2004 Jaguar XJ8 4.2 SWB

Delivered new to Japan in 2004, this XJ8 boasts a simply sensational specification, and has been enjoyed by only two owners since new.

Specified from the factory with numerous desirable options up to Super Eight levels of equipment, highlights of the specification include the following:

- Wood/Leather steering wheel

- 20” Callisto alloy wheels

- Xenon headlights with power-wash

- Mesh front grille

- Chrome mirrors, grille shell and trims

- Electrically adjustable seats and pedals with memory

- Alpine audio with factory subwoofer

- Reclining, heated rear seats with memory

- Rear window electric blind

- Rear door blinds

- Rear entertainment console

In addition to the above, the car has also been converted to UK specification by the vendor following import, with full-size numberplate plinths, a UK sat-nav and an MPH speedometer face fitted and calibrated, along with the car being machine-polished, ceramic coated and professionally valeted before coming to us here at The Market.

According to our vendor, this is the only example to this specification available in the UK, which makes it even more enticing for those looking for an ultra-comfortable, V8 powered cruiser.

As is often the case, thanks to its fastidious level of care whilst overseas in Japan, this XJ8 SWB is in outstanding condition throughout, having benefitted from being kept out of the elements whilst in the care of its previous owners, and with the paintwork not having to weather the same level of salt and inclement weather as its UK equivalents.

The Radiance Red Pearl paintwork is in excellent shape throughout, showing only the lightest of marks and stone chips, and retaining an incredible shine and lustre across the bodywork. Speaking of which, we could see no signs of any major dents, tell-tale signs of impact damage or mis-aligned panels, though there are two tiny pin dents on the nearside front edge of the bonnet, which appear to have been from a small animal running across the top of the vehicle at some stage in its life.

Elsewhere, the chrome trim is in generally very good condition across the board, though there is some dulling noted to the trims around the windows and in other areas, but this is only visible up-close, and certainly does not detract from the overall condition of the vehicle.

The optional 20-inch Callisto alloy wheels - wrapped in matching P-Zero tyres - are in similarly fantastic shape, and are free from any major marks or kerb rash.

Inside, the luxuriously appointed Parchment leather interior is in stunning shape throughout, showing virtually no signs of wear expected for a vehicle of this age, even one with such a verified low mileage.

The supremely comfortable seats show only some very light creasing and signs of use, both in the front and rear, and the heated elements are all working as they should, from what we could tell. Inserting the key into the ignition barrel also activates the saved memory seat location and lowers the steering wheel, suggesting all is well with the car’s electronics.

Up above, there is no sign of any staining or sagging to the headlining, whilst all four of the over-mats are in equally excellent shape.

Being super picky, there are some light scuff marks noted to the outer edge of the seat base plastics in places, and there is some light wear visible on the inner sill covers, though we really are splitting hairs here.

From what we could tell, all systems are working exactly as they should be, though the reversing camera did not trigger with putting the car into reverse gear, though it is unclear whether this was an aftermarket fitment or tied to the original Japanese entertainment unit.

Firing into life with glee and settling immediately into a silky-smooth idle, this XJ8 appears to be in rude mechanical health, and has clearly been well-kept during its previous life in Japan.

Whilst running, there is virtually no discernible noise or vibration noted in the cabin, and the engine itself is fantastically smooth, with no noted strange behaviours, quirks or issues. Out on the road, the V8 engine gives this ‘big cat’ plenty of pace, with the automatic gearbox seamlessly shifting up-and-down with no hesitation or clunky shifts.

Looking at the engine itself, the bay, plastics, block and ancillaries (what you can see of them, at least) are all in outstanding condition, with one of our team stating that this example looks to have “just rolled out the showroom - it’s fantastic!” Upon closer inspection, we can see no signs of any leaks or issues, though most of the engine itself is obscured by various ‘dress up’ plastics to tidy up its appearance.

Underneath, there are certainly no issues that appear to be any cause for concern, and the latest MoT exam - dated 01 June 2021 - shows no advisory items.

Included with the vehicle are the V5 showing 0 former UK keepers, two sets of keys, a full complement of Jaguar handbooks, stamped service record, numerous Japanese service invoices, and documentation from the shipping and export process.

Timeless in their design and ever the choice of the discerning motorist, this Jaguar XJ8 is presented in outstanding condition throughout, and boasts not only a ridiculously high factory specification, but also minimal mileage, low ownership and a full UK-specification conversion.

Ready to jump in and enjoy, we estimate this classy ‘cat to reach in region of £9,000 to £14,000 which - if you ask us - is a lot of car for the money. If you’ve never owned a V8 Jaguar, this is your ticket. Good luck!

Viewing is always encouraged. This particular car is located with us at The Market HQ near Abingdon; we are open weekdays between 9am-5pm, to arrange an appointment please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.