Jaguar XJ8 3.2

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.

First registered in December 1998, this 3.2-litre XJ8 comes in a most distinguished shade of Gunmetal with a cream leather interior. It has covered less than 52,000 miles from new and has had just four former keepers, one being the Deputy High Commissioner of London (whoever that may be!). Said by the vendor to be in “immaculate” condition throughout, it comes with a full service history and was last serviced 3,000 miles ago. Said to “drive perfectly with everything working as it should, including the air conditioning” it is taxed until the end of October and has an MOT until May 2011. These are truly fabulous cars to drive and represent huge value at their current low prices – go on, treat yourself!