Jaguar XJ8 3.2 Saloon

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One of the greatest saloon cars of all time, the Jaguar XJ range was launched way back in 1968 but, so beautifully proportioned was the original design, that it was still recognisably the same car over three decades later.

After some issues over build quality in the late '70s and over styling in the late '80s, the XJ once again regained its old magic in 1995 with the launch of the X300. Under the masterful eye of chief stylist Geoff Lawson (who also penned the dramatic XJ220 and the retro-cool S-Type), the slabby styling of the XJ40 was binned in favour of a return to the muscular curves and quad headlamps that had traditionally defined the big cat's appeal.

In 1997 things got better still with the launch of the X308 which had a revised interior, minor external styling tweaks and new adaptive suspension. But the big news was under the bonnet which now housed a magnificent V8 in either 3.2 or 4-litre capacity. With 240bhp and 290bhp respectively, these units were paragons of refinement and reliability and the X308 became the best-selling luxury car in the UK.

This XJ8 has had just two owners from new, the first keeping it from July 2000 right up until July 2013. It has covered less than 33,900 miles with three service stamps to date. Looking wonderful in Topaz gold metallic with a pale beige full leather interior, it is said by the vendor to be in “virtually mint condition” and comes with an MOT until January 2015.

These fabulous XJ8s are wonderful cars to drive or be driven in, with levels of refinement and ride quality to rival any car ever made at any price. Surely at the bottom of their depreciation curve now, they offer astounding value for money and this low mileage beauty looks like a no brainer at the paltry guide price suggested.