Turns out my 1999 XK8 had its motor replaced under warranty in 2004. Or at least that's what some old documentation suggests. Checked with Jaguar dealer in London, Ontario and they can only find a service note about a major engine repair in that year but no details. I've looked all over for a vin on the engine but cannot find anything but a sticker on the lower front timing cover with this number on it 0205121432 and a bar code followed but a large 04 under the bar code. Is this the engine vin? Anyone please.

 

The physical location of the the engine number on an XK8 / XKR is a vertical rib on the left side of the block, viewed from underneath, just above the steering rack. It will look something like 0008182310. This means the following:
00= year
08= month
18=day
23=hour
10=minute