BF Auction: 2000 Jaguar XJ8L

Seller: Carl B jorck

Location: Torrance, California
Mileage: 111,020 Shown
Chassis #: SAJDA23C4YLF06834

Title Status: Clean
Engine: 4.0-Liter V8
Transmission: Automatic

Jaguar’s record of corporate ownership may be inconsistent, but one constant has been its tasteful yet dramatic styling. When William Lyons and his metalworkers hammered out the 1968 XJ6, it was clear that they had a winner, and for decades, all Jaguar sedans were a modification of that basic theme. By 2000, when this XJ8L was produced, Ford’s ownership had improved Jaguar’s reliability record, and the styling looked as good as it ever had. You can now buy this California-based, rust-free Jag on Barn Finds Auctions. Carl B decided to offer it with us after selling his AMC Marlin as a BF Auction.

The XJ8L received a five-inch stretch over the base XJ8, and that is best seen in the back doors, which are clearly longer. This led to an extremely roomy back seat, something akin to a mini-limousine. With Jaguar’s sporty image, it’s the best of both worlds, and there’s no reason this Jaguar couldn’t be a practical daily driver today. With ownership dating back to 2005 and a reasonable 111,000 miles on the odometer, it’s an intriguing alternative to a modern SUV or truck. There are few standard sedans on the market, and few if any of them look as good as a turn-of-the-century XJ8.

The interior is sumptuous (and has not been smoked in), with all the leather and wood one would expect from the august British brand. It’s not perfect – the leather on the driver’s seat has some wear – but the headliner has been replaced and the air conditioning recently serviced. The unique J-patterned gear selector controls a ZF five-speed automatic.

Under the reverse-opening hood is a four-liter Jaguar V8 that produces 290 horsepower and 290 lb.-ft. of torque. This basic engine has been in production for almost 30 years, so while it isn’t quite as strongly associated with the brand as the inline-six, it is a staple of Jaguar today.

Being a Southern California car, it’s not surprising that the undercarriage is rust free. If you live in the salt belt as I do, you could buy this car and enjoy a road trip home, because you’ll find almost nothing this clean where we live.

The seller represents this Jaguar as a solid driver. It has some scuffs, scratches, and small dents from its use as a commuter vehicle for much of its life, and dozens of detailed pictures are included in this auction, so there should be no surprises. Nearly 25 years later, this generation of XJ stands out on the road as a pleasant blend of retro and modern styling themes. It’s aged extremely well, and it’s inexpensive compared to any new luxury car (or SUV). You can bid now on Barn Finds Auctions.