2005 Jaguar XK8 Coupe LHD

Highlights

• 4.2-litre V8

• Six-speed transmission

• Extensive service records

• One UK owner

• Superb styling 

Overview

With more than a hint of E-Type blood in its veins, the XK8 marked a stylistic change from the more angular XJS which preceded it. Flowing lines, an enormous bonnet, and wide front air intake were all unashamedly harking back to the brand’s 1960s heyday. And why not, when you’ve created an icon like the E-type you might as well make the most of it.

But the XK8 is more than just a good looking car. It packs a V8 punch under that massive bonnet, a V8 which puts out 300hp and a sonorous growl whenever you put your foot down. All that power heads to the rear wheels via a six-speed transmission — automatic was the only option when new — and gives the car plenty of go. The top speed is limited to 155 mph and 60 mph can be reached in just 6.4 seconds. 

Appropriately enough for a car which started its life in the US (and, obviously, is left hand drive), this XK8’s MOT was renewed on the 4th of July, so hopefully its next owner will continue this tradition. This car comes with plenty of history, having only had one UK owner, who purchased the car while living in the US. They have kept a written record of all the car’s servicing since it was imported in 2016, and there is a stack of paperwork as well.

If you’re looking for a car you can use and enjoy, and maybe you have a holiday home on the continent, this XK8 is champing at the bit to be unleashed on the open road. And while you might not be able to put any full-sized humans on the back seats, it does offer enough luggage room for trips away. So you can make the most of that V8 performance as you tear off into the South of France, or wherever your heart desires.

History and documentation

• Declared manufactured in 2005

• First registered in the UK in Feb 2016

• The current keeper purchased the car in Connecticut, while living in the US 

• According to the US CARFAX report — which the seller still has on file — the car only had one previous US owner when purchased 

• Only one registered UK owner 

• The owner has kept a a service record with services as follows: Jul 2014 @ 91,018 miles, Jul 2015 @ 100,457 miles, May 2018 @ 106,520 miles, Feb 2023 @ 114,277 miles, Feb 2024 @ 119,183 miles

• Original document wallet with driver’s handbook, audio handbook, and more

• Collection of invoices for parts and servicing  

• One key, two remote fobs 

• Current MOT with no advisories expires 4 July 2025

• V5 present in owner’s name

• DVLA Number Plate Authorisation Certificate

• HPI clear

• Left-hand drive 

Interior

• With its leather upholstery and walnut veneers, the interior of this Jaguar oozes luxury

• The upholstery appears to be in generally good condition for its age 

• Some light creasing to the driver’s seat bolsters 

• Electric seat adjusters 

• The only issue noted by the seller is that the headrests don’t retract when the seats are tilted forwards 

• Heated seats 

• Black carpets

• A few light scuff marks on the door cards

• Leather- and walnut-trimmed steering wheel

• Cruise control

• Walnut veneered dashboard

• Analogue instruments 

• Auxiliary gauges in the centre of the dashboard: oil pressure, voltmeter, and clock

• Original stereo system with cassette player and mobile phone connection

• CD changer in the boot, with two five-CD cartridges

• Rear seating for two small passengers 

• The headlining was reportedly replaced in 2023

• Carpeted boot to the rear 

• Spare wheel, jack, and wheel brace under boot floor

Exterior

• Sleek styling and flowing lines 

• Finished in metallic silver paint

• The paint looks good for its age, with some minor scratches and small chips as expected 

• The body panels look well presented, with good shut lines 

• Some small stonechips and scratches on the bumpers

• No dents or damage that we could see

• 18-inch alloy wheels 

• Michelin tyres — the rears were reportedly replaced in Feb 2023

• The front tyres are said to retain good tread 

• There are some scuffs to the wheel rims

• Chrome badges front and rear 

• The headlight lenses look clear

• Rear parking sensors — one of the sensor units is reportedly intermittent 

• Heated rear windscreen

• Underside appears in very good condition compared to many other examples - please see pictures of the car photographed while on a lift

• Twin-exit exhaust

Mechanical

• 4,196 cc V8 engine

• Produces 296 bhp and 310 lb ft

• Top speed limited to 155 mph

• Six-speed ZF automatic transmission

• Rear-wheel drive 

• Engine bay clean and tidy

• There is a some surface corrosion on the underside and the suspension components 

• The seller has noted details of all the car’s servicing since 2014

• According to the vendor’s records, the offside front brake calliper was replaced in Jun 2024; the engine oil, oil filter, and air filter were replaced in Feb 2024; the battery was replaced in Oct 2021; the power steering fluid was replaced in May 2018; the fuel rail system was professionally refurbished in 2015

• The auxiliary water pump for the heater is said to need new carbon brushes

• No other mechanical issues reported 

• The vendor informs us that the car has been kept on a battery conditioner 

• It sounds just like a V8 should, with a suitable growl upon acceleration

• The seller tells us that the car starts first time and runs very smoothly

Summary

A thoroughly good looking sportscar, which has aged well and you’d still be happy to be seen in. And one which has clearly been attentively cared for by its long-term owner. Yes, it’s left hand drive, but that makes it all the better for taking on European jaunts. And with it being a relative rarity on the continent, that just makes it all the more interesting and valuable over there.

To arrange a viewing, click the 'Book Viewing' button located under the 'Place Bid' button. Viewings can be booked up until the day before the auction ends, after which the option will change to 'Contact Seller' for further enquiries. This seller is located in Shaftesbury, Dorset.