1997 XK8 - 28,000 miles from new - Pictures

[PaulWinter]

Just to introduce myself (Paul) and my son (Michael)

We are the joint owners of an XK8 and a XJ8 which we swap between each other depending on what we plan to do in the next couple of weeks. Hopefully, this will give us the best experience of Jaguar ownership!

The XK8 was only bought a couple of weeks ago on eBay - sight unseen. I just read the description and said "that's the one!" 1997 and 28,000 miles from new.

I asked the owner what he planned to replace it with - "a Bentley Continental Convertible!" He had bought the XK8 in 2003 and the highest mileage he had done in it in a year was 1400 - last year rather less than 500! Consequently, he had a seized brake problem - my local Jaguar specialist was very impressed - not only had all the discs had been replaced with new ones, but so had the calipers. I said "Don't expect me to give you a similar blank cheque!"

It appeared to my untutored eye to be as new in all respects - the garageman said the underside was as good as the exterior, so I was quite relieved, as I hadn't crawled underneath it, as I normally do. The car had been maintained regardless of cost and it showed.

The only trouble is that I have a memory of buying a similar low mileage Daimler (a 1933 Light 15) many, many years ago which then promptly ran its bearings on being extended on a run!

Hopefully all is well, as Michael is taking it to Llangollen in North Wales via Chepstow (where he lives) and Birmingham (to show a friend) this weekend - probably more miles than it did in the whole of last year! We intend to use it, so hopefully will see a few of you at events (not with the same numberplate as the owner wants it back!)

Yes, I know, as it is absolutely "mint" we should enter it in club events in the Concours d'Elegance section, but frankly I can't be bothered - it was bought as the best example I could find, for us to use and enjoy! (I hope this doesn't upset anybody!)



http://www.ukcamera.com/images/web/xke1.jpg

http://www.ukcamera.com/images/web/xke2.jpg

[MyQuest]

It looks an absolute stunner - well done, Paul!

(I bought my '99 coupe on Ebay 6 years ago with no regrets.
Taking it to Germany next month - can't wait...).

Michael

[FELIX456]

Good going mate, she certainly looks the biscuit! I do hope you enjoy her as she was designed and don't leave her languishing in the garage! They are amazing to live with. There are enough Concours ones out there, just let her out of the cage and let her loose. I think you'll find the first stone chip a relief, my mint '85 XJ-SC scares me to put miles on, but my scruffy but much beloved '98 XK8 coupe is so much fun- from Tesco trips to JEC meets.
Enjoy, hope to see you out there!
Tara

[mike020150]

Welcome to the Forum! The pics look good. Without meaning to be a killjoy, ensure that the car has had the later (4.2) tensioners fitted and that the water pump and thermostat have been upgraded too. Then, with luck, you will be able to enjoy the car with peace of mind and without any unexpectedly large bills! Mike.

[GrandTourer]

Welcome to the Club and Forum, Paul + Michael.

I fully endorse Mike's recommendations re tensioner, waterpump and thermostat.
Re: thermostat, this is fitted into a 'tower' made of black plastic and that in itself is also quite often troublesome (leaking coolant). Because of the high temperature coolant flowing through the tower, the plastic does tend to deform somewhat which causes the leakage.
There is now an alu-casting available to replace the plastic tower and I would recommend you might as well change that when you get your thermostat done.

Welsh Enterprises regularly advertise in our magazine various products including this alu thermostat tower kit. I telephoned them in the USA and was promised an email or other contact to tell me the price incl. shipment to the UK - regrettably I found their customer service totally lacking - no reply now for 3 weeks.
I have found that British Parts UK Ltd, Stevenage (Specialist Jaguar parts supplier) also offer the same type of part, which I bought from them last week at a cost incl. next day delivery at under £50.00.
I can certainly recommend their service - I have bought other parts from them, always with efficient service.
I have not fitted the tower yet, but it looks very good quality.
BTW, their tel. no is 01438-354810. You can also order via the Internet, and/or search for the part (their is also a picture) at: www.britishparts.co.uk.

Enjoy your new toy

[PaulWinter]

Thanks for your comments - yes quite agree the sensible course - one snag though - more expenditure!

I bought an XJ8 last year and, guess what, it got very hot as soon as I took it on a run to work. Panic set in, then I realised that old tricks are still good ones. Principle one, always carry water on you, principle two - on no account reach boiling point, or head distortion sets in!

Wind all windows down - set heating blower to maximum - proceed onwards at sufficient speed to get cooling air in! Worked quite well. Yes it was the water pump minus its vanes.

So I think I can now spot that one with a reasonable degree of accuracy, I am less concerned

Now the wretched chain tensioners. My garage chap says he can reasonably forecast their demise on the XJ8 if he listens to them on cold start up. He has just pronounced mine fit for a "few thousands" more miles, but told me to put them on the "to do" list later in the year. I am trying to feel confident in his forecasting abilities in the face of all the "naysayers" in the club who wouldn't have my trust in his abilities to judge the "brittleness" of plastic!

Will try and hold my nerve a bit longer as funds are a bit depleted at the moment, what with car purchase & a new set of tyres for the XJ8

So with the XK8, I am tempted to say "all is well" - let's wait and see - for now!!

Paul