2004 Jaguar XK8 Convertible

Finished in Zircon Blue metallic with a Dove leather interior, this 2004 Jaguar XK8 convertible was written off when it was just two years old.

That’s the bad news.

The good news is that this is the lowest category of write-off, and it’s been in use with a series of owners – the seller is the eighth – ever since. With an odometer reading of just under 83,000 and a good service history, it doesn’t look like those have been hard years, either.

It’s also got the 4.2-litre engine that Jaguar starting using in 2002. Now offering 300bhp and 310lb.ft of torque, the car’s top speed might have remained at an artificially limited 155mph but the XK8 could now streak past 62mph in 6.4/6.6 seconds depending on whether you had the coupé or the convertible.

The seller bought ‘NL04 UVX’ in September 2023 after selling his Harley-Davidson. A long-time fan of the marque, he’d never owned an XK8 but reckoned a convertible version would be just the job to help him get over the loss of his beloved motorcycle.

And it did, although with their life now filled with grandchildren, he’s relying more and more on his seven-seater Land Rover and less and less on his two-seater Jaguar.

We don’t know anything about that accident back in 2008 – but what we do know is that the shutlines are still very good and the panel alignment looks every bit as neat as any X100 we’ve ever seen.

The nearside door is a slightly different shade to the rear wing but that’s about the only real issue because everything else – and we’ll talk in detail about the cosmetic imperfections it has later – is exactly as you’d expect to see on a car that’s now old enough to drink in the USA.

The Zircon Blue paint, colour code JHV, is in great shape too with a good shine and no obvious drips, orange peel, or other signs of poor workmanship.

The windscreen has a sticker in it for the Jaguar Enthusiasts’ Club, which is never a bad sign, and stuff like the chrome mesh radiator grilles are in good shape with no damage and a healthy sheen.

As for the 19-inch alloy wheels, which help give the XK8 such an attractive stance, they are in a fine condition too with only very mild marks to the rims, marks that are so mild as to be barely noticeable.

The nearside front tyre is a 245/40ZR19 Kumho Ecsta LE Sport that was made in 2014, while the offside front is a Joyroad Sport RX6 in the same size but made in 2023. The rear tyres are 255/40ZR19 Three-A P606 that were made in 2022. Room for improvement there, then.

The seller tells us that BAS International repaired the hood at great expense June 2025, which would help account for the smoothness with which the blue fabric roof rises and falls.

The roof is in good shape too, and if the inner headlining is ever-so-slightly loose then there’s nothing wrong with the exterior, which is taut and free of rips, holes, and other damage, except for a small area of fraying above the nearside door.

There are also rubbing marks on the rear quarters and above the occupants’ heads where it’s been folded but these are still minor for now, and more of a cosmetic issue than structural.

The rear screen is a proper glass one with a heating element in it too, and the Jaguar also comes with a cover that neatens its look when the roof is furled.

As for flaws, in addition to the usual stonechips the front bumper has quite a few cracks in its paint finish plus a couple of scuffs to the offside ‘overrider’. The bonnet has a visible scratch on the nearside near the windscreen, albeit touched-up and there’s more touched-up paint on the trailing edge of the nearside door, along with another couple in the middle of the panel.

The driver’s door has also received localized paint repairs, mainly to its trailing edge. There’s also a dent under the mirror and the rubber trim in front of the mirror housing has been glued on. The offside front wing has a dent on its top edge.

Rust has started on both rear wings where they meet the sills, with the nearside sill also showing some under the sill plate. The inner wheelarch lips have a few outbreaks too, as do the lower edges of the front wings and the underside of the front footwells.

As for the lighting, the offside headlamp has condensation inside and the front foglamps have gone cloudy. The other lamp lenses are in good order, including the door lights, which illuminate when the doors are open.

The Dove leather cabin, trim code LHJ, is everything a Jaguar’s should be, full of charm and calm thanks to the time-honoured combination of leather, burr walnut veneer, and chrome.

It’s weathered the years better than most too with firm and comfortable seats. Indeed, the face material is one of the reasons the seller bought it: Fed up with looking at tired examples with holes and deep cracks, he couldn’t believe his eyes when he opened the door and saw how good this one was.

