2004 Jaguar XK8 Convertible

Produced in 2004, this XK8 4.2 Premium cabriolet is every inch the tasteful GT car, offering typically luxurious trim and ride quality with a classical British V8 engine up front, blending comfort and performance, as you’d expect from a Jaguar.

Not only is this example fully-specified as a ‘Premium’ model, but also boasts the following upgrades:

- R-Performance pack

- Upgraded 20” BBS split-rim alloy wheels

- Hard-wired Garmin dash cam system

- Parrot smartphone connectivity

- Adaptive cruise control

- ‘R’ front grille insert

- Front number plate re-located to the lower bumper, evoking an E-type appearance to the front grille area

In the same family for the last nine years, this XK8 was purchased by the vendor’s brother-in-law from the Jaguar authorised retailer in Guildford, before being passed on to the current owner around six years ago due to it not being used much whilst in the previous ownership.

Whilst in the care of the current owner, it has formed part of his small but well-formed car collection, and has proven to be a comfortable, reliable and enjoyable weekend toy, occasional daily driver and show car, having attended numerous local events, owners club meetings and other further afield trips including down to the west country, and to well-known locations such as Goodwood and Brooklands Museum.

Used sparingly, the vendor reports that the odometer read in the region of 32,500 upon purchase, and now sits on 44,500, having racked up around 2,000 miles per year during his ownership.

Now, due to his long-term project car having completed its restoration and with the resulting need to downsize his collection, this ready-to-enjoy XK8 Premium is looking for a new home and new adventures.

Finished in Platinum Silver which highlights the smooth E-type inspired lines of the XK8 with ease, the bodywork on this example is in excellent condition throughout, and devoid of the usual ‘car park’ dents that are often seen on cars of this age, and the panel gaps are crisp and even throughout.

Similarly, the paintwork presents fantastically on the whole, and looks wonderful when cleaned up. There is, of course, some wear visible on the car, particularly around the front bumper intake and on the nearside edge of the front bumper, with a few marks noticed in addition to the usual stone chips, which are largely hidden by the silver paintwork.

We also noticed a smaller scuff on the nearside rear bumper corner, though this is largely hidden until you’re up-close-and-personal with the panel. The front number plate being re-located has also left two small holes in the bumper above the current plate location.

Up above, the folding mohair roof is in excellent condition with no heavy wear or damage noted, and the mechanism is in full working order with no hesitation or issues noted.

Elsewhere, the upgraded BBS alloy wheels look good as they sit, but there are some patches of bubbling noted along with some kerb rash, and we’d suggest that a refurbishment would transform their appearance, bringing them in line with the rest of the vehicle’s condition.

Inside, the Ivory leather interior with contrasting ‘ash’ inserts is in excellent shape throughout, having clearly been cherished and cosseted throughout its lifetime, and remaining consistent with a low-mileage example such as this.

In terms of wear-and-tear, the front seats display some light commensurate creasing and minor imperfections, but no heavy wear or rips to the outer bolsters. We did notice a very small puncture by the driver’s seat folding catch, though we’d wager an experienced upholsterer would be able to repair this.

Elsewhere, the ash inserts to the dashboard and doors, as well as the high-traffic areas such as the steering wheel, shifter, door cards and inner sills present very well with only a few light marks visible, and the overall feel is that this interior has been kept in top condition by not only the current owner, but the previous custodians also.

In the boot, the original front grille and number plate plinth are included, along with a brand-new car cover, tools and other miscellaneous literature.

It should be noted that the hard-wired dash cam system does not currently have a unit installed, though the power cable for the system is located in the upper-left corner of the windscreen, making installation easy for the next owner.

As far as we could tell, all systems are working as they should be, and the vendor reports no known faults.

Under the bonnet, the 4.2-litre V8 engine presents in exemplary condition, with plenty of evidence of continued cleaning and fettling. Whilst there isn’t a great deal to see due to the various covers put in place to ‘tidy up’ the engine bay, we could see no sign of any issues or leaks from up above.

Similarly, the chassis on this example is in good shape, showing only some light commensurate ‘bloom’ to the suspension components and some exposed fixtures, but nothing that looks to be of any cause for concern.

Firing into life with ease and settling immediately into a silky-smooth idle, the engine, transmission and chassis all appear to be in excellent condition from our experience with the vehicle, pulling well throughout the rev range, with no noticeable jerking from the transmission and no untoward noises from the engine or chassis.

The most recent MoT - dated 11 March 2022 - shows a first-time pass with advisories for both front upper suspension pin arm bushes, and for the condition of both front tyres being close to their legal limit. The vendor notes, however, that the front bushes have been taken care of, at the same time as the front subframe receiving attention.

Included with the vehicle is the V5 registered keepers document, numerous MoT certificates, invoices for work carried out to the vehicle, several handbooks, manuals and press cuttings, and specification run-downs for the vehicle.

As ever, we’ve photographed all of the documentation and this is available to view at the end of the gallery below, but for those looking for a quick run-down, here are some highlights:

- V5, showing just 4 former keepers, one of which was the current owner’s brother-in-law.

- Service invoice from 14 March 2022 at 43,530 miles, showing a general oil/filter change

- Documentation showing regular annual servicing by specialist Tom Lenthall Limited

- Gearbox oil and filter change in March 2021

- Invoice for attention to the front subframe, welding and new upper bushings (as per MoT certificate) in May 2022.

- New thermostat and battery in February 2021

- Older invoices from Jaguar centres, independent specialists and miscellaneous parts orders

Cared for by members of the same family for the last eleven years, fastidiously maintained by a leading marque specialist, in excellent condition throughout and boasting a strong factory specification with further considerate enhancements fitted by the current owner, this is a wonderful, head-turning and low-mileage example of the desirable 4.2 ‘Premium’ XK8 model that is ready to simply jump in and enjoy.

On account of the car’s condition, recent maintenance and strong history, we’re pleased to offer this example for sale with an estimate of £15,000 to £18,000.

Viewing is always encouraged. This particular car is located with us at The Market HQ near Abingdon; we are open weekdays between 9am-5pm, to arrange an appointment please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.