The Jaguar XK8 is a car that I’d wanted since my mid-twenties but prior to that hadn’t been on my radar at all. I think the reason for this is possibly that it’s a car that appeals to slightly more mature (?!) buyers but also possibly that the XK8 (and its sibling the XKR) have grown into their looks as they’ve aged. So… those looks, those sixties-inspired curves and oval grill harking back to the golden age of Jaguar and the sleek ‘GT’ profile is enough to warrant an admiring glance by passers by and certainly a backward glance or two by the owner. The looks are one thing but the performance of the XK8 is also worth talking about, its not powerful or fast by modern standards but has enough grunt for everyday driving and the comfort…. oh the comfort….. is sublime, the miles tick by, a reassuring growl from the engine and plenty of wood and leather make this an awesome GT car and (in my opinion) the greatest GT car for the money available today! It’s not a sports car but that’s not why you buy an XK8….
- Year: 2004
- Make: Jaguar
- Model: XK8
- Engine: 4196cc quad-cam V8 32v
- Gearbox: 6 speed automatic with J-Gate override
- Power: 300 bhp
- Drivetrain Layout: FR
- Modifications: Adamesh ‘stage 2’ exhaust (half system)
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Jaguar XK8 vs The Lakes
Cinematic re-hash of my trip to the Lake District in the Jaguar XK8! There is some new footage in there but mainly just a highlight reel of the longer video I made a few months ago, let me know if … Continue reading
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Jaguar XK8 – Lake District GT
The Jaguar XK8 is a fine GT in my opinion so what better way to put it (and my stamina) to the test by driving to the Lake District and back in one day! I thoroughly enjoyed making this video … Continue reading
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Jaguar XK8 – From the Air! (Aerial Compilation)
A short but hopefully sweet compilation of aerial (drone) footage featuring my Jaguar XK8! These have been used in my previous videos which, if you’ve not seen them, are on my channel along with many other Jaguar XK8 videos, enjoy!
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Jaguar XK8 – Ashdown Forest
Short video of a little drive in the Jaguar XK8 to the Ashdown Forest, lovely area to explore and nice to gt the Jag out for a bit of a run. Longer trips in store over the summer months!
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Jaguar XK8 – Driving, what’s it like?
To get a break from the rust, seized bolts and cut hands doing my Lotus Esprit restoration I took my Jaguar XK8 out for a drive. It occurred to me that people might be interested in how I think this … Continue reading
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Jaguar XK8 vs MGB GT : Battle of the GTs
A back to back comparison of the Jaguar XK8 and the MGB GT. These are two very different cars from different times but both promise ‘Grand Touring’ capability and cost about the same these days. They’re both charming in their … Continue reading
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Jaguar XK8 – Found the Issue! Damp Inertia Switch
So! I have found what has caused my Jaguar XK8 to stop working…. a damp inertia switch! I have a leak somewhere that I’m yet to track down but I wouldn’t have even thought of the inertia switch if it … Continue reading
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Jaguar XK8 – Oh No! It Broke!
It’s happened! My Jaguar XK8 has stopped working! In this video I had planned to give a brief update on the car and take it for a run but unfortunately it won’t start…. looks to be related to the fuel … Continue reading
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Jaguar XK8 – What’s Next?
Quick update on the Jaguar XK8 and future plans. I’m really on the fence about doing any modification to the Jag, I love this car just how it is at the moment and I’d hate to ruin it…. that being … Continue reading
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Lockdown Exercise with the Jaguar XK8
Slightly different video this time as I try to combine a bit of lockdown-sanctioned exercise with getting the Jaguar XK8 out for a run. The day was crazy weather-wise with rain and sun on and off all day and the … Continue reading
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Jaguar XK8 – GT-in-a-day: North York Moors
To celebrate 2000 subscribers I take my Jaguar XK8 on a GT-in-a-day to the North York Moors! It was a long but fantastic day exploring some of ‘God’s own country’ and I thoroughly enjoyed seeing the scenery, people and wildlife … Continue reading
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Jaguar XK8 – Exploring the South Downs
Another trip out in the Jaguar XK8 this time driving over the South Downs and surrounding countryside. The weather could have been a bit (a lot) better but still worth the trip out to see some of the great scenery … Continue reading
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Jaguar XK8 – A-Pillar Re-trim
Following on from last week’s video about replacing my headliner/headlining in my Jaguar XK8 I’ve now moved onto the a-pillars. This didn’t go 100% smoothly but I’m happy with the result and probably wouldn’t take much time or expense to … Continue reading
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Jaguar XK8 – Headlining Replacement
I finally got round to replacing the headling in my Jaguar XK8. The process is straightforward but a bit fiddly, the more trim you remove the easier it is so I probably would get the passenger seat out if I … Continue reading
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Jaguar XK8 – Morning Mission : Great Train Robbery
Another ‘morning mission’ in my Jaguar XK8 making my way through the Chiltern Hills looking out for locations associated with the Great Train Robbery. It’s a fascinating story with lots of interesting characters, one of which I mention in the … Continue reading
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Jaguar XK8 – Morning Mission : London Landmarks
Another Morning Mission in my Jaguar XK8! This time I attempt to see 10 London landmarks before lunchtime and pop-by @AdamC3046 running his ‘rolling car show’ in Dorking on the way home, the 10 landmarks are below but see if … Continue reading
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Jaguar XK8 – Morning Mission : Moonraker
With only a morning to myself I took the Jaguar XK8 on a drive retracing part of James Bond’s journey from London to the Kent coast from the Moonraker novel. I had a great time trying to squeeze this into … Continue reading
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Jaguar XK8 – Tunnel Run
I take my Jaguar XK8 on a run through the Hindhead Tunnel (not sure why I screamed though)! The car has a modified exhaust (replaces the rear 4 silencers and over-axle section with straight through pipes) from Adamesh. I move … Continue reading
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Jaguar XK8 – In Detail : Engine and Drivetrain
An ‘in detail’ video about the Jaguar XK8 engine and drivetrain. Focusing more on what to watch out for when buying and the sound of the engine rather than facts/figures as I think this is potentially more useful to a … Continue reading
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Jaguar XK8 – Update: J-Gate Fix and ABS Warning Root Cause
An update on my Jaguar XK8 where I finally resolve my J-Gate issues! Also, my recent trip to Wales threw up another problem with the ABS which I’ve since found the root cause for. So now the Jag is ‘kind-of’ … Continue reading
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Jaguar XK8 – GT-in-a-day: Wales – Part 2
Part 2 of my ‘GT’ in a day to Wales in my Jaguar XK8! Following on from the previous video I venture deeper into the Snowdonia National Park in search of some great driving roads and scenery whilst also keeping … Continue reading
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Jaguar XK8 – GT-in-a-day: Wales – Part 1
The Jaguar XK8 goes to Wales as I attempt to do a ‘GT’ in a day! In the first part (of two) I prepare the car to go and drive to the Horseshoe Pass. To add to the jeopardy ‘Storm … Continue reading
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Jaguar XK8 – J-Gate Not Fixed and New Tyres!
Definitely not my best video! I fail to fix the J-Gate in my Jaguar XK8 then my camera cuts out half way through testing out some new tyres! Still, this was all necessary in order to prepare for next weeks … Continue reading
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Jaguar XK8 – In Detail : Model History
The first of a new series of videos describing the XK8 in detail, this time the Model History of the car is explained, hopefully this is of some use to people thinking of buying an XK8/R or just interesting to … Continue reading
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Jaguar XK8 – Why the XJS and XK are better!
My view on why the Jaguar XK8’s predecessor the Jaguar XJS and its successor the Jaguar XK (x150) are better! This is just my opinion, I love my XK8 but have to concede that there are things about these other … Continue reading
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Jaguar XK8 – Why Did I Buy One??
Back in February last year i bought myself a Jaguar XK8 which I unveiled to the world via YouTube…. however… I didn’t really explain why I bought an ageing coupe prone to rust! In this video I list the three … Continue reading
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Jaguar XK8 – Optional Extras! Which ones are worth having?
The Jaguar XK8 had a fair few options to choose from when new, when choosing a used one which ones are worth having or paying a premium for? I try to list the ones I think I have on my … Continue reading
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Jaguar XK8 – It’s Back! How Much Did It Cost?!
My Jaguar XK8 is finally back from the garage after having work done to the gearbox and the bodywork. In this video I go through the work carried out and a breakdown of cost, as the work is mainly based … Continue reading
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Jaguar XK8 – Quick Update – Gearbox, Headlining and Rust
Quick update on my Jaguar XK8 prior to it going to the garage and the bodyshop. Gearbox has a small leak so getting it sorted and serviced, rear arches are rusty so getting that sorted at the bodyshop as well … Continue reading
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Jaguar XK8 – Fixing Foggy Fog Lights
Quick ‘how to’ on fixing foggy or fogged up fog lights on a Jaguar XK8, these instructions only applicable to post-facelift cars as early ones have different bumper and lights! Hopefully this is helpful to a few people out there!!
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Jaguar XK8 – Sunday Drive
From a secret underground location I take my Jaguar XK8 on a Sunday drive! Hope you enjoy and I can only apologise for the ‘royalty-free’ music 🙂
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Jaguar XK8 – Family Car?
An attempt to see if the Jaguar XK8 is a suitable family car…. spoiler alert…. the result isn’t exactly surprising!
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Jaguar XK8 – Adamesh Exhaust Sound and Comparison to Stock
The Jaguar XK8 now has a new exhaust system! In this video I take the car on a drive to find out what it sounds like plus a comparison to the stock system. The exhaust I bought and had fitted … Continue reading
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Jaguar XK8 – Update – Good, bad and future changes
Quick update on the XK8 after 3 months or so of ownership, focusing on the good bits, the bad bits and the things I’d like to upgrade or change!
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Jaguar XK8 – Road Trip to the Peak District
A road trip in my Jaguar XK8 to the Peak District visiting the Buxton Brewery Tap House. We did slightly overindulge in what the tap house had to offer as well as the local night club which was terrible! Slightly … Continue reading
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Jaguar XK8 – New Project Car!
A short intro video of my new Jaguar XK8! A new purchase as an additional project alongside my MGB GT, in this video I introduce the car and do a couple of small jobs in preparation for a mini road … Continue reading
