How do I see what model I have? I have a 2000 XJ8, but a few of the work receipts say Vanden Plas on it.

The exterior.

The interior.
Keep in mind that *if* this is a Vanden Plas, it's a 2000 model. Meaning, it'll be missing some of the newer VP features.

 

Should have a Vanden Plas badge on the trunk. If its an XJ8 badge it does not have the VP package.

 

Easy: the VDP has the walnut tables on the back of the front seats.

 

A VDP car will have these extra features:

Upgraded radio package with amplifier in the trunk above the CD player
Scalloped grill and trunk trim
heated seats
a long wheelbase
walnut tray table on the back of the front seats
wood trim steering wheel
a gold line on the front wood near the center vents that says VandenPlas
Generally a softer ride.
Different seats besides the tray tables.
If it was a 2000 it had super plush foot mats
If 2000 had full cover on wheels.

Perhaps there are more things but these come to mind as I have two 2000 VDPs and one 2000 VDP that was wrecked...

 

I guess mine's just a plain ol' XJ8 haha. Thank you so much for your time and input.

 

That’s like saying the art gallery has “just a plain ol’ da Vinci” because it’s not the Mona Lisa.

 

Not at all Ken, I absolutely love my XJ and don't care much if it's VP or not. I asked because I was curious. Still a stunningly gorgeous car that drives like a dream. I love it.

 

That'll be called a Daimler in this country. I'd love one, especially with individual electrically operated rear seats rather than the "bench".

 

Hello all,

I just purchased a gorgeous 2000 XJ8 in Seafrost (113,000 mi / $3500) - meticulously taken care of and previously owned by a mechanic. This is my first jag and a big switch from my (just sold) 2020 hard as nails Veloster N PP. I intend the car as a daily, and hope to do any wrenching in my power. Wish me luck...

Question:

Im certain this car is not a VP - no badge, regular grill, no tables, no piping - but it has a wood/leather steering wheel and rear seat heaters/wood tray. Were these options on the base model 2000 XJs?

 

Good luck with it. That is quite a change in vehicles. These cars are fairly simple to work on, but parts can be pricey at times.

If its missing the grille/tables/piping then its most likely not a VDP. Most XJs had the wood wheel and rear heaters so that doesn't mean much. There are others that know more than myself, but I would say its just a standard XJ8 with some options.

 

Haha got me back on the forum months after losing my Xj. Yeah I don't think its a VP. Someone probably just swapped some parts to make it look more fancy. The VP has the Vanden Plas badge in the back and several other things inside that make it stand out apart from the base model.

 

The hands down giveaway that can't be faked is on a regular XJ8 the front and rear doors are the same size. On a NA (North American) VDP the rear doors are 4" longer, which are called the Sovereign model in Euro/Aus models.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaguar_XJ_(X308)



A nice sunny cropped pic