, door mirrors, and windows.

We are told that everything works as it should with the exception of the air-conditioning, which the seller admits probably isn’t as cold as it could be.

Cosmetic issues are minimal but include a steering wheel that is showing some wear to the leather rim and wrinkling to the hub, discolouration to the nearside rear door card and the central front armrest, and a sagging headlining. 
 

The seller tells us that the Jaguar’s service history is:

•    08/03/2000 and 9,429 miles – service by Merritts Jaguar, Amersham
•    14/03/2001 and 18,976 miles – service by Merritts Jaguar, Amersham
•    27/03/2002 and 27,042 miles – service by Merritts Jaguar, Amersham
•    19/03/2003 and 34,950 miles – service by Merritts Jaguar, Amersham
•    New engine fitted at 42,125 miles
•    17/03/2004 and 43,832 miles – service by Merritts Jaguar, Amersham 
•    16/01/2005 and 50,445 miles – service by Merritts Jaguar, Amersham
•    25/09/2005 and 62,079 miles – service by Merritts Jaguar, Amersham 
•    21/06/2007 and 76,332 miles – oil and filter change
•    05/11/2009 and 83,133 miles – oil and new oil and air filters
•    16/06/2014 and 87,799 miles – timing chain tensioners replaced with 3rd generation metal tensioners
•    28/11/2020 and 97,716 miles – MoT and misc repairs by Damerham Garage including a new battery, balljoints, roll bar link, bulbs, a tyre, and fuel cleaner
•    26/03/2021 and 99,684 miles – new rear damper mounts and fluids by Hypermotive, Bournemouth
•    29/03/2022 and Garage3R, Wimborne and unknown miles – oil and filter change plus brake fluid, exhaust mid sections, cam cover gaskets, spark plugs, air filter, and valve seals

We note the Jaguar failed an MoT in 2022 for underbody corrosion at the front, with advisories for general underbody corrosion. It was then off the road for almost three years before passing an MoT in September 2025.

We understand this was because it belonged to a collector and getting it sorted and back on the road kept slipping further down his To Do list as he had other cars to drive.

He eventually accepted that it may not happen, so he sold it to our seller who had the necessary welding and other work done to put a new MoT on it.

Advisories remained for corrosion, as well as a few other areas including brake hoses, balljoints, fuel pipes, driveshafts, and a punctured tyre, although we are told that the latter has been replaced.

We haven’t been able to test drive the Jaguar as it is with the seller, but he tells us it “runs and drives superbly”.

The engine bay might be a bit grubby with the odd rusty fastener, but it is otherwise in good order, including the underbonnet soundproofing material.
 

The Jaguar’s MoT is valid until September 2026.

We are told it comes with a “documented service history” as well as “a large history file, the original service book, and all handbooks”. As and when we receive the images for these they will be uploaded to the gallery.
 

With an estimate of between £4,000 and £6,000, there cannot be a more cost-effective way of getting behind the wheel of a V8-powered Jaguar than this.

Yes, it’s likely to need some reviving but this is also reflected in the fact the seller is happy to offer it with no reserve, so it’s going to sell no matter what!

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this particular car is located with the vendor in Ringwood, Hampshire. To arrange an appointment to inspect this vehicle, please use the ‘Enquire About This Vehicle’ button on the listing. Feel free to ask any questions, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.