- Seller: Jack R
- Location: Calistoga, Napa Valley, California
- Mileage: 108,000 Shown
- Chassis #: SAJDA42C02NA28825
- Title Status: Clean
- Engine: 4.0-Liter V8
- Transmission: 5-Speed Automatic
Of all the great British car manufacturers that have existed, only a handful are still going today. Jaguar is one of those that has managed to survive, and they are still building high-performance cars. That isn’t to say the company hasn’t had its struggles, having nearly failed multiple times. Of their recent products, one stands out for being both a great car and saving the company, and that’s the XK8. They are great GT cars, with good looks, ample luxury, and solid performance. The example seen here is being offered as a Barn Finds Auction, as the seller has decided it’s time to let someone else enjoy it.
The XK8 can trace its lineage back to the XJS. In the mid-1980s, Jaguar started developing a new car, the XJ41 and XJ42, which were evolutions of XJS. Interestingly, this new design was initially used for the Aston Martin DB7 rather than a Jaguar. The XK8 debuted almost two years later, and while it shared its platform with the DB7, it featured Jaguar’s AJ 4.0-liter V8 and a softer suspension for a more comfortable ride. The car was a success for Jaguar and helped keep the brand alive.
The interior in this example is in good condition and ready to enjoy. It features leather seat upholstery and ample wood trim. All of the gauges and systems work as they should. Some of the wood trim is showing its age, but it is in overall good shape. These cars were all well-optioned, but this one received the optional heated seats and hand-free phone controls.
The AJ-V8 was developed in-house by Jaguar before Ford purchased the company. It proved to be a great engine and even found its way into several Ford products. This 4.0-liter was rated at 290 horsepower and paired with a 5-speed automatic. It’s said to be in good mechanical condition and runs as it should.
If you’ve never experienced one of these XK8s, you are missing out. They are comfortable and fun to drive. This example has a few minor cosmetic issues but looks to be in good overall condition. This find is ready to drive, and it even has brand-new tires, so if you’ve been looking for a comfortable driver, this one is well worth a look! Cast your high bid below and leave any questions in the comment section.
Bid On This Auction
mjs013 bid $3,500.00 2024-11-13 11:42:22
Steve bid $2,500.00 2024-11-13 10:20:43
Always liked these, and the XJS. Great condition but at 108k miles are it’s troubles just beginning?
What? No 427 big block with two 4 barrel carburetors? Pass…
This was always a good looking Jag and when it came out, Chrysler put out their convertible which was almost a twin!! Same body shape and I always looked a second time to see which car I was looking at!
I may be missing something but I don’t see a resemblance between an XK8 and a Chrysler convertible. Maybe a slight resemblance to Aston Martin, but definitely not to Chrysler. Likely its me I assume… I also never saw a Granada to look like a Mercedes. Im probably not squinting my eyes just right. Lol.
The author is a bit behind on Jaguar news. The company has discontinued everything but the F-Pace SUV, and that will be discontinued in a few months. Jaguar will supposedly return for 2026 with $100K+ electric vehicles. The Jaguar we knew for many decades is gone.
Jaguar announced that just hours after I finished writing this one, so I didn’t know until after the text was sent to the seller for approval.
It’s a bummer. The F-Type has really grown on me. The dealer here in Boise has a ’23 F-Type P450 and it’s sweet. I’d hate to see another historic brand go out of business, but I won’t be surprised if they do.
Tata Jaguar.
I’ve had 3, X-100s, and still have 2 – 1, ’06, XK8 coupe, and 1, ’06, XKR convert. I put 153k miles on the 2005, my daily driver that I sold last year, still running just fine. Common issues relate to annoying warning lights, which can be easily diagnosed, by simply plugging in a $100 icarsoft unit – parts and forums are readily available. Additional issues are the front upper shock bushings, and a weak coolant revisor and sensor. Since this is an ’02, it probably has the upgraded timing chain and tensioners, which were an early year, ’01and prior, engine problem. Many issues with these cars can be avoided by simply keeping the battery fully charged – I’ve 7 Jags, each on a trickle charger. As previously mentioned, this is an Ian Callum designed car, that was initially snagged from Jag by Aston Martin in ’93, and then came back to Jag in ’96 – there is more than a passing resemblance. Bought right, a well maintained version, assuming you can stand an occasional annoyance, and are somewhat handy, these are great cars, that are very rewarding to drive and just admire.
By 2002 the XK8 was showing the improvements the Ford Motors was making to the XK8 line.Many of these XKs are still on the road today and most people l’ve talk to are happy with them. By the time Ratan Tata purchase Jaguar in the XK8 had become a really nice sports car. You could see that starting with the car in advertised. These cars properly maintained are great sports cars that you can afford today.
I too have always loved the look of these Jags. I passed on buying a few over the years. Mostly due to the tiny rear seat that almost touched the fronts. Only thing it could have been used for was 2 bags of groceries. Useless as seats for people. Still, I will watch this one closely. You never know.