Description

With its lineage tracing all the way back to the late 60's, Jaguars executive saloon had always been known by either the XJ6 or XJ12 moniker, with this referring to the engine cylinder configuration. In 1997, after nearly 40 years and with the introduction of the new Jaguar X308 model, the designation switched to the XJ8, with this reflecting the fact that X308 cars were to be powered by an all new V8 engine.

The exterior styling of the X308 remained similar to its predecessor, the X300 with some minor refinements. The biggest change in the appearance was the switch to a stylistically rounded design for all of the exterior lights, indicators and interior trim and fittings, including information displays and switches. The interior was also updated to eliminate the rectangular instrument binnacle which had gone largely unchanged since the original XJ40 (an XJ6 model from the late 80's); instead, three large gauges were set into recesses in the walnut-faced dashboard in front of the driver similar in design to the recently launched Jaguar XK, itself a replacement for the aging XJS coupe model.

Powered initially by a 240 bhp 3.2 litre variant of the new AJ-V8 engine, the new XJ8 offered both pace, grace and reasonably good economy and later during the 5 year production run the engine range would be enhanced further with a 4.0 litre normally aspirated model or the mind-bending 370 bhp 4.0 litre Supercharged V8, with all cars being fitted with a five-speed automatic gearbox.

Delivered through Weybridge Automobiles, Jaguar dealership, to Mr Strangeway on the 26th June 1998, this fabulous XJ8 3.2 litre has had just 1 owner and has lead a wonderfully cossetted life, to date covering just 54,500 miles from new. Finished in Sherwood Green metallic with complimentary Cashmere Leather and matching over-mats she comes with all the usual Jaguar refinements, electric windows / mirrors, electrochromic rear-view mirror, air-conditioning, height / rake multi-function steering wheel, electric adjustable seats / lumber support, lashings of leather and features wonderful wood veneer fascias to the dash and door cappings. A visual inspection of the car, confirms her condition is consummate with her genuine low mileage. All the factory panels are straight with only light aged related marks visible. All the trim, chrome, lens and rubbers are in excellent condition and it's great to see she still carrys all her original supplying dealer number plates etc.

The interior too remains wonderfully fresh. The leather, supple and sumptuous is free from any scuffs and colour fade, the carpets are nigh-on perfect and its reassuring that all the interior electrics etc work just as they did when the car rolled of the Coventry plants production line back in 1998, this XJ8 is still more than capable of offering luxurious transportation; now at a fraction of her accompanying original purchase invoice of £37k.

To find a genuine one owner car is quite a rarity and to come across one with FULL Service Record book, 16 Jaguar Service stamps, with further servicing to date, her full book pack, two keys, original toolkit and along with every MOT from her first (2001) to date (next due May 2020) is almost an impossibility. Needless to say with such a comprehensive service record (invoicing in excess of £10k supporting maintenance etc) this XJ8 really belies her age, she's drives fantastically and is just a wonderful example of how a classic XJ should be, offering poise and panache with a pure classic pedigree.