1997 Jaguar XK8

Ric Sorgato
Aug 21, 2024
5 min read

Updated: Oct 14, 2024

HIGHLIGHTS

British Racing Green over beige leather interior
One owner from new
Mileage: 101.700 km
All services performed at Jaguar service centers
Original first paint, never polished
Excellent conditions

A New Era for Jaguar

The Jaguar XK8, launched in 1996, marked a pivotal moment in the history of Jaguar, reestablishing the brand’s reputation for producing luxury grand tourers with a flair for performance and elegance. As the spiritual successor to the famed E-Type, the XK8 brought with it a blend of timeless British design, modern engineering, and an emphasis on the grand touring experience that Jaguar had become synonymous with.

In the mid-1990s, Jaguar was in a phase of transformation. Acquired by Ford in 1990, the company sought to revitalize its lineup, particularly in the sports car segment. The XK8 was developed as a replacement for the aging XJ-S, which had been in production for over two decades. Jaguar needed a car that could rival contemporaries such as the Mercedes-Benz SL and the Porsche 911 while embodying the luxury and performance Jaguar was known for. The XK8 debuted in 1996 at the Geneva Motor Show, immediately capturing attention with its elegant design and V8 engine.

The XK8 was built on a modified version of the XJ-S platform but was significantly modernized. It also marked the debut of Jaguar's all-new AJ-V8 engine, a critical element of the model’s appeal and success. Available as a coupe or convertible, the XK8 quickly became a favorite among enthusiasts looking for a luxurious, high-performance grand tourer.

Design: Timeless Elegance

Ian Callum, Jaguar’s renowned designer, played a crucial role in shaping the XK8. The car was a harmonious blend of classic Jaguar styling cues and modern proportions. With its long, sweeping hood, low-slung body, and curvaceous lines, the XK8 was a direct nod to the legendary E-Type, albeit with a contemporary touch.

The front of the XK8 was defined by its oval grille and sleek, cat-like headlights, which gave the car an assertive yet graceful appearance. The long wheelbase and short overhangs added to the XK8’s poised and balanced stance, while the fastback design of the coupe offered a sleek, aerodynamic profile. The convertible, with its power-operated fabric roof, retained the graceful lines, making it equally desirable for open-top motoring.

Inside, the XK8 was a symphony of wood veneers, supple leather, and advanced technology for the time. The cockpit was driver-focused, with a blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern ergonomics, offering a luxurious yet sporty environment.

Technical Specifications: Power Meets Refinement

The heartbeat of the Jaguar XK8 was its 4.0-liter AJ-V8 engine, an all-aluminum, 32-valve unit that produced 290 horsepower and 393 Nm of torque. This was the first time Jaguar had used an eight-cylinder engine in one of its production cars, and it was a significant departure from the brand's previous reliance on six-cylinder and V12 engines. The V8 was mated to a five-speed automatic transmission from ZF, which provided smooth shifts and a refined driving experience.

The XK8's suspension system was tuned for comfort, but with enough rigidity to handle spirited driving. The car featured double wishbones at the front and rear, providing a balanced mix of ride comfort and handling precision. Performance-wise, the XK8 could accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just under seven seconds, while its top speed was electronically limited to 250 km/h.

How does it drive?

On the road, the Jaguar XK8 is everything you would expect from a grand tourer. The V8 engine provides smooth, effortless power, and while it may not have the razor-sharp handling of a pure sports car like a Porsche 911, it excels in delivering a comfortable and composed ride, even at high speeds. The suspension soaks up road imperfections with ease, and the cabin remains hushed and refined, adding to the luxurious feel of the car.

The steering is light and precise, making the XK8 easy to maneuver around town and stable at highway speeds. The automatic transmission shifts smoothly, although in spirited driving, it may feel a little sluggish compared to modern dual-clutch systems. However, the relaxed and refined nature of the XK8 is more about long-distance comfort rather than track-day performance.

This chassis number

Delivered new in Varese (Italy) back in March 1997, this Jaguar is one of the early XK8 models and is presented in a timeless color: the magnificent British Racing Green. This iconic shade, deeply rooted in British automotive tradition, enhances the sleek lines of the bodywork and gives the car a distinctive look. The interior, finished in beige leather, perfectly complements the exterior, creating a timeless contrast. This combination makes the cabin a welcoming and refined environment, where the quality of materials and attention to detail are immediately evident.

This XK8, owned by a single owner, has covered 101.700 km from new, a moderate distance for a car of this age, reflecting careful and responsible use. The vehicle has always been meticulously maintained, as evidenced by the fact that all services were carried out within the official Jaguar Network, ensuring that every intervention has met the brand’s exacting standards.

Aesthetically, the car retains its original first paint, which has never been polished, a rare feature that speaks to the vehicle’s integrity and originality. The pristine condition of the original paint adds collectible value to the car, confirming the owner’s dedication to preserving every aspect of this beauty.

The tires are in excellent condition, ready to offer maximum grip and safety on the road. The brakes were recently redone during the last service, which was carried out at Emilio Galbiati’s workshop—a specialist in Jaguar vehicles. This renowned garage, known for its expertise with British cars, performed all the necessary work with the care and skill a car of this caliber demands.

Powered by a 4.0-liter V8 engine, this Jaguar XK8 delivers brilliant performance, with power being provided in a smooth and refined manner. Its sporty nature is complemented by exceptional comfort, making it the perfect choice for those seeking a car that delivers thrilling driving experiences while maintaining the luxury and ease expected from a grand tourer.

Conclusion: An Enduring Classic

The Jaguar XK8, with its blend of classic Jaguar design, ‘90s style engineering, and effortless performance, remains a beloved car among enthusiasts. It was a critical model for Jaguar in the late 1990s and early 2000s, helping to reestablish the brand’s presence in the luxury sports car market. Today, the XK8 is considered a modern classic, with its elegant styling and V8 performance continuing to attract collectors and drivers alike. Whether in its more refined standard form or the high-performance XKR variant, the XK8 embodies the essence of Jaguar's grand touring heritage: luxurious, powerful, and undeniably beautiful.