XK8: The Ageless Car

We often debate the best way to capture the beauty of youth, but over the years Jaguar has taught us that beauty really doesn’t have to fade.

Following on from our guest blog last week, and celebrating 20 years since its launch back in 1996, we decided to take a closer look at why the XK8 Jaguar model is still so appealing.

Designed on a very tight budget and in only five years, the XK8 was a fresh design with limited styling clues to the company’s heritage. With a move back towards the sports car segment, which Jaguar arguably left when the series three E-Type was launched in 1971.

New to the pitch

Although the XK8 was not specifically designed as an obvious sports car, the flowing lines and exaggerated haunches were quite a new introduction. It was a huge change from the grand tourer XJS it was replacing and the soon to follow ‘R’ versions. It added another level of performance to its craftsmanship, placing the car straight into the path of its German rivals.

Philip Wray Xk8
The beautiful XK8 in all its glory.

The beautiful XK8 in all its glory.

However, it’s those lines and curves that maintain the XK8’s appeal 20 years on. The shapely definition gives the car a true Jaguar quality that makes it hard to ignore. Whether the car is at standstill, prowling along at 20 mph, or blasting along the autobahn, it will always turn heads.

The XK8 has remained a firm favourite among enthusiasts’ today and that’s in part because it simply oozes style and class.

Never-ending style

The thing that has helped the model remain popular with car fans is not only its enchanting looks, but also its sports car/GT split personality. Plus it never seems to age — in 20 years’ time we will still be asking, “is it really that old?”

Jaguarxk8
Photo courtesy autoevolution www.autoevolution.com

Never forget second-hand jaguar's

It is also worth remembering that with so many available second-hand, for good value, you can get a great XK8 for a decent price.

And if you’re a member of Jaguar Enthusiasts’ Club, there’s a whole range of support available, including community events, parts availability, tours and forums to help keep the cars running at their youthful best…

Of course the car has had some problems, with plastic chain tensioners being an ample example, but this is a real future Jaguar classic that cannot be ignored. This super sleek, shiny and swift car will always be a true Jaguar, winning over our hearts with its beauty and grace. We salute you XK8!

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