2004 Jaguar XK8 4.2 Premium

This example is a 2004 4.2 ‘Premium’ coupe, making it one of the last iterations of the XK8. This re-design included different front and rear bumpers, a revised grille design and new alloy wheel options, making these later models very attractive indeed.

In addition to the external modifications, the interior of the ‘Premium’ models also boasted the steering wheel and trims from the XKR, along with the factory fitted sat nav system.

This particular vehicle formed part of the vendor’s 40-strong car collection, and has been cherished throughout their ownership. Regularly started and driven to keep everything in top condition, the vendor has made sure the vehicle hasn’t just sat for years at a time.

The exterior of this 4.2 Premium Coupe looks to be in great shape from what we can see, with no signs of any dents or dings on the bodywork. The paintwork would certainly appear to be in good shape too, with no major marks or scratches, though the usual smattering of stone chips to the front end and exposed edges such has the mirror are present as always along with a few minor scuffs to the centre of the rear bumper. This is a high-performance GT car, after all, meaning there will be a few marks here-and-there from use over the years.

The upgraded two-piece wheels are in good condition, though the outer lips wear a few noticeable kerbing marks and couple of the wheels are bubbling around the centre caps. We’d suggest that the wheels received a full refurbishment to bring them back up to standard with the rest of the body, however, they still present well from a distance.

While the lenses on all the lights are in good shape and free from any cracking, there is clearly an issue with moisture ingress, with both front lights and fog lights clouding up from the inside and the offside light in particular showing signs internal condensation.

Finished in black leather, the cabin of this XK8 is in excellent condition, with only the usual wear to the driver’s seat base and bolsters being apparent. The passenger seat and rear seats have apparently been barely used, with the latter in particular sporting virtually no signs of repeated use.

The wooden dashboard inlay and detailing on the door cards is all in great condition, with no apparent marks or scratches to the gloss finish on these items. Impressively, even the high-traffic touch points of the vehicle such as the door cards, switch gear and steering wheel are in very good condition, with no major scuffs to the door cards or wearing away of the icons on the various switches and buttons throughout the cabin.

There appears to be no sagging from the headliners, while the boot is also in surprisingly good condition given the mileage of the vehicle, with only a thorough shampooing seeming to be needed to bring the load bay carpets back to their best.

Under the expansive clamshell bonnet of the XK8, the aluminium AJ 4.2-litre V8 engine presents very well indeed, though there isn’t much to see here on account of the vast swathes of black plastic panelling.

From what we can see, there don’t appear to be any signs of leaks or fluid misting, while the engine bay itself would only require a little TLC to be in ex-factory condition.

As the vehicle is not with us at The Market HQ, we haven’t been able to test drive the car ourselves. However, the vendor reports that it runs and drives without and problems, and the engine is strong and pulls well - exactly as a 4.2-litre V8 should!

The included service book contains a total of 12 stamps, with all but the six and seven-year services having been accounted for, with these two missing likely due to the low mileage between services.

The most recent service was a minor service, performed on 14 April 2021 by C.S Automotive while in the care of the vendor. The latest MOT inspection was performed on 30 October 2020, and resulted in a pass with the following advisories:

• Nearside rear body corrosion close to the rear axle mounting point

• Rear anti-roll bar linkage pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement (both rear)

Also included with the vehicle is the original Jaguar owners manual, two keys and one remote fob.

Summer is approaching fast, and we all know that means one thing - road trips. Whether it’s the NC500 or a jaunt to the French Riviera you’re looking to do, you need a car that’s up to the challenge. A GT car, which is wonderfully easy-going when cruising and engaging when you’re wanting to enjoy the experience. In other words, you need an XK8.

This example presents in great visual condition throughout, with the interior in particular being in very good condition. There are a few advisories from the last MOT to take care of, but these shouldn’t cause too much of a headache for a good mechanic or reputable Jaguar specialist.

We say take the keys, point the car due south, and chase the sunset!

This vehicle is not with us at The Market’s HQ, which means we have had to rely on the owner’s description of it, in conjunction with the photographs you see here, to compile the listing. With this in mind, we would encourage potential bidders to contact the owner themselves and arrange to view the car in person, or to arrange a dedicated video call in which they can view the car virtually and ask questions.