You won’t find a lot of 1997 anythings here on Barn Finds and definitely not Jaguars such as this XK8 coupe. But why not? Yeah, yeah, it’s not a barn find but it is getting old, twenty-seven years to be exact, but more importantly, it is a special interest car and the fact that it has only experienced 10K miles certainly helps with its case. Cooling its heels in Colorado Springs, Colorado I’d suggest this one is worth a further look.
Earlier in the week I covered this 1968 Jaguar XKE project and twenty-nine years on you can kinda, sorta see the resemblance in this continuation model. This Spindrift White example was produced by Jaguar Cars LTD in Coventry but in reality, Jaguar was owned by Ford Motor Company at this point. Our ’68 subject was more than likely assembled under the auspices of the British Leyland Motor Company or some other similar British mashup operation that would be circling the drain in the not-too-distant future. The seller tells us, “Fresh serviced. Looks, runs, and drives like new.” Yup – it presents exceedingly well, the finish, soft bumper covers, and fabric top reveal nary a boo-boo. I think Jag did an admirable job with the XK8’s styling – the ’90s did seem to mark a time of overall automotive renewal after the tumultuous late ’70s and ’80s.
Jaguar XK series cars are known for their power and this XK8 is no exception. Under its long bonnet is a 290 HP (approx.), 4.0 liter, DOHC V8 engine generating forward momentum via a ZF five-speed automatic transmission. The seller suggests, as previously stated, that this 2+2 “drives like new” and needs nothing. It’s referenced as a weekend driver.
Leather and walnut! If that were the answer, Carnac the Magnificent would respond, “A Jaguar motorcar’s interior!” And that’s the case here, polished walnut and a very light tan (officially known as “Oatmeal”) leather-clad interior. Definitely a shade that will reveal dirt, none is noted, even in the footwells, and the wear factor obviously has been kept in check by this Jag’s minimal usage. Convertible’s interiors often give off a sun-baked aura from too much top-down time but that doesn’t seem to be the case here.
An XK8 isn’t exactly a rare beast as about 66K were assembled between model-year ’97 and ’06. That said, I have to admit I haven’t seen one in a while. I doubt that I would call this version of the XK “iconic”, not in the way that an XKE is but the general “XK” styling characteristic is present and well executed. I have to thank Tony P. for this tip and more information can be found here on craigslist where this first-year example is available for $18,900. So tell me, has anyone had experience with this version of Jaguar’s grand tourer, and if so, how was it, reliable?
I owned a 2006 XK8 for five years and currently own three Jaguars. The 1997-2006 Jaguar XK series, known internally as X100s, are handsome cars and fun to drive. Up to 2002, the primary problem was weak timing chain tensioners, so this particular car is at risk. Even with the low miles, a careful pre-inspection is warranted. Another issue which is possible on all X100s is failure of the convertible top latch hoses at the top of the windscreen. Look for drops of green fluid from the overhead console. Otherwise, these generally will offer no more problems than most other 18-27 year old cars, and the tradeoff is plenty of luxury, style, and performance for a very reasonable price.
I agree. I have owned 2 XKE’s and was tempted by the XK. No manual, no deal as they say but a buddy bought a 1998 and drove it for 23 years. No real problems and it is not a true corner carver but it does pretty damn well. I have a 1999 XJ8 with 77K and my wife would kill me if I ever sold it. Stylish, great interior, 300 HP is quite enough and on a recent road trip, averaged 22 MPG. A real tourer and this XK is just a smaller package. They do require preventative maintenance and the parts aren’t cheap but these are deals compared to boring, bland, and throw away auto’s of today.
Nice find! I’ve always been tempted by a used xjs (more so the coupe as opposed to the convertible) and preceding xks series but deathly afraid of the cost of ownership.
Side note….I attended an “All British” car show in Zionsville, Indiana today….only car show with a resident mechanic to fix participant electrical/mechanical issues when trying to leave the venue…just kidding…decent show.
In ’89 I bought an ’84 XJS coupe…55k miles originally from Florida. It needed the gas tank sealed a few other things. Shortly thereafter it needed a new heater core I then realized that rich people buy them new and lose them when the warranty expires…. just saying. At that point you are driving something that just LOOKS like a Jaguar.
The other reality is that they are so aerodynamic that the A/C is a must above 60 degree weather. that huge engine is throwing alot of heat and those 2 tiny windows don’t let any air in… you have to hold your hand out and scoop it in…
Sold it for about 1/3 of what I had in it….. It was very smooth.. the faster you went the smoother it got….
Beautiful looking Jag. Very fair price but .. did they replace the tires? If not these are very old and dangerous to drive on! Otherwise good luck to the next owner! 🐻🇺🇸
🐈 Jaguar has always had some real lookers in their stable. The hi-po V8s and even sixes have a great sound note to the exhaust as well 🙌
I’ve owned several Jaguar’s from this era with the 4.0 and 4.2 (I currently drive a 2015 XKR) and I agree with Michael King on all points.
I would add that these earlier cars had water pumps with plastic impellers that would crack and fail. I would assume that age could be an issue for the impeller here.
These engines were also known to have Nikasil issues but I’ve never actually known someone who experienced this.
I would also say that I do almost all of my own repairs and maintenance; parts (new and used) are readily available and fairly inexpensive. I’ve also found them very easy to work on.
My point is that doing preventative work on the issues mentioned wouldn’t be much of an issue cost and perhaps skill wise.
Looks like a larger version of a Mazda Miata . . . probably not as reliable . . . driver’s bottom seat cushion looks pretty worn for only 10K.
Price jumped up to 19.9k$, hmmm!