Jaguar XK8S on the cusp of a generational criss-cross

There’s been a solid uplift in values of the first-gen Jaguar XK8, particularly the convertibles, pulled up by strong interest in the modern Jaguar F-type. In May Anglia Auctions sold a red 2000 convertible – a former press car – with 41k miles for £10,260, while in August Mathewsons drew £8600 for a silver ’98 convertible with 101k miles and history. These are impressive prices especially when you compare them to last year, when SWVA sold a ’97 convertible in blue with 81,000 miles and history for just £6100 plus premium.

The upswing in first-gen XK8 prices has crossed the value curve of the second-gen X150 XK8S, so some of the older cars are now making more than the later versions. In May Historics sold a blue 2006 coupé with 64k miles, three owners and detailed history for £10,976, and in February Mathewsons sold a comprehensively historied 2006 coupé in silver with 119k miles for just £8000.

X150 XK8S are looking good value in the general used market too, with Chrome Motors in Woodford offering a black 2007 coupé with 59k miles and supporting history for £13,995, while a private seller in Norfolk is offering a blue 2006 convertible with 67k for £14,995. Having owned and enjoyed both generations, I’m surprised that the later cars are being so undervalued and suspect that there’s a widely held sentiment that the older cars are somehow likely to become classics sooner.

I’m not sure that’s going to be the case. The later X150s are much more accomplished, reliable, better to drive, more handsome and have those state-of-the-art alloy bodies. If I were shopping for an XK8, I’d buy a post-2005 X150 every time.

VALUE 2016 £18k VALUE NOW £13.5k