Vehicle Description
1998 Jaguar XJ8 Pickup
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 1998. What was
once a sport luxury 4 door sedan able to whisk any executive or
person of importance to anywhere very quickly with its 4.0 Liter V8
coupled with a 5-speed automatic transmission, full leather
interior and a gaggle of conveniences added in for extra giggles
now has taken a different tune altogether. Thanks to an errant tree
coming down, (photos are included), and ruining the sexy Jag sedan
lines, our skilled and able consignor took this car, er...now truck
to a totally new level that William Lyons could never imagine. A
sport luxury hauler....why are the manufacturers not doing
this?
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. The front
end is looking entirely Jaguar, but things get slightly different
asour eyes peer rearward, particularly on the roofline. Since the
tree ruined the rear of the roof and boot, our consignor saw fit to
save this car and make it into something nobody else has. All
straight rust-free steel bathed in British Racing Green, the front
half is decidedly Jaguar, and doors rearward takes on a whole new
look. The rear passenger area and trunk have been transformed into
a long bed if you will. Finished inside in black with a black
rubber mat gives you the ability to remain classy on the way to the
country club, but without risking the trunk panels or Wilton
carpeting with your cleats and clubs. The tailgate is functional
and the rear view of this hauler is full Jaguar, from the tail
lights to the chrome trimmed body matching bumper. Keeping this
skate moving are 16" standard Jaguar alloy wheels wrapped in like
new blackwall rubber.
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 Barley, (tan), 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. Not to
be forgotten is the sliding rear window in the cab, just in case
you want to reach back to the cooler for your beverage of
choice.
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 floor
pans and a good exhaust system. Independent coil springs are all
over, as are power disc brakes and stock style dual exhaust
creating the exhale.
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, er...truck is ONE
comfy cruiser and can be easily taken on any superhighway, but it
certainlygarnishes looks from passersby. All functions were
operational at the time of my drive, and although tempted to run to
the local Lowes for some shop sundries, I resisted and kept it on
our well hidden test track.
A luxury sedan from across the pond comepickup, a fine and blended
mix of luxury and utility. A Ute if you will with V8 power and lots
of leather and wood burl. Quite right, you're bloody well
right!
SAJHX1242WC819167
SAJ-Jaguar United Kingdom Passenger Car
H-XJ8
X-Manual Belts, Front Airbags
1-4 Door Saloon
2-4.0L V8
4-Automatic LHD
2-Check Digit
W-1998
C-Brown's Lane Assy Plant
819167-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 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.
