1997 Jaguar XK8

With just the one former keeper in Jersey, ‘P661 GPE’ is an XK8 that’s lived its life in sunnier climes – and in something of a pampered cocoon, as you can see from the extensive service history.

Finished in Ice Blue and a Cream leather interior, the V8 engine and automatic gearbox have covered just 45,000 miles from new, so it presents well and runs and drives as it should.

Re-imported in February 2022 and in his hands since August 2023, the owner finds himself in the familiar position of having run out of space, hence this reluctant sale.

The coachwork is in the condition you’d expect to see on a 27-year-old car that has been only gently used - and so comprehensively cossetted.

Panel alignment and shutlines are still good, and the Ice Blue paintwork (colour code MDP) lends the car an elegant, understated appearance. It’s a beguiling combination, especially when the roof is lowered and the Cream hide interior is on display. 

Speaking of which, as you can see in the video, the dark blue hood opens and closes at the touch of a button, latching securely when it’s raised and folding neatly away when it is furled. A cream tonneau cover, purchased in 2010, tidies the whole thing away, and the rear quarter lights rise and fall to accommodate the process.

Its condition matches its performance being free of rips, tears, and other damage. It’s got a proper glass rear screen too, and the demister element and multi-layer construction are just two of the components that make this an all-season convertible sportscar.

A full set of Kumho Ecsta PS71 tyres were fitted in May 2022, and while the 18-inch alloy wheels aren’t in a bad condition, they have been nibbled by the odd kerb and have some alloy corrosion, so would benefit from being refurbished.

Nonetheless, 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. Their presence does not, of course, preclude the need for a thorough inspection - something the vendor would welcome, by the way – but it does perhaps give you a shortcut into their attitude towards maintenance.

We note some condensation inside the nearside headlamp, small areas of rust under the boot lid and on both rear wheelarches, some bubbles at the base of the nearside A-pillar, a perished rubber windscreen seal, some light scuffs to the boot lid and some light surface rust to its edge, pitting to the chrome of the rear numberplate plinth, light damage and peeling lacquer to the door mirrors, and more peeling lacquer to the underside of the front bumper.

The interior is every inch the thoroughbred Jaguar. With lashings of Cream hide (colour code NDL) and vast swathes of walnut veneer, it’s as luxurious as we’ve come to expect of the company.

And given the XK8’s intended role, the sportiness of the seats doesn’t come as a surprise. With integrated headrests, they’re electrically adjustable, very comfortable and supportive, and present well thanks to having been recoloured at some point.

The rear seats are in an even better condition being plump and almost unmarked.

The door cards are also very good, and quilted aftermarket mats protect the factory carpets and mats.

The walnut veneer trim is in great shape being glossy and free of chips and cracks and we are told that “everything is working exactly as it should except the radio controls on the steering wheel.”

The boot is nicely trimmed and well presented. It’s also home to the Jaguar CD multichanger and a space-saver spare wheel.

As for flaws (heh, we’ve all got ‘em) there is a small piece of trim missing from the front section of the headlining, a headlining that would benefit from being cleaned while you are working on it. It also has small tears on either side of the rear section.

There’s also some spotting to the front nearside carpet, the leather trim underneath the steering wheel is scruffy, the steering wheel has a greater degree of patination than the rest of the cabin, the outer trim panel on the front passenger seat is damaged, the base of the centre cubby is stained, and the driver’s seat is creased and a little soft.

The XK8’s service history is recorded as follows:

• 30.12.1996 and 18 miles – pre-delivery inspection by St Helier Garages Ltd
• 18.05.1998 and 3,932 miles – service by St Helier Garages Ltd
• 04.03.1999 and 5,596 miles – service by St Helier Garages Ltd
• 26.01.2000 and 7,776 miles – service by St Helier Garages Ltd
• 05.12.2000 and 10,036 miles – service and engine rebuild by St Helier Garages Ltd
• 17.07.2002 and 13,229 miles – service by Ray Boschat Ltd
• 04.01.2005 and 19,609 miles – service and front brake pads by Ray Boschat Ltd
• 06.01.2008 and 30,149 miles – service by Full Service Centre, St Helier
• 06.12.2011 and 34,903 miles – service by Full Service Centre, St Helier
• 05.12.2015 and 36,940 miles – service and new timing chains and tensioners by West End, St Helier
• 11.09.2018 and 37,228 miles – service by West End, St Helier
• 01.02.2022 and 38,000 miles – service by V12 Autos Ltd of Malmesbury
• 06.07.2023 and (unknown) miles – oil service
• 01.09.2023 and 42,031 miles – service by Bell Lane Garage

The video shows the mighty V8 firing into life with alacrity before settling into a steady idle. The seller tells us that it “runs lovely” and we can confirm it makes all of the right noises when prodded thanks to the sports exhaust, which was fitted in 2011.

Said to have been Waxoyl’d from new – the engine bay, which is grubby, by the way, certainly bears witness to plenty of the stuff – the underside has the usual light dusting of surface rust on suspension components. 

More pressing is the underseal, which has come away in places and the resulting rust needs wire-brushing and treating before being re-protected.

The XK8’s MoT certificate is valid until March 2025.

The recent Vehicle History Check is clear, and the Jaguar comes with two keys plus its full book pack, a well stamped service history booklet, and plenty of old MoT certificates and invoices plus some paperwork from its time in Jersey.

This car, the thinking man’s DB7, has an awful lot to commend it not least the comprehensive service history and a life so gently led. 

Throw in a 290bhp V8 engine with just 45,000 under its belt (actually only 35,000 thanks to the engine rebuild at 10,000 miles…) and you’ve got a recipe for a lot of fun.

Only being sold because he’s running out of space it’s likely to be cheap fun too because it’s being offered with no reserve and a guide price of only £7,000 -10,000.

Extraordinary, isn’t it?

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located with the vendor in Lincoln, Lincolnshire.  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’.