Footnotes

• 35 years after the launch of the sensational E-Type, Jaguar stunned the motoring world once again with the introduction of the XK8 coupé at the Geneva Salon in March 1996, the convertible version appearing in April at the New York Motor Show, co-incidentally the venue chosen to debut the E-Type roadster in 1961. Both versions went on sale in October 1996, advertisements headlined ‘The Cat is Back’ and ‘The Spirit of its Ancestor’ reminding prospective buyers of the car’s heritage, which was further reinforced by a host of styling cues borrowed from its illustrious forbear. The first hint at what might succeed the E-Type had appeared as long ago as 1978, when Pininfarina displayed its Jaguar XJ Spider, a hypothetical ‘F-Type’, at the Birmingham Motor Show. Although Jaguar’s new owners Ford cancelled the F-Type programme, preferring to use the concept to develop the Aston Martin DB7, there remain strong visual links between Pininfarina’s styling exercise, Ian Callum’s DB7 and the XK8.
  The XK8 though, was not aimed at the same market as the E-Type; direct successor to the XJ-S, Jaguar’s luxurious new Grand Routier had the likes of the Mercedes-Benz SL in its sights. Indeed, the XK8 was based on the XJS floorpan, though its V8 power unit - Jaguar’s first - was entirely new. The all-aluminium, four-cam, 32-valve unit displaced 4.0 litres and produced 281bhp, an output good enough for a top speed of 156mph. Power was transmitted via a ZF five-speed automatic gearbox with ‘J-gate’ change to the limited-slip differential. Traction control was standard. And if 280-plus horsepower was not enough, there was always the supercharged XKR version boasting 370bhp.
  Currently in the hands of only its second owner, this XK8 Convertible has covered some 82,000-or-so miles from new and is presented in good condition in every respect. ‘R50 JRS’ has been well maintained from new and benefits from a new timing chain and upgraded tensioners - all parts fitted recently – as well as a new battery. Finished in Anthracite Black with ivory leather interior, this stunning looking XK8 Convertible is equipped in a manner befitting such an exclusive model, incorporating electrically operated hood, seats and folding mirrors, cruise control, 6-CD stereo system and much more besides. Offered with full service history, the car is MoT’d to May 2009, taxed until 31st August 2008 and comes with Swansea V5 registration document.
  

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Category: Motoring / Motor Cars

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