Hello,

All the references and source I have come across relates the change from 4.0 to 4.2 engine with VIN ...A30645. Nevertheless, my XK8 happens to have the 4.2 engine but VIN is significantly lower than expected, ...A300xx. It definitely doesn't seem to be a "Frankenstein" case: Registered in Spain with 4.196 cc back in 2003 and the rest pf the VIN matches perfectly with the latter engine type.

It would be interesting to know if there is any plausible explanation for this (and perchance save some trouble when ordering spare parts).

Many thanks in advance,
AL

 

A Jaguar Dealer can access the online 'Direct Dealer Warranty System' to get the original build specification of the vehicle. It runs to several pages and includes the serial numbers of the major components fitted at the factory. This will confirm whether the engine is the one originally fitted.

In the UK most dealers do this free of charge if approached in the right way. Jaguar-Madrid should be able to help you.

Is it possible the vehicle was an early show car or press demonstrator?

Graham

 

Thanks for the advices. I'll pop by a dealer soon to get some accessories, I suppose that will put them in the mood for inquiries

Not unlikely that this car had a temporary purpose, more than a year passed between manufacturing and sale.

Cheers
AL

 

I think you may have a early production '03. I say this because I was dealing with a fella in Australia who had a '03 STR. His VIN put him in the '02 model year but he most certainly had a supercharged 4.2 which was '03 on. Jaguar seems to build cars in batches. Even the 1993-1994 XJ12's were built in two batches, one in '93 and another later in '94. Some folks here can check on DDW for you if you can find them.

 

Actually it seems my car is from the 1st batch in 2002, which in theory should still be 4.0 engines. And it seems it rolled out from the factory some 500 VINs before the 2nd batch. Weird, isn't it?

 

Your car may have been started early and finished late, I have seen this before. Car starts down the assembly line and something happens to it or waiting on parts, so it is pulled off and restarted at a later date.

 

That's an interesting theory. Maybe waited for some equipment? It has all available extras I've heard of, and 2-color seats.