Sold – $31,556 (Plus Fees)
First launched in 1996, the new XK8 was a completely fresh take on Jaguar’s sports car during their 90s rebirth. The revised styling was bold, yet retained subtle hints of legendary Jaguars. Their primary aesthetic aim was to harken back to their sports car hero, the E-Type while still infusing enough of the shapes, styles, and technology of the modern age – it was a success. Notably, it was the first Jaguar to roar with the company’s brand-new V8 motor. A decade later, in 2007, the XK (as it was now called) was further improved with more performance and an elegant styling overhaul by Ian Callum that prominently introduced an entirely aluminum monocoque bodyshell.
Purchased new in California in 2014, the single-owner Jaguar XK convertible we are showing today has a scant 22,000 miles currently on its odometer. Powered by a 5.0-liter V8 the driver is capable of inducing 385-horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels with the simple push of the right pedal. Meanwhile, the engine’s variable valve timing and direct fuel injection help to enhance performance while also doing their part to keep you away from the pump by affording 16-22mpg.
Shifts are managed courtesy of a 6-speed ZF automatic transmission with sports mode for faster shifts. However, the driver can elect to control shifts via the steering wheel-mounted paddles manually. The transmission management system provides rev-matching during downshifting, which assists drivers during sporty maneuvers by holding the XK stable during transitions. All servicing has been provided (despite a minor Carfax reporting error) by Galpin Jaguar since the original customer delivery. The owner also informed us about a 20,000-mile service that was recently administered.
The vivid color, Polaris White paints the exterior bodywork, and the seller notes some small flaws but states it to overall be in top condition. Also worth noting is a scuff to the front bumper and several dings in the passenger door panel. Reminiscent of the E-Type, a long-stretching hoodline ends out front into a wire mesh oval air intake complete with a Jaguar head surrounded by a performance-inspiring red paint. Meanwhile, the steeply raked front windscreen cuts off into an intense, black colored full-power convertible top. Jaguar states that the roof is capable of raising or lowering in 18 seconds and at speeds up to 15mph. The XK’s profile completes itself with a truncated rear decklid topped by a subtle spoiler. Optional 20” Orona wheels with red Jaguar center caps further dress up the exterior and are now swaddled in Hankook Ventus performance tires. Although, several of the wheels suffer from minimal curb rash. LED taillights and a pair of self-leveling bi-xenon headlights were standard equipment when new and further convey the high-end, high-technology demeanor of this magnificent grand-tourer.
Also part of the refreshments in 2007, the interior is lush with leather and wood while still incorporating plenty of tech-goodies The supple leather upholstery, known as Warm Charcoal, adorns the front and rear seats, the dashboard, door panels, and center console with a pleasantly contrasting white stitching. The front seats are further enhanced by full-power movement. This range gives the driver and passenger sixteen seat adjustment options and three memory functions with heating. The sporty leather-wrapped steering wheel is also heated and affords space for radio and telephone controls. The dashboard uses burled wood veneering to match the door pulls while creating contrast with aluminum vent surroundings. In the center of the dashboard is a 7” LCD touchscreen that commands navigation, dual-zone climate control (with humidity control), and infotainment options. Flanked by leather with white stitching and Piano Black trim that flows down into the center console the central dashboard is thoughtfully designed and sharply dressed. Completing the extraordinarily high-standard interior equipment is a 525-watt Bowers & Wilkins premium sound system. Finally, although the leather throughout the interior is in excellent condition, unfortunately, the seller informs us that there is a small stain present on the driver’s door leather.
With modern-classic styling, a vigorous V8 engine, and an unusually high level of standard equipment Jaguar conceived and executed the construction of a positively top-tier grand tourer. These attributes should make the often-overlooked XK an excellent choice for anyone seeking a grand tourer that adequately delivers a near spot-on sports car performance with the push of a button or pedal. As mentioned, this single-owner XK comes with only 22,000 miles and recent servicing in its logbook. Complete with its full set of factory supplied manuals and books in a leather case our Jaguar comes with a crystal clean California title and both keys.
