1997 Jaguar XK8

This car returns to us after a a few years, with its second owner and first UK owner. Having been looked after well and enjoyed sparingly the Jag is still in excellent condition and being a first generation XK8 and being exported in UK spec it might just have the perfect provenance.

Having spent much of its life on the salt free roads of Japan and only doing around 22,000 miles whilst it was there it has been given the best chance of being in factory fresh condition. Indeed, that is confirmed by all who see it underneath, with remarks such as ‘it’s the cleanest one I’ve seen’ commonplace.

Now returning to our auctions here at Bonhams Cars Online, this Jag is only being sold due to ‘knackered knees’ as quoted by the current owner which means this stunning Jag is back on the market.

The menacing metallic anthracite pearl paint gives the car real road presence, is in excellent condition and is believed to be all original too which is no small feat for these cars especially the UKDM ones which have tried their best to return to the earth. There are minimal, if any excessive marks or blemishes and the paint had been treated to a machine polish and ceramic coating when it last sold through us here. Image 169 shows a minor scratch which is believed to be under the front valance which is still far less wear than you’d expect for a car of this age. On the image it doesn’t look to have gone further than the underbody sealant.

The wheels are a fantastic design and original 17 inch five spokes which have little to no curbing, certainly nothing that stands out. Two of the wheels look to have some paint fade, which is thought to have been a reaction to a cleaning product, but again its far less wear than you’d expect and with the lack of damage something that could easily be rectified.

Tyres are in good order too with plenty of tread left, the fronts are Pirelli P-Zeros as a rogue nail embedded itself in one of the previous tyres’ side wall and the same tyres could not be found. A good sign of ownership when tyres are changed across the axle and the addition of a good condition tyre should also show signs of care and attention from ownership.

Providing contrast to the exterior colour is the oatmeal leather interior, remaining in wonderful condition with very little in the way of wear and tear, it certainly doesn’t have any rips or tears. The rear bench looks to have been unused which is no surprise giving the lack of room and despite coming from Japan, there is no smell of cigarette smoke.

The rest of the interior remains in top condition with the wooden veneer trim standing the test of time and elevating an already luxurious interior to new heights of elegance and class. This extends to the door cards, headlining and carpets too, all of which are in great condition.

The Jag had factory fitted options which include leather and wood steering wheel with auto electronically operated height adjustment, cruise control, heated front seats with memory function and operational A/C. The current owner reports everything in the cabin to be working as it should and the previous owner also fitted a UK-spec Sony radio/cd player with DAB and Bluetooth and has even mated it to the standard wiring so that the steering wheel controls still work. Another excellent modification is the change of the speedometer from KPH to MPH which only further evidences the care and attention this car has received.

Round the rear in the boot and things are clean and tidy with some clean metalwork and housing a spare wheel, battery and a factory toolkit believed to be unused.

As we have mentioned and we’re sure you are aware, the lack of salted roads over in Japan means cars have less chance of oxidising into oblivion as they do in the UK. This Jag is no different and we’re sure even the fasteners and bolts are less likely to have fused with the surrounding metalwork meaning your mechanic will be overjoyed should the car need any work doing in the future.

The four litre V8 engine is reported to be in excellent condition easily hoovering up the approximate 4,500 miles it has done with the current owner. When the car left us around a year prior, the car had a new ECU at a cost of £700 as well as a new water pump, aluminium thermostat and anti-roll bar bushes. The car was also subject to check over with remedial work being carried out. In more recent history the car has had front wheel bearings fitted in March of this year after they came up as an advisory on the MOT (which is valid until 03.04.2024) and has been maintained with regular checks and with any work needed carried out in a timely manner.

Having been registered with the DVLA on the 22nd October 2019 the Jag comes with the full suite of owner’s manuals, in Japanese, as well as three keys and the V5C showing one previous owner.

Included is also some history for the Japanese Shakken and the servicing too, it also qualifies for the £265 a year vehicle excise duty tax class too.

The private plate ‘J300 JXK’ also comes with the vehicle as well as all the paperwork from the car’s time in the UK. Please do take a look through the photo gallery to take a look through the paperwork too.

This Jaguar is certainly a rare gem having been pampered during its life with very few owners and low miles whilst the favourable climate and road conditions over in Japan have ensured this big cat has stayed in top condition.

Definitely one for the die-hard enthusiast, collector or someone wanting one of the best examples of an early Jaguar XK8 on sale today. Treated to an intensive rust -proofing treatment in 2020, it should continue in its excellent state for many a year to come.

Straight out of the last great period for driver’s cars, perhaps the last ever with increasing, stringent constraints placed on automobiles and a market shift from driver centric cars to sterile, self-driven SUVs, there has never been a better time to don the rose tinted specs and bomber jackets and return to the 90’s.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located with the vendor in Lochgilphead, Scotland. Viewings are strictly by appointment. To make a booking, 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, and read our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.