Jaguar XK8 Convertible

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Launched at the Geneva Motor Show in 1996, the stunning new Jaguar XK8 was the replacement for the venerable XJS which had in turn supplanted the E-Type. 

Designed by Geoff Lawson, who had also penned the dramatic XJ220, it shared its platform with the Aston Martin DB7 to which it bore more than a passing resemblance. The first Jaguar ever with an eight-cylinder engine, it's 4-litre V8 produced 290bhp and could waft the car to an electronically limited 155mph top speed.

Also the first Jaguar totally designed and conceived under Ford ownership, it proved famously reliable and a pleasure to own as demonstrated in 1999 when Jaguar took coveted first place in the JD Power owner satisfaction survey.

Dating from March 2002, this particular XK8 is the sought after convertible version with an electrically powered hood. It has covered some 98,400 miles with 10 service stamps to date, the last around 3,500 miles ago in August 2013.

Looking good in Platinum with an Oatmeal hide interior and special option alloys (recently refurbished), it also benefits from Jaguar’s computerised CATS sports suspension which was standard on the supercharged XKR models and an option on the XK. Being a post-2001 facelift model, it also has sleeker styling than the earlier cars with improved front seats and additional side airbags.

Recently fitted with new front tyres and brake pads, it comes with all its original handbooks, is currently taxed, and has an MOT until December. These handsome XK8s are fabulous cars to drive with and this pampered example looks excellent value at the guide price suggested.