Car History

[nrandlexj40]

I am renovating an early XK8 Coupe (July 96) and was wondering whether there is any resource that details the car's history.

The car seems to be a very early version having a VIN ending 001162 and I'd be curious to know a bit more about it.....

[davidr]

A few things come to mind
You can of course see the car's MOT history online - search on DVLA
A heritage certificate from JDHT will give you information about the car's build history, spec etc
There is a section of the JDHT website which gives useful detail about the dates and VINs of significant changes
Nigel Thorley's excellent "You and your XK" is well worth acquiring
Hope that's set you going!

[nrandlexj40]

Thank you for the information - I'll look into it and see what I can find out.....

Neil

[jaglover842]

Hi Neil,

Is the reg number XJI 8400 by any chance? If so, it looks like it hasn't had an MOT for several years.
The date of July 1996 is the month it was registered. The interesting thing is the build date which will be earlier than this.
A bit of a clue will be the date stamped inside the boot (underneath the carpet). This is a VCATS date that is assigned during final manufacture and testing - not the exact build date but quite close.

Your car is probably a pre-production one used for press launches and management. It may well have lots of extra options and non-standard parts. What's the mileage and condition?

My car is an XK8 coupe built 13th June 1996 (according to JHDT certificate) with VIN ending 001213. We have had it from new. My VCATS date is 10th June 1996.
I know that another one with VIN 001173 was built 11th June 1996.

Regards.

[cafcpete]

Try looking on https://topix.jaguar.jlrext.com/
You need to register but you can get some good build information for free on “modern” jaguars.

[nrandlexj40]

Thanks guys - Yes the Reg is XJI8400 and it has been off the road for a number of years.

It was stored in a barn unused since 2011 and the mileage is 122000 (6000 miles since the last MOT in 2010)

I'll have a look in the boot for the date stamp and let you know what I find.
I had a feeling it was a very early car from the low chassis number.

The restoration is progressing - new fuel pump, brake pipes and Cats fitted - a few other jobs to do before I can MOT it. Then the cosmetic restoration will begin.

[nrandlexj40]

A bit of a clue will be the date stamped inside the boot (underneath the carpet). This is a VCATS date that is assigned during final manufacture and testing - not the exact build date but quite close.


Regards.

Thanks for the info - can you