1997 Jaguar XK8

This seemingly, thoroughly-original XK8 is an earlier example, first registered in September 1997; less than a year after the model’s introduction. This Jaguar’s exquisite shade of Carnival Red bodywork covers an equally appealing Ivory Classic leather cabin, both of which appear to have survived 27 years on British roads remarkably well. 

This open-top Jaguar is powered by the naturally-aspirated 280bhp 4.0-litre AJ-V8 engine that, according to the odometer and apparently reflected by its history, shows a minimal 39,779 miles from new. We can already imagine the auditory delights that await its next keeper as the first glimpse of a sunny spring forecast on the horizon.

According to the vendor, who has owned this XK8 since 2010, this Jaguar’s been MoT'd every year, regardless of use, and has also apparently seen a recent recommissioning, with only around 2000 miles covered during his entire 14-year ownership. The only fault he mentions is a slight colour match issue with the repainted nearside front wing (damaged during a ferry crossing).

As far as first impressions go, this Jaguar makes an extremely decent account of itself. The depth and shine of that wonderful paint hue remains impressive and the hide covering the interior looks similarly sumptuous. The glass, trim and alloy wheels (the latter upgraded 18-inch items) all still look fresh and highly presentable. There’s no shortage of XK8s out there, with plenty now looking pretty tired. For a long time, values dipped into the territory where dreamers who expected to run one on a shoestring could pick up a high-mileage XK8. Thankfully, this example seems very much not to have spent any time with one of these owners.

Though it generally presents very well, a few marks here and there give the game away that this isn’t a three-to-five-year old convertible, in line with its minimal displayed mileage. The front end has suffered some light pebble dashing and scratches, particularly evident on the lower half of the front valance.The most obvious sign of remedial work is that aforementioned front nearside wing. The finish is good and the paint has been blended well along the nearside, but the colour match is noticeably darker when compared to the adjoining bonnet. The panel shuts are all excellent however, right around the car. The powered hood also appears to be in good order, as is its rear glass screen.

Top down on a sunny day, there’s simply nowhere for any unsightly wear to hide, not that the next owner of this example has to worry. The wood, hide and plastics in this Jaguar seem to present extremely well. There are a few light creases on the seat bases but no tears or scratches that we could see. There are a few mild scuffs to the seat backs from the entry and exit of feet, but these are very mild. The good impression extends to a good clean boot and tonneau cover; though the later would probably benefit from a deep clean. Aside from a further few wrinkles to the fabric covering the inner A post trims, we found little more to fault with this cabin.

Electric heated memory seats are certainly welcome in less inclement climates, like here in the UK, meaning greater enjoyment can be had of this convertible, for more of the year. There are some more toys that make open-top life that little bit easier, including; climate and traction control, front and rear screen demists, air-conditioning and extensive instrumentation including; rare for the era battery voltage and oil pressure gauges, all of which appear to be fully operational.

These XK8s are known to be relatively reliable with few inherent design faults. As they’re all now getting a little long in the tooth, especially early cars like this one, rust has become a common issue. While a look underneath this XK8 does reveal what seems to be some very minor surface corrosion in a few spots, the mass majority of the steel still appears to be solid. There’s a comprehensive (but not cover-up) coating of underseal that suggests it’s been topped-up, rather than relying solely on the original factory coating.

The engine bay appears clean and tidy with much of the appearance made up of plastic trims – we’re entering the modern era here remember. There’s some evidence of staining to the top of the coolant expansion tank but it’s dried out. The under-bonnet sound-proofing still looks secure and complete. The mechanical components we could see underneath looked largely fine, if a little aged; the bottom of the radiator and exhaust in particular.

A good wad of paperwork accompanies this Jaguar, far too much for us to go into here in fact, but suffice it to say, it appears to chart consistent care from new. There are 10 main dealer service stamps in the supplied Jaguar booklet (up to 2009), as well as the rest of the book pack and owner’s manuals.

Much more recently, the car’s brake pipes were changed for new copper alternatives in May 2023. The last service (intermediate) was undertaken by AC Motor Services in Lymington (£251.78) in October of the same year, when it was also MoT’d without any advisories noted. The car comes with two keys and plenty of old MoTs and invoices for its next owner to peruse at their leisure.

The XK8 is a fantastic machine to waft about in, whatever the weather. This one benefits from being able to let the sunlight in at the touch of a button, or retract the roof and sit in suede-lined luxury, if the clouds decide to spoil the fun. With plenty of care recorded in its largely dealer-stamped service record and a lot more independent work besides, there doesn’t seem to be a lot to critique from this car’s past.

There are one or two little niggles to work out, if you’re after perfection, none of which will impede your immediate enjoyment. With so few recorded miles and owners, there’s also little doubt that putting things right will come back to reward the next owner when it’s their time to pass it on to its next keeper. 

We are happy to offer this vehicle for auction with an estimate in the range of £8,000 - £10,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at Bonhams|Cars Online HQ. 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’.