45K Original Miles: 2000 Jaguar XK8 Convertible – Sold?

March 4, 2023, Update – We confirmed the listing for this “Classifind” expired, so with no replacement found, we’re assuming this ride is “Sold?” While this one got away, please reach out either by email or call us directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.

When the collector car market begins to turn on its axis in a direction that scares the investors away, you can likely count on some decent values returning to the marketplace. For the last few years, it was almost impossible to find a starter-grade classic for reasonable money, so finally, seeing cars like this clean Jaguar XK8 listed for a very fair price of just $12,999 is encouraging to say the least. This example is a 2000 model with impressive low mileage of just 45,000. We spotted this XK8 in January 2023 on Craigslist in Laguna Hills, California, which the seller claims belongs in a museum because of its excellent condition. Comparing that price against the Classic.com model guide shows us that the seller is asking for a very fair price, given that the average ask is trending closer to $15,400:

The XK8 seemed to have the chops that would make it an instant legend. The looks were stunning, the performance stirring. It was a fitting tribute to the iconic E-Type that had dominated Jaguar’s portfolio decades after its retirement as the preeminent convertible in the company’s family tree. Needless to say, the XK8 had big shoes to fill, and at least from a looks perspective, it seemed to accomplish this. The driving experience was not quite as exhilarating as its forebear, however. While the ride was comfortable and the power prodigious, something was missing, and it’s the quality that is most hard to bottle up and pass between generations: soul. Now, the XK8 may become the car we wanted it to be sometime in the next 30 years. Still, for the time being, it’s an easy-t0-live-with luxury convertible with timeless styling that doesn’t have the same issues with Lucas electronics as the original E-Type did. While you can find the occasional hot-rod XKR in pristine condition, it’s far harder to do with the standard XK8 models like this one.

The MotorWeek RetroReview YouTube Channel features this test drive of the then-new 1997 Jaguar XK8:

When you buy a vintage or modern enthusiast car, getting to know the owner is sometimes a bonus (other times, not.) In the case of the XK8, many of these cars have left their original purchaser’s home and are now on their second or third caretaker. As luxury and exotic cars get cheaper, maintenance usually slides in parallel, and the once-pristine car that cost north of $75,000 becomes a shadow of its former self. In this instance, buying a car like this XK8 from an owner that clearly cherished it is a bonus, as these rarely appear for sale in the classifieds by the original owner, as is the case here. The mileage is a major selling point, with just 45,000 on the clock, as is the color: a very sharp “Titanium Pearl” over an oatmeal leather interior. Combined with the generous wood veneers throughout the cabin, as is Jaguar tradition, yields a handsome convertible with plenty of good driving years left to give. If the condition is as nice as the seller claims and some common pain points have either been addressed or are non-existent (I am thinking of failing power top motors and flimsy timing chain guides), this is a terrific deal for a very nice XK8.

Here’s the seller’s description:

“This is a rare find – A classic 2000 Jaguar XK8 Convertible with only 45K actual miles that is in mint condition. You will be hard-pressed to find a nicer example of this year, make, and model outside of an automotive museum.

This gorgeous big cat has a classic Jaguar 4.0 v8 DOHC engine, automatic transmission, and rear-wheel drive. It has original Jaguar alloy wheels and exceptionally clean external paint. It is “Titanium Pearl” (Jaguar paint code LGL) with a soft and supple oatmeal leather interior and vibrant wood veneer. Everything is in excellent mechanical and operational working order. Even the cup holder works; if you know these cars, you’ll know how rare that is!

It has a premium sound system with GPS navigation, a CD changer in the trunk, and power-heated seats with memory functions.

The vehicle has been carefully kept by its original owner in all-original condition. This is a private sale, the vehicle VIN, Carfax, and registration details are available on request.”

Never this nice: would you consider a Jaguar XK8 if it had mileage as low as this one and came from careful owners?