2003 Jaguar XJ8 4.2 SE

Classic and modern classic Jaguar owners are more often than not meticulous and conscientious about the care and maintenance their cars receive. The seller in this case is no exception, having spent considerable time and finance over the 5 years they have owned the car, to ensure this XJ8 is near as good as it was when it rolled off the production line. 

The car has had over £15,800 spent on overhauling and refreshing the chassis, tidying and updating the interior trim and making sure all the electronics and toys in the cabin are working well. 

The owner has had ‘five fantastic years’ with the car but now feels it’s time for the car to find its next custodian who will continue to cherish and care for the handsome Jag. Luckily for the new owner, there is very little left to do, if anything at all, other than jumping in and enjoy being wafted to your destination in an exceptional luxury carriage. 

Looking perfectly at home in the photoshoot location outside the gates of Thornton Manor, which is prime Jag territory, the car manages to retain a look of modernity and luxury, helped by the great condition of the exterior. 

The exterior colour of metallic Zircon Blue is in good order recently having an Autoglym ceramic coating to maintain the glossy shine and protect the paintwork for future years to come. There looks to be very few marks or blemishes around the bodywork with only a very minor stone chip around the arches, certainly not a rust riddled example from the looks of things. 

The wheels are in great condition too with little to no marks or curbing, please do look through the photo gallery as they present very nicely indeed. The car has had new tyres since being with the current owner and they remain in good condition with good tread. Other refreshments to the exterior include the front and rear parking sensors and both wing mirrors, besides these, the car has been kept in fine condition and remains a great example of the X350 XJ8. 

The owner does want buyers to know that the electric folding mirrors are a bit stiff due to lack of use but suggests with some lubrication they will be free moving again.

The interior of the Jag has seemingly had the most attention from the owner with lots of small details attended to in addition to ensuring as much as possible was in the best condition the seller could achieve. 

Main areas to note in the interior first of all is the addition of a new instrument panel, professionally fitted by Inchcape Jaguar of Chester as the original tachometer was faulty. This is why the car is showing as having 3316 miles, however the mileage before the change in September 2020, was 119,382 miles which gives the total of 122,698 miles overall, which despite not being a huge mileage, makes the overall condition of the car even more impressive. 

Other key areas to note in the interior would be the headlining, which is newly trimmed with a new board, again professionally fitted by Trim Technik in Wirral, meaning the common saggy material is not a worry and shouldn’t be for some time to come. Contrasting the Zircon Blue metallic is the Oatmeal interior trim which is in great condition and only has some minor rubbing on the usual area of the driver’s exterior bolster. The seller informs us that no-one but him has sat in the car during the past five years of ownership so the wear on the rest of the seats should be minimal during that time. 

Elsewhere inside, a meticulous eye has been cast over near all aspects even down to seat belt bezels which apparently become cracked or go missing on this model as the seller informs us. The seller also reports that all electrical systems in the car operate as intended and all the SE model level refinements are present too including a 2012 updated Satellite Navigation system, Alpine CD changer radio and cassette player, fitted with Parrot Bluetooth. Some other toys specced for this model are heated front electric seats & part-wooden steering wheel which looks fantastic against the oatmeal trim, climate control, and automated rear sun screen. 

The Jag, it seems, has had just as much attention and care in terms of the mechanicals as it has for the interior and exterior, there has been a slew of replacement parts to ensure longevity and good working order as well as regular interval maintenance and a good service record. 

The new parts include a brand-new ABS module, new air conditioning condenser unit & pipework, radiator & thermostat, battery, poly-v belt, wheel bearings, new brake hoses all round, new brake callipers, discs and pads, power steering rack, wishbones and tie rod ends. Meaning that the car must feel as good as new to drive with this significant refresh to the chassis fixings. 

The seller reassures us that there are no known mechanical defects with the car suggesting that the 4.2L V8 engine retains is silky smooth running whilst providing effortless power and grunt. The self-levelling suspension is included in this report and as the seller reports, is in fine working order. 

Taking a look under the bonnet, we see the area is remarkably clean with no obvious signs of any fluid leaks or damage and whilst the engine is hidden away under plastic coverings the bay itself is tidy and refined. The underside follows the same story with no obvious signs of excessive corrosion or damage, with it presenting in much better condition than other cars of similar age and mileage. 

The seller would like to highlight that the car will come with a fresh 12 month MOT for sale and it will have been serviced before sale too. 

The car comes with two programmed keys, a V5C document and all garage receipts from 2023 and lots of history from previous years, including 18 service stamps with around half being with a main dealer.

The history includes records for all that has been mentioned so far as well as a gearbox oil change in 2019. There are driver’s manuals and handbooks present in a leather wallet, as well as MOT records and a full HPI check. 

A wonderfully handsome Jag with V8 power and significant recent expenditure to ensure its at its best. Those in the market for any modern classic Jaguar would do well to stop and consider this example. Due to the model line evolving ‘gently’ over the years, it would lead us to believe that, as this example has had such great care and attention doted on it, it would be just as good as others many years its junior. 

We are happy to offer this vehicle for auction with an estimate in the range of £5,000 - £7,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located with the vendor in Gayton, Wirral. Viewings are strictly by appointment. To make a booking, 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, and read our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.