Other signs are equally positive, such as the bright white lettering on the switches, taut elasticated pockets on the back of the front seats, an intact heel protector in the driver’s footwell, and good pedal rubbers.

Nor are there any chips or cracks to the veneer, the pop-up cupholders still pop up and hold cups, and the rearview mirror shows the direction of travel.

Jaguar drivers are perfectly capable of navigating without the aid of satellites.

Extras include the all-important wind deflector that makes such a difference to the way the car feels with the roof down, and a Pioneer CD/radio with Bluetooth connectivity.

The boot is as well trimmed as always and has survived two decades better than most. A warning triangle lives on the underside of the boot lid, while a genuine Jaguar first aid kit and a branded bag for a litre of oil reside on the nearside.

Lifting the false floor uncovers a space-saver spare wheel, and lifting that out reveals the tool kit and a solid boot floor. An all-weather car cover is also included.

Problems, therefore, are few.

There is some discolouration to the leather seats; Dove might be an unusually attractive colour, but its pale surface will show marks a darker hue might obscure.

Both overmats are starting to show their age too, but that again is by way of stains rather than holes. The headlining would also benefit from being professionally cleaned but to balance this it is free of rips, scuffs, and other obvious problems. Finally, the A-pillar trim is slightly wrinkly.

The XK8’s service history is recorded as follows:

· 18.03.2004 – pre-delivery inspection by Stratstone

· 27.02.2006 and 10,701 miles – service by Stratstone

· 27.09.2006 and 20,968 miles – service by Stratstone

· 12.10.2010 and 36,225 miles – service by Fenn Motor Works Ltd

· 27.06.2011 and 46,637 miles – service by Fenn Motor Works Ltd

· 19.04.2012 and 57,835 miles – service by Fenn Motor Works Ltd

· 29.08.2013 and 66,735 miles – service by Fenn Motor Works Ltd

· 28.04.2018 and 74,775 miles – service by Zakary Autos

· 29.06.2023 and 80,265 miles – new front brake discs and pads, rear brake pads, a new rear bush, and an anti-roll bar link

· 18.09.2023 and 80,299 miles – oil service plus a new air filter

Recent work includes a new battery in March 2026 at a cost of £99.95, repairs to the folding roof (June 2025 and £852), and a new alternator (March 2021 and £366). There are also receipts on file for an ABS ring and sensor (April 2019 and £162), and much more.

That new battery helps the 4.2-litre, naturally-aspirated engine start cleanly. It also shows a healthy charge to the battery and good oil pressure immediately. It’s got a rock-solid tickover too, and revs smoothly with surprisingly little noise.

However, you’ll be pleased to note that the exhaust system produces a very satisfying howl. After all, you want your V8 to sound like one, right?

Our test drive went well, although Our Man did notice a "tinny" rattle from the rear end at slow speeds. It also requires you to firmly hold the gear selector lever in park in order to start the car. 

The engine bay is in a very good condition, and the expenditure of a few pence on washers to replace the rusty ones that hold the plastic cover on would make it even better.

The underside has the rust we mentioned earlier, and both we and the last MoT tester spotted some oil leaks under there too.

The Jaguar’s MoT certificate is valid until July 2026.

The recent Vehicle History Check shows the Jaguar was written off and given a Category D marker in Glasgow in May 2008.

The history file includes a very good selection of expired MoT certificates, the Jaguar wallet and book pack, a replacement service history booklet, and a good number of receipts and invoices.

With a guide price of between £6,000 and £8,000, this XK8 offers enormous performance for the money.

With a very good interior and presentable coachwork, the need for a little work is reflected in the fact the seller is happy to offer it with no reserve, so it’ll be considered sold after the very first bid has been placed.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at THE MARKET HQ in South Oxfordshire. Viewings are STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT and we are open weekdays (apart from Bank Holidays) between 10am - 12pm or 2pm - 4pm. To make a booking, please use the ‘Enquire About This Vehicle’ button on the listing. Feel free to ask any questions, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.