2000 Jaguar XJ8 3.2

Lot details
Registration No: X593JAU
Chassis No: SAJAC13DJYKF19791
Mot Expiry: Sept 2012

Following numerous delays, the all new XJ6 (or XJ40 to use its code name) was finally launched in October 1986 as a replacement for Jaguar's ageing Series III cars. More evolutionary than revolutionary, it boasted all-round independent suspension, power-assisted rack and pinion steering, four-wheel disc brakes and generous levels of sound deadening. It proved to be a credible alternative to the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and BMW 7-series and was well received by the contemporary UK motoring press. By 1989, Jaguar had been bought by Ford who changed the engine offerings. Six years later, recognising that the boxy lines of the XJ40 could do with a facelift, Jaguar allowed designer Geoff Lawson to adopt a somewhat retro path for the X300 Series XJ6. This line was revised for the last time in 1997, at which point much-praised new, Bridgend-built V8 engines replaced the previous six-cylinder ones - enter the XJ8. The new units were available in 3.2, 4.0 normally aspirated and 4.0-litre supercharged form, the outputs of which ranged from 240bhp to 370bhp. Most other aspects of the handsome big Saloon were also an improvement on those of its predecessor - the ride in particular won many plaudits.

The right-hand drive XJ8 being sold features the 3.2-litre V8 engine coupled to automatic transmission. It is finished in Silver and trimmed in Cream leather. For four years it was apparently owned and maintained by a Mercedes-Benz main agent. The saloon was then acquired by the vendor - an enthusiastic Jaguar Drivers' Club member - who tells us it has been carefully maintained and in fact has only just been serviced and MOT'd. He regards the bodywork, paintwork, and interior trim as "very good" and the engine and five-speed ZF automatic transmission as "excellent". 'X593 JAU' is now offered for sale complete with MOT into September 2012.

PLEASE NOTE: The vendor has now received confirmation that on 31st October 2007 the engine timing chain and tensioners were changed by Minsters of Doncaster, a Jaguar Main Dealer. The mileage at that time was c.62,000.