I have seen this on Autotrader...

An original Mk1 XK8 Cabrio for 5250.

Ok high mileage but if the original Nikasil lump is ok then they last forever and it could be a very appreciating classic..

I have a 99 Red XKR Coupe and I would rather have an XK8 than the R if I were going to get a soft top as well..

It seems too good to be true and you could probably haggle for 4700 cash...

Its a long way from Geordieland on a punt...

Heart says... hell yeah! Head says mmm .. what will the missus say? 🤣🤣

We all know the bad stuff that may be there... chassis like Weetabix, timing chains, tensioners, rear wheel arches bodged to hell etc etc...

But it is very lovely... mmm

Any thoughts fellow Jag friendly people?

Thanks 😍😍

I just found my dream car... Search for yours https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202204214862706?advertising-location=at_cars&atmobcid=soc5&include-delivery-option=on&lat-long=55.0370266%2C%20-1.5515449&make=Jaguar&model=XK8&sort=price-asc

 

Good Lord Man!! Why are you hesitating? Are the the drivers seat and steering wheel to wrinkled and dirty for you? There seems to be some service history there so you could check what all that paperwork has to say. The rest of it looks neat as a pin. A good inspection would always be in order but it looks great. The front springs are sacked out as they all are. Of course it's easy for me to spend your money from here, I think it's worth a look. my .02, TM

 

Thanks
You are right!
Now... how to persuade the missus
"I hear that Uxbridge is a nice place to visit, darling" 🤣🤣

 

Depends on all of the things you mention and your appetite to deal with them - particularly bodywork.

Take a look at the MOT history:
https://www.check-mot.service.gov.uk/
It looks tidy, but there's evidence of tinworm underneath

Low at the front so suspension will 'need work', and most of the shown history is old. Wheels are 18".

It's a crapshoot with salt-belt cars.

 

Also bear in mind you would be swapping your Mercedes gearbox for the early troublesome ZF 5HP24 - maybe the previous owner has already dealt with the issues, otherwise be prepared for a rebuild.

I went from a 1999 XKR Coupe to a 2001 XKR Convertible and never regretted the swap - remember, you can never have too much power.

 

Oh... thanks but the 99 XKR Coupe is staying with me until the day I die.. never had any trouble from the ZF box, although slightly jerky decelerating uphill, never needed an oil change, probably been lucky 👍

I was thinking about getting the 97 Cabrio as well...

What you say is dead right and I agree makes a lot of sense but then you have the collectability factor in future.. S1 always more desirable than S2 for any classic...even if not as good mechanically.... which is true in most cases..

S1 - XK8 .... 1996 to 2000
S1 - XKR .... 1998 to 2000

And I THINK , I might be wrong, more S1 convertable XKR made than the coupe, so that as well..

Sorry not trying to be a smart Alec I promise...🤣

Cheers 😀😀

 

Oh sorry I get confused....I am old!
Not sure what the gearbox is in the 99 Coupe....

All I know is that out on the twisty open roads I wish it was a manual shift and in town in traffic I am glad that it is an auto😅😅

Thanks dude 😀👍

 

The 4.0 XKR like you have, has the Mercedes gearbox, the 4.0 XK8 has the ZF 5HP24. There is plenty of information on the forum about the foibles of the ZF, including upgrades to fix the design problems (much like the upgraded tensioners fixed the original timing chain plastic tensioners problem). Some info here, but there are plenty of threads on the forum:-

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...n-fault-29038/