Jaguar XK8 4.2-litre Convertible

Click Here for Full Screen Image - Click Here to Download Image

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, its 4-litre V8 produced 290bhp and could waft the car to an electronically limited 155mph top speed. From 2002, the stroke was lengthened by 4mm to give an extra 200cc, increasing power by a modest 4bhp yet pushing torque to an impressive 303lb-ft, delivering a significant boost to the car’s mid-range performance.

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.

This 2003 4.2-litre convertible was originally sold by New Minster Jaguar in Preston. It was last serviced in March of this year when it had covered a shade under 87,000 miles. An accompanying DVLA MOT history shows that in 2006 it had covered 34,400 miles, the service book showing a total of 11 stamps to date.

The car retains its two keys and is MOTd until March 2016. These XK8s are the perfect tool for wafting through Europe, a dash to Le Mans or simply out and about on a sunny day. The snug electric top on this convertible worked beautifully when taking the photographs, transforming this quiet and luxurious coupe into a sublime open-air Grand Tourer in a matter of a few seconds. 

CATALOGUE AMENDMENT: Due to a clerical error, bidders are advised that the private number shown in the photographs is now NOT included in the sale.