1997 Jaguar XK8

Highlights

• A luxurious Grand Tourer

• Four-litre V8

• Sleek coupe styling

• Very low mileage

• MOT with no advisories

Overview

Is it just us, or has the design of the XK8 aged like a fine wine? With every passing year, it seems to look better and it’s now well and truly entered the realm of ‘modern classics’. The well-styled body gives it a sleekness as well as a feeling of power. And the four-litre V8 which lurks beneath the bonnet is more than willing to prove itself. 

An early example of the model, this particular XK8 was first registered in February 1997. And, remarkably, it is still showing under 32,000 miles on the odometer — which means it has covered a little over 1,000 miles per year. An easy life, then.

Accordingly, this XK8 looks good for its age, with a few marks and scratches as you would expect, but nonetheless looking suitably alluring. Its metallic blue paintwork suits the car well, as does the beige leather upholstery. The interior is well appointed by the standards of the 1990s, with air conditioning and a CD changer in the boot. 

While the car is ageing well, looking out over that long, sweeping bonnet, and hearing the eight-cylinder rumble from beneath, is an experience which surely won’t grow old. And if you’ve always fancied one but haven’t yet taken the plunge, this is a great opportunity to experience the XK8’s combination of grace and pace.

History and documentation

• Registered 17 Feb 1997

• Some invoices for servicing 

• Original owner’s documents, including owner’s handbook, sound system manual, maintenance schedules, and security system manual 

• ‘Customer Handover Video’ VHS tape

• Collection of invoices and old MOT certificates

• One set of keys

• Current MOT with no advisories expires 7 Mar 2026

• V5 present in owner’s name

• HPI clear

• Four former keepers

Interior

• Beige leather interior in good condition for its age 

• Veneered dashboard and trim

• There are a few signs of use throughout

• The pale leather may respond well to a deep clean

• Electric seat adjusters

• Matching beige carpets

• Leather-trimmed footwell mats 

• The leather continues onto the door cards and centre console

• Leather-trimmed steering wheel, with audio control buttons 

• The vendor confirms that the air conditioning is working

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

• Original radio/cassette player with CD changer 

• The headlining has sagged

• The seam along the top of the driver’s seat could benefit from a repair

• The rear seats show little sign of use

• Spacious, fully carpeted boot to the rear 

• Space saver spare wheel stowed under the boot floor 

• Full original toolkit, with everything present except a couple of spare bulbs

Exterior

• Low and sleek two-door coupe body

• Finished in an attractive shade of pale metallic blue paint

• There are a few small chips and scratches throughout, but the car is presented in good condition overall

• No obvious dents or damage that we could see

• The seller reports that the paint is original 

• The lacquer on the bumpers and wing mirrors is beginning to peel in a couple of places

• Wheel arches in good condition 

• 17-inch, five-spoke alloy wheels

• Pirelli PZero tyres

• The wheels are very well presented, with only a few small scuffs on the wheel rims

• Chrome badges

• Headlights clear and bright 

• Heated rear windscreen

• The seller tells us that the car is solid underneath

• Twin exhaust tips 

Mechanical

• 3,980 cc V8 engine

• Produces 290 bhp, and 290 lb ft

• Top speed 156 mph, 0-6 mph in 6.7 seconds

• Five-speed automatic gearbox

• Rear-wheel drive

• Engine bay clean

• There is some surface corrosion visible on the underside of the car

• The most recent service invoice states that the engine oil and filter were changed in Apr 2024, along with the air filter, fuel filter, pollen filter, and spark plugs

• The car reportedly received a minor service in March 2025, prior to the MOT

• Battery said to have been replaced recently

• The seller tells us that the car starts first time, warms up nicely, and sounds smooth

• No warning lights reported 

Summary

With sleek lines and a smooth 4 litre V8, there’s a lot to love about this XK8. Yes, there are a few blemishes and marks, but that  just means you’ll be able to enjoy the driving experience to the full, without worrying about finding secure parking at the other end of the journey. You’ll be as happy doing the weekly shop as setting off on a continental Grand Tour. 

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 Burton-upon-Stather, Lincolnshire.