Jaguar XK8
ENGINE 3996cc/V8/DOHC POWER 290bhp@6100rpm TORQUE 277lb ft@4250rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 155mph 0-60MPH 6.4sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 14-30mpg TRANSMISSION RWD, five-speed auto MoT 12 months from sale ODOMETER 69,870 miles
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
The car starts immediately with no issues and the engine doesn’t hunt for revs or emit any exhaust smoke, settling instantly to a smooth idle. Out on the road the Jaguar is smooth, powerful, refined… everything you would expect from a sporting Jaguar V8, in fact. The ride is fluid and the handling positive, aided in part by the light and precise steering. The automatic gearbox works perfectly and gear changes are brisk. Brakes are powerful and responsive and the slight vibration through the steering wheel under heavy braking may be explained away by the latest MoT advisory’s mention of rear brake pads wearing thin. The car feels well put together overall though, and there are no unpleasant noises or rattles.
BODYWORK CHECK
The silver paint is in excellent condition from stem to stern. There are no real blemishes or marks to speak of and no rust – the sills have been professionally replaced. The underside has been wax undersealed and while there is some scuffing around the edges of the factory 18in seven-spoke alloy wheels, they are in mostly good condition. The rear tyres (all are Pirelli P Zeros) show more evident wear than the fronts, but are still well within legal limits.
HOW’S THE INTERIOR?
The classic black leather interior and walnut dash sit well with the silver exterior. The seats are supple and haven’t succumbed to weathering or cracking and the dash veneer and centre console trim are unmarked. The headlining is brand new and therefore in perfect condition, the myriad toys – including the electric seats and integrated satellite navigation system – and electrical controls all work flawlessly, the carpets are clean
and dry, including in the boot, and the original warning triangle is present along with the space saver wheel.
UNDER THE BONNET
The V8 looks resplendent under the bonnet, and the engine bay is extremely clean and tidy, with no evidence of any leaking fluids from the engine or drivetrain. No gunk on the oil filler cap suggests a healthy cylinder head gasket and there are none of the nasty cam chain rattles (or any other untoward noises for that matter) that plagued some of these cars – just a lovely V8 burble. There is evidence in the history folder of a recently fitted new alternator and water pump.
THE CCW VIEW
This car certainly performs well. Purists may prefer a manual (which was never offered) but the auto lends itself to a more relaxed driving experience. With a price tag of almost £50,000 when new, good examples such as this are selling today for a fraction of that amount. No question – this is a lot of car for not a lot of money.