After more than 30 years of hunting interesting automobiles from the 1950s through the 1990s, and being attracted to countless different makes and models, this simple 1999 Jaguar XK8 comes along and genuinely makes us wonder what could be a better cruiser.
We fell in love with a very special 5,000-mile example about five years ago, but this Ruby Red California car has seduced us immensely. It glides down the road with a flowing, effortless character that few automobiles, before or since, have ever managed to achieve.
It is remarkable that in today's collector market, where enthusiasm and investment often focus on six-figure automobiles, the XK8 remains so far under the radar. It delivers all the pleasures and reliability of the past while being refreshingly free from the endless screens, intrusive electronic aids, and constant beeping that many enthusiasts dislike about modern cars. Instead, it offers one of the most comfortable, easy-to-drive, and genuinely beautiful convertible experiences available at any price.
Finished in elegant Ruby Red over an Ivory leather interior, this XK8 is powered by Jaguar's silky-smooth 4.0-liter DOHC V8 producing 290 horsepower and 290 lb-ft of torque, driving the rear wheels through a five-speed automatic transmission.
According to the CARFAX, this is a lifelong California car showing just 38,400 original miles, with no accidents or damage reported, 13 service history records, and a history of careful long-term ownership. Notably, the timing chain tensioners and guides were replaced in 2008, an important maintenance item on early XK8s.
The most recent owner acquired the car in 2018 and deserves tremendous credit for preserving it so beautifully. The car currently presents wonderfully with a perfect, clean power soft top, ice-cold air conditioning, factory books, and a special XK8 car cover included.
This XK8 may never surpass the legendary XKE in outright beauty, but its effortless drivability, comfort, refinement, reliability and timeless lines create a wonderfully compelling package that is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.