Felines are known for their agility, sure-footedness, and reflexes. So, when Jaguar set out to design a world-class grand-touring convertible in the 1990s, engineers worked to incorporate all of those dynamics. Even the car’s suspension – cleverly named Computer Active Technology Suspension, or “CATS” – used adaptive damping to optimize handling under a variety of driving conditions.
The Pick of the Day is a 1997 Jaguar XK8 listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Falmouth, Massachusetts. (Click the link to view the listing)
“Remarkably beautiful car that I bought for my wife on her 45th birthday,” the listing begins. “Since then, we have driven it primarily during summers near our Cape Cod residence where it has been garaged indoors since its purchase.”
The XK-Series grand-tourer was assembled in Coventry, England. It was crafted for (and marketed toward) society’s elite: One of the magazine ads from the era said, “You’ve made a statement. Here’s the exclamation point.” The XK8’s driving experience was designed to be what Jaguar called “uniquely refined.” Boasting a retail price of $65,480, it was certainly not for everyone.
The Sapphire Blue exterior of today’s featured XK8 is tidy and well-preserved thanks to the car’s garage-kept storage. The seller says that the convertible top works well, and there is a new headliner installed. As one would expect from a luxury vehicle, cabin amenities are generous. Seating is arranged in a 2+2 fashion, and there’s plenty of leather and wood to make things feel upscale. In typical 90s fashion, a remote compact disc changer is mounted inside the trunk. Bring along your retro tunes.
Under the hood, power comes from an “AJ-Series” 4.0-liter 32-valve V8 mated to a five-speed automatic transmission, and when new, this powertrain was rated at 290 horsepower and 290 lb lb-ft of torque. With only 32,494 miles on the odometer, this Jag has a lot of life left in it.
“We have gone back and forth on selling it, but we have been feeling guilty – somebody deserves to be driving this fine machine and enjoying its beautiful design and performance,” the seller says.
There are still plenty of top-driving days left in the season to enjoy this low-mileage Jag. The asking price is $15,995. If you inquire, ask if the sellers will include that awesome JAGXK8 vanity plate.
To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, drop the top and cruise over to Pick of the Day.
Source: www.classiccars.com