Basic Information and History

When the Jaguar XK8 was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in 1996, it marked the beginning of a new era for the marque. The model, internally designated X100, replaced the long-serving XJS and became the first Jaguar to be fitted with a V8 engine. The newly developed 4.0-litre AJ-V8 with four valves per cylinder produced 290 horsepower and was mated to a five-speed automatic transmission from ZF. The design, led by Geoff Lawson, clearly echoed the E-Type with its long bonnet and oval grille, and the platform was fundamentally shared with the Aston Martin DB7. This 1997 model year example belongs to the first production run of the XK8, a car that today holds a firm place among British grand tourers of the 1990s.

This 1997 XK8 was originally delivered in Germany, imported to Denmark in 2002, and arrived in Sweden in 2012. The car is thus not originally Swedish-sold. The odometer reads 16,200 kilometres, but the seller cannot guarantee its accuracy. The car is stated to be in original condition and has passed inspection. Inspection records are preserved from 2013 onwards.

Equipment and Options

• 4.0-litre AJ-V8 with four valves per cylinder
• Five-speed automatic transmission
• Leather upholstery
• Air conditioning
• Sound system with additional amplifier and replaced speakers
• Replaced headliner

The car is fundamentally in original configuration. The changes that have been made concern the sound system, where an additional amplifier has been installed and the speakers replaced, as well as the headliner, which has been replaced. The seller also states that the timing chain tensioners have been replaced, a well-known measure on the early AJ-V8 engines where the original plastic tensioners could cause problems over time.

Condition

Body and Exterior: According to the seller, the paint has lacquer peel beneath the rear lamps due to rust, as well as spider cracking on the front. The body has a couple of minor dents on the driver's door and rust in the rear wheel arch edges as well as beneath the rear lamps. The windows are assessed to be in good condition.

Interior: The driver's seat has wear to the leather and a couple of plastic trim pieces are damaged. The instrument panel is stated to be in good condition, and the headliner, which has been replaced, is described as excellent.

Tyres and Wheels: The tyres are several years old and should, according to the seller, be replaced. The wheels have minor damage.

Mechanics and Function: The engine is described as being in good condition and starts and runs faultlessly. The transmission, which was replaced with a used unit in 2013, is assessed to be in good condition and shifts faultlessly. The brakes are also stated to be in good condition. The car is drivable as it stands and the instrument panel is free of warning lights. The air conditioning needs to be topped up with refrigerant, but is otherwise stated to function well. The sound system has a fault in the unit that converts the signal from the original stereo to the aftermarket amplifiers; the seller believes this is likely to be an easy fix. All other electronics, the trip meter, and all seatbelts are stated to function.

Service History

The car is stated to be fully serviced. Servicing has been carried out by Joe's garage, who has also filled in the service book, and receipts exist to document the work. In addition to regular maintenance, the timing chain tensioners have been replaced, the transmission was replaced with a used unit in 2013, and various joints and bushings have been replaced over the years. Inspection records are preserved from 2013 onwards.

Summary

This is a Jaguar XK8 from the model's first production year, with a documented history from Germany via Denmark to Sweden. The car is in original condition aside from the sound system and the replaced headliner, and the well-known timing chain tensioners have been addressed. The body and paint show rust and cosmetic flaws, the interior bears signs of use, and the tyres need replacing, while the engine, transmission, and brakes are described as being in good condition. With a service book, receipts, and inspection records as supporting documentation, this is an XK8 for someone who wants to take on a British grand tourer with a known history and a clearly described starting point.