This beautiful Vanden Plas was purchased new in Great Neck, NY in 1998 and she spent most of her life here in New England, despite being titled in FL by her first owner. Her first owner treated her very well, having her oil changed and other services done pretty much every 3000 miles. She must not have been driven in the snow much or at all as she is rust/rot free aside from some very light surface rust on a couple of suspension components. In 2006 she was purchased by the 2nd owner and she moved to Essex Jct. VT. In those first 7 years of ownership she was driven just over 50,000 miles, averaging less than 10,000 miles a year, very probably a fair weather driver. The CarFax does show one report of minor damage and the rear bumper has been repainted. In 2007 the current owner bought her on a whim while on a trip to their property in VT. He and his wife enjoyed the car for several years but in 10 years of ownership, only added about 4000 miles to the digital odometer and in 2017, the car was parked as they didn't renew her registration. Being fairly mechanical, the owner did change the oil/filter a couple of times, most recently when recommissioning her to put her up for sale, however, in his years of stewardship, she needed no other service. For those last few years she was housed in a barn/garage on their property.
The 4.0L Jaguar V8 puts out roughly 300HP and just over 300 lbft of torque and shifts it smoothly through a 5 speed automatic transmission (which also has a Sport mode) and out to a limited slip rear differential. There are currently 57,353 miles on her and she starts easily and runs well. There is a slight tick when she starts that goes away when the throttle is blipped and stays away once the car is up and moving.
The paint, Sapphire Blue Metallic (code JHE) shines very nicely although her time in the garage under a cover has caused several light rubs and stains on the paint that I feel will come out with a professional compound and buff. The tires are date coded for 2005 so those should be replaced sooner than later.
Where the Jaguar XJ8 Vanden Plas really shines is on the interior. In 98, the VDP was the long wheelbase version, so there is extended leg room in the back. The interior is swathed in Oyster/Ivory leather (code NED) and aside from some minor wear on the driver bolster, is in pristine, supple condition. The burlwood is in great shape and all the electronics work (there is a headlight out though). The only "let down" is the saggy headliner over the rear seats.
As Jaguar's top of the line luxury cruiser, this car is LOADED. The leather seats are 8 way power with air lumbar support, power head rests, heated (the back seats are heated too), AC (it blows cold then fades then blows cold again - may need a bleed and/or charge), cruise control, power tilt/telescope steering wheel, of course power windows, auto dimming mirror, brakes, steering, climate control (F&R), air bags front and side, the rear seats are considered buckets as opposed to a flat bench seat and the "pass the Grey Poupon" moment comes when you fold down the burlwood picnic trays. I believe the Jaguar stereo pumps the amps through 10 speakers and has a cassette and CD. The power sun roof is metal, not glass.
Two other foibles - The reverse lock out switch for the shifter is not functioning so the bypass button must be pressed to move the shifter out of park and the traction control/stability code comes on when started and comes and goes when driving.
With a weekend giving some attention to detail and a little focus on the TC system and the ticking, this car would be near perfect. Great vineyard cruiser or dinner out car.
Asking price is $7000 or best offer.
Any questions, for many more photos and video, to schedule a time to see her or to simply make an offer, please don't hesitate to contact me.
Thank you for the interest.
