1999 Jaguar XJ8 3.2 V8 Saloon

Description

The final update for the venerable XJ40 platform came in September 1997, with the arrival of the latest range of XJ sedans code-named X308. The previous X300 restyling of the XJ40's unpopular and very dated boxy lines was considered a great success, so modifications were confined to details like the grille and oval turn signals. More important changes lay under the skin, with a new AJ-series V8 the big talking point. Sold in both 3.2 and 4.0-litre XJ8 versions (along with option of a supercharger), the new V8 simultaneously replaced both the 6 and 12-cylinder Jaguars and therefore represented a major break with tradition. In 3.2-litre guise, the XJ8 boasted 240 bhp and was only available with a five-speed automatic transmission. The XJ8's cabin was also completely new, combining all the usual British luxury touches of wood and leather with an oval-shaped dashboard. The X308 series of XJ sedans remained in production until the X350 was launched in 2003. Thanks to the injection of Ford money, the XJ8 was finally built to standard that was at last approaching that of Jaguar's main German rivals, and have proven a lot more reliable than their forebears, whilst retaining traditional strengths like beautiful styling and a far more inviting cabin. It's also worth mentioning the XJ8 is now great value as well, the XJ8 having depreciated to a point where all this luxury is available at a fraction of the original list price of $126,500 at the time of its Australian release in October 1997.