Vehicle Description
1998 Jaguar Vanden Plas
Vanden Plas is the name of coachbuilders who produced bodies for
specialist and up-market automobile manufacturers. Literally the
name became a top-end luxury model designation for cars from
various subsidiaries of British Leyland and the Rover Group, last
used in 2009 to denote the top-luxury version of the Jaguar
XJ8.
Direct from the plant in Blackpool England, we give you the Vanden
Plas edition of the Jaguar XJ8. With steel panels covered in Topaz
Metallic aptly named for the former specialist and upmarket
automobile industry manufacturer, now the name branding of the
Jaguar luxury market.
Exterior
This year still hangs on to the dual headlight, separate chromed
grille, and non integrated bumper version for the exterior. A
seemingly solidly built car, in 4 doors, and Topaz, (Champagne),
Metallic, paint is nice with steel showing a few dents and dings.
Chrome and trim is nicely preserved and is utilized sparingly and
tastefully on this car. The hood has a leaper cat for its ornament,
and the small kidney shaped grille is a standalone version of the
front of this car. Standard 16-inch Jaguar wheels are on all 4
corners and tires are good.
Interior
Doeskin leather nicely dances with burl veneer and some electronics
along with analog gauges and some green digital readouts. A center
panel rises from the console masking up the center dash, which
houses the AM/FM/Cassette player, seat heater controls, and shift
lever and all in a field of highly lacquered burl. Looking up, a
tight eggshell white headliner sports a sunroof in the middle.
Front buckets are covered in tan leather and have a nicely rounded
shape and have controls for nearly unlimited electric adjustment.
To the rear bench which is wonderfully spacious and has access to
the back fold out lacquered burl trays that hide within the backs
of the buckets up front, and their own centrally located
temperature controller in the console. Nice taupe thick pile carpet
covers the floors and sculpted molded vinyl mixes with more burl on
the door panels adding a nice finishing touch to the interior when
passengers are encased within.
Drivetrain
An 8-cylinder 4.0 liter engine is nicely tucked into a clean and
corrosion free engine bay. This has Lucas Bosch digital EFI. 5
speeds for the ZF 4HP22 automatic transmission, and a 3.06
conventional axle on the rear.
Undercarriage
All clean, and structurally sound underneath with no rust seen on
any surfaces. Independent coil springs for the front, and an
independent rear suspension provide the ride, and power disc brakes
all around bring the ride to an abrupt halt.
Drive-Ability
For this test drive I decided to have my genius decoder and pro
driver take me for a cruise anywhere other than the test track. We
wound our way through the countryside of Berks County, and I was
treated to a pleasurable chauffeured experience. A shout out to the
stereo which saved me from him droning on about all the features of
this beautiful car! But I digress and it does provide a great
comfortable noise free ride. Acceleration was snappy, and the
interior luxurious.
Vanden Plas was known for their upscale chassis, body, and interior
modifications to numerous car manufacturers. Then Jaguar took the
company for themselves and began putting their trappings on their
high end cars. This is the luxurious and beautiful result, ready to
be driven away with the turn of a key.
VIN DECODE
SAJKX6243WC833792
SAJ-Jaguar United Kingdom Passenger Car
K-Vanden Plas
X-Manual Belts, Front Airbags
6-4 Door LWB Saloon
2-4.0L V8
4-Automatic LHD
3-Check Digit
W-1998
C-Brown's Lane Assy Plant
833792-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.