I think the soft top should be OK and has surely been designed for all extremes. The car was intended for the US so I'm guessing it can withstand even a Chicago-type winter! My suggestion would be to give it a good clean and recoat a couple of times with the Autoglym convertible hood kit, £20 or so ...

I've just booked with Nigel Thorley for the 6th December seminar to learn more about my car and I'm looking forward to meeting more XK8/R folk too.

David, I bought a 1999 XK8 convertible last December from a private seller but had it checked by a Jaguar main dealer before parting with my cash. I listed the things I specifically wanted checked (e.g. Nikasil blow-by test, tensioners/chains, possible accident damage, any rust under passenger footw...