I'm late on this topic, but here are my thoughts:
White - I hate on most cars. It reminds me of an appliance. Sorry, WhiteXKR
Silver - nice, but too common and while I usually like black interiors, on these cars it just didn't look right to me.
Black - good
British Racing Green - better
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...-bronze-46041/ - fairly rare and a nice color
Pacific Blue - nice
Red - not really a fan of red on these cars, but still better than white

 

While I still think white happens to look great on XK8/XKR, the other combo that I think looks fantastic is the Pacific Blue with Ivory interior. I happened upon one of those at a dealer during my search and would have bought that one if I had not stumbled onto the XKR I ended up with. I have also seen one or two in the Salsa Red (non-metallic) and that seems to also fit the car pretty well.

Let's face it, these cars look pretty great in almost any color!


Doug

 

My XK8 replaced an Alabaster White CLK 430. I am not a fan of white cars normally, but the rich white on that Mercedes looked great with its light gray top and Ash interior.

 

There are different shades of what is called White.

Personally, I don't like the plain white color, except on certain cars. I think that the 911, and some other cars look good in white, as their rounded lines seem to go with it.

I have seen what I call Pearlescent White on some cars and I really like it. I could see how that color could look very good an an XK.

I think that a picture does not tell the whole story here. I would have to see the car in person to see how it looked, but, as has been said, if YOU like it and the other factors regarding the car are what you are looking for, those are the most important things.

 

Great discussion!
I like Silver!

 

My opinion just because you asked for it, if you like it, go for it, you are the one doing the investment and the one that will be looking at it everyday. That said, I personally think white is not a color for these cars. My preference are darker colors like British racing green , black and blue.

 

Personally, I'm less concerned about the exterior color than I am about the interior. All of the factory exterior colors look great. I have a black interior. I don't "hate" it, but it's close. I really wanted a beige or dove interior, but I got a great deal on this car and couldn't pass it up. But if I park the car with the top down in the sun I'll come back to a car that is unbearably hot.

 

White does really hide a lot more than you would think. That white XK8 does look nice. But... a clean black car always looks the nicest.

I wash my car maybe every 3 weeks unless there is rain or sprinkles. I'll clay and wax it every third or fourth wash. In-between, I use a California Car Duster. Works great to extend the cleanliness of a dark vehicle.

I don't particularly care for the older metallic black color that Jaguar used to use, but the Ebony Black is absolutely gorgeous. I wouldn't trade it for any other color.

As for interiors? Black heats up, but it also maintains it's look much nicer than grey/tan interiors. After the lighter interiors start to age or show wear, they look really horrible.

As for what color to buy? Buy the one that you want. Who cares what anyone else thinks.

 

Beige? Really, beige? Jaguar doesn't do beige. Topaz, cashmere, oatmeal, but NEVER "beige."

 

LOL! I didn't know the "official" name. I must be thinking of oatmeal.

 

To me, the lines and curves don't show quite as well in white (on this car) as they do in darker colors or even silver. I waited a few months until I found the right deal on the right color combo for me, which is midnight black metallic with a dove grey interior. If you're after a convertible, as Sam mentioned the interior color does make quite a difference in the appearance and comfort of the car.

Personally I don't care for the beige/tan/oatmeal/cashmere interiors due to aesthetic reasons, and I'm also glad that I didn't get the charcoal, as my dove interior doesn't get very hot even in direct sunlight. I've never seen the ivory in person, in some photos it just looks bright white, in others it looks a bit more subdued.

I've never seen one in such a combination, but I think a red XK8/R with a dove interior would look nice.

 

Tinted windows and the correct rims will make that car look more masculine.

 

Skidmark, like Jack says, you have to wax then wax some more. It gets far less dirty if it's slippery. I use a lot of Sratch X to polish out any little swirls and I've found that a machine polisher works better for application of the wax. NXT is very good as Jack stated as well as any other synthetics. There's even a kit out now for Black cars only.
I've had baby blue (always looks good), tan (who cares if it looks good), white and black. The white was great for waxing up and forgetting it. No swirls to worry about. Also, any chips in the Black and they scream at you requiring immediate touch-ups.
Buuuuuut, when you've just waxed it, the black does look good.

 

I think it'd be neat. I love stark contrasts like that.

My XKR is Carnival Red Metallic w/ what I think is the Oatmeal interior. (Pic from before I repadded the side of the seat and fixed the seat belt) Am I right on that?

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Just my opinion, but 8s and Rs look best in darker colors and silver. White would definitely be my least favorite.

If you're unsure about the color...keep looking. You'll question your decision every time you walk up to the car. Be patient and you'll find exactly what you want. You'll never regret waiting for the right color.

 

Thanks RJag, I like the silver, so I'll stay with that. How do you repair chips? Even on a light color they can really stand out. I know some guys really have a talent for making them disappear!

 

I've done poorly on some of them but the best technique is to use a toothpick and smear the paint into the chip so that you don't create a lip or ridge around it. If it's big, a couple of coats will do then do the same with clearcoat. It's never perfect but if your eye sees no ridges or lips on the touch-up, it will forgive a lot.

 

I've heard this discussion several times now over the recent months, and I'll always add my vote for the most beautiful black I have ever seen - Anthracite!

It has flecks of every color in the rainbow, and when clean and polished, sparkles like a diamond. No second choice!

For the inside, what better than the off-white?

I call mine "Ebony and Ivory", and if Paul MCCartney, Stevie Wonder, or Elton John ever appear at my doorstep, I'll welcome an autograph - though I doubt it happening! DaleD

 

Antrhacite, I still have yet to see that color in person...not many around I think.

 

that sounds like what I have, which I was told was 'midnight black metallic'. there's a lot of blue in it, as well as other colors.