When Jaguar created its X308-gen XJ8 back in 1997, it mounted an all-new V8 onto an ageing platform. The Jag wore its old school charm rather well, with a classically styled exterior and wood-trimmed cabin backed by a brutish score. The model arrived under the restrictions of Ford ownership, but it felt quintessentially British. Hence our hero's intention of using it as a honeymoon car; the Jag’s certainly got enough class for newlyweds.
Plans to move the XJ8 on afterwards were delayed and then, with the arrival of a global pandemic, our man decided that rather than shifting it, he’d set about using lockdown to bring it back to full health. Only then did it become clear how much work would be required, with tin worm having feasted on the car’s underside along with a heap of other niggles that would require both time and money.
Inevitably, that makes the thread a great read whether you’re a Jag person or not. Rest assured the transformation to this 295hp saloon is not being rushed and (it goes without saying) involves several PHers providing advice based on their own XJ8 experiences. We expect this burly Jag to back to its very best in no time - or else for as long as it takes for it to end up an anniversary car, too.
