1999 Jaguar XK8

The Jaguar XK8 was in production from 1996 until 2006. Styled in house, it is a front-engine, rear wheel drive coupe/convertible range seating two adults and two children.

While heavily based on the old XJS floorpan, the Jaguar XK8 was thoroughly re-engineered. It had a new engine; Jaguar’s AJV8, installed here for the first time and still in production 25 years later. The body was similar to the Tom Walkinshaw study that became the Aston DB7, taking visual cues from the Jaguar E type and adapting them to fit a GT car of the 1990s. There was only one model available, in a choice of two bodies – coupe and convertible. Subsequently there would be a supercharged XKR but that will be covered elsewhere. There was an extensive options list, allowing full personalisation of your XK8 to your chosen specification when new. Facelifts in 2001 and 2004 kept the Jaguar XK8 fresh with revised lighting and additional chrome, alongside larger wheels and tyres. Jaguar enlarged the engine of the XK8 from 4.0 to 4.2 litres in 2002, in line with that of the S-type, ahead of the launch of the new XJ saloon.

Just over 90000 XK8s were produced, including special editions and the XKR supercharged variants. Replaced by the new X150 XK of 2006, the latter car used aluminium technology to keep the weight down and added a hatchback rear for practicality. All Jaguar XK8s are automatic, while no trim is worth more than any other type and it’s very much down to personal preference. Leather wasn’t standard but cars with cloth are less desirable despite their rarity.

Alternatives to the Jaguar XK8 then and now would include the Mercedes-Benz SL, and BMW E31 8-series. Aston Martin’s DB7 has always been more expensive than the Jaguar, though typically appeals to a similar sort of enthusiasts and might be a viable alternative. Likewise the Porsche 996 911 Carrera 2 might be worth considering, given its price proximity when new.