Vehicle Description
2003 Jaguar XJ8 Sedan
The Jaguar XJ (X308) is a full-size luxury sedan manufactured and
marketed by Jaguar Cars for years 1997-2003 across two generations
and featuring Jaguar's AJ-V8 and Jaguar's independent rear
suspension. It was the third and final evolution of the XJ40
platform which had been in production since 1986.
Gracing our hallowed halls is this Jaguar XJ8 from 2003. A nice 4
door sedan able to whisk any executive or person of importance to
anywhere very quickly, with its 4 Liter V8 EFI coupled with a
5-Speed automatic transmission, full leather interior and a gaggle
of conveniences added in for extra giggles.
Exterior
The X308 keeps much of the same exterior styling as its
predecessor, carrying its rounded four-headlamp bonnet, low
roofline, sloping tail, and wrap-around rear light clusters. From
the front, the two generations can be differentiated by the shape
of the indicator lenses (rectangular on the X300, oval on the
X308), and also by the shape of the fog lamps and lower valance air
intake (both of which are more rounded on the X308). The front and
rear bumpers were both changed along with the taillights which had
red/clear lenses rather than red/grey lenses. The grill surround
and badging was slightly changed. The headlight fixtures also
included forward parking lights housed with the brights. All
straight rust-free steel bathed in Topaz base coat and clear
coated.
Interior
The biggest change to the interior on the X308 was to the
dashboard, which had remained essentially the same since the
original XJ40 with only detail changes over the years. The
rectangular instrument binnacle gave way to three deeply recessed
dials. The new fascia also allowed for the restoration of a proper
glove compartment, which had been lost when the original XJ40 dash
had been retrofitted with a passenger side airbag. Door trim and
the design of the center console were also beautifully designed and
are all covered with a mix of Ivory (white) leather and plenty of
shiny lacquered burl veneer. Leather covered buckets flank a center
console which has curves aplenty and rises to the center of the
dash and integrates seamlessly. In the center is control central
with all the buttons you'll need to have every function and
convenience work with the push of a button. Light brown Wilton
carpeting floods the floors and above is a felted headliner with a
sunroof cutout in the center.
Drivetrain
Under the hood and many a plastic covering sits the 4.0 Liter V8
with EFI. On the back is a ZF 5HP24 5-speed automatic transmission
and a 3.06 final drive ratio rear axle. All clean under this
hood.
Undercarriage
Some surface rust has erupted but it is a light coating and not on
all parts. Otherwise, solid structural underpinnings, clean
floorpans and a good exhaust system. Independent coil springs are
all over, as are power disc brakes.
Drive-Ability
She fired right up with a growl, and off to the test track where it
did a cracking performance showing snappy acceleration, bias free
panic stopping, and good handling. This car is ONE comfy cruiser
and can be easily taken on any superhighway. The radio proved to be
problematic, a check engine light was lit, as was an airbag light
during my trip.
A luxury sedan from across the pond, V8 power and lots of leather
and wood burl. Quite right, you're bloody well right!
VIN DECODE
SAJDA14C73LF55608
S-Great Britain
AJ-Jaguar Passenger Car
D-Manual Belts Front Airbags
A-Automatic, Left Hand Drive
14-XJ Sedan
C-XJ8
7-Check Digit
3-4.0L V8 290hp
L-Coventry, England Assy Plant
55608-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.
