I seem to always look through this forum for help and ideas so thought I would share one. Here is an article on how to modify the XK8/R handbrake so it works a bit easier and will actually hold a car on a hill.
http://www.georgiajag.com/Documents/...Handbrake.html
Comments welcome.

 

I have never had a problem with the handbrake, I actually rarely use it, which I must admit is bad, I am forever getting XKs with seized handbrake assemblies from lack of use which then fails our MOTs, which is a good enough reason to use it.

But I have even parked on hills with the car just in Park and it has not moved a muscle?

One thing I have seen a few times is when people have pulled the handbrake on too hard and the spring that goes in through the rear 'wishbone' and into the rear brake plate has bound up and the brake will not release, only way around it was to cut the cable!

 

Very straightforward! Good info, thanks.

 

Thanks for sharing. I have to admit I quickly gave up using my handbrake, because the combination of not being able to see the lever in the up position and the fact that the engine seems far more powerful than the brake meant I kept leaving it on and only noticed the red warning light in the dash after a few seconds.