35k-Mile 1997 Jaguar XK8 Convertible

This 1997 Jaguar XK8 convertible has covered 35,108 miles since new and features luxuries including burled woodgrain trim, chrome-finished 17” wheels, fog lamps, and automatic climate control. Power comes from a 4.0-liter V8 paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission. This XK8 was sold new in October 1997 in the Fresno, California area and has resided in California since new, having been garaged and well-preserved throughout its lifetime according to the seller. Finished in red metallic with a tan cloth soft top over a tan leather interior, this first-model-year XK8 is now offered with a clean CARFAX report and a clear California title.

Jaguar launched the “grand tourer” XK8 for the model year 1997 in both coupe and convertible form, sharing underpinnings with the Aston Martin DB7.  This drop-top example from the initial year is finished in red metallic with a power-operated tan cloth top, featuring color-coded body trim, factory fog lamps integrated into the front bumper, a trunk-mounted LED brake lamp and dual polished exhaust tips exit at the rear.

Factory five-spoke 17” chrome wheels with Jaguar-branded center caps are wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport A/S tires. Power steering is equipped, as well as four-wheel anti-lock disc braking. The suspension utilizes CATS (Computer Active Technology Suspension) engineering.

The interior is upholstered with tan leather power-adjustable bucket seats and matching door panels, center console, dash, and carpeting. Gloss woodgrain trim provides accents to the dash face, gear selector, and leather-wrapped steering wheel. Amenities include air conditioning with automatic climate control, power windows, power door locks, cruise control, a factory AM/FM/cassette stereo, and dual front airbags as part of the safety systems.

Instrumentation is framed within a gloss woodgrain bezel and includes a 170-mph speedometer, a 7,500-rpm tachometer, and gauges for fuel level and coolant temperature. A trio of additional gauges are located at the top of the center stack which includes an analog clock, an oil pressure gauge, and a voltage gauge. The odometer reads 35,108 miles which are reported to be a true original reading.

The naturally-aspirated 32-valve 4.0-liter V8 has been dealer-serviced as shown by the CARFAX and was factory rated at 290 horsepower and 290 lb-ft of torque. A smog check and oil change were carried out in May 2021, and power is transferred to the rear wheels via a 5-speed automatic transmission and a gated, console-mounted shift lever.

Photos showing the underside are available in the gallery.

The CARFAX report shows no accidents or damage on record. The vehicle passed a California emissions inspection in May 2021.