Buying Guide

Jaguar XK8

‘It’s a beguiling mix of oldschool luxury and modern technology’

Nowadays there’s plenty of love for the XJS, but it wasn’t always that way. Its replacement needed to succeed from the outset, and when the XK8 was launched at the 1996 Geneva Motor Show it undoubtedly looked the part. Then-owner Ford ploughed plenty of cash into developing the new model, codenamed X100, and while the swooping lines may have hidden an XJS-derived platform, the remainder was a beguiling mix of old-school luxury and modern technology. And there was a choice of coupé or convertible models for good measure, the latter designed so the boot accepted two sets of golf clubs!

Launch models featured a 290bhp 4.0-litre V8 that was smoother than a French crooner, and while nailing throttle pedal to plush carpet meant late-teens economy at best, this was nonetheless a long-distance Grand Tourer par excellence. Relaxing to drive and backed by superb ride and handling – there was poise as well as power – Jaguar turned up the wick in 1998 by introducing the supercharged XKR, with a mighty 370bhp at its disposal and a 0-60mph time of less than six seconds.

The ensuing years brought numerous upgrades that refreshed the exterior styling and trim, but a notable change came in 2003 with thoroughly updated engines. Out went the original AJ26 motors to be replaced by 4.2-litre AJ34 units, again in normally-aspirated and supercharged forms. Performance was improved, but what you really need to do with an XK is settle into the snug driving position and drink in the glossy wood and soft leather covering every surface; that alone probably explains why around 90,000 examples found buyers before production ended in 2006. Today, a good coupé commands upwards of £5000 and although careful buying is needed to avoid wallet-draining ownership, that’s nothing short of a bargain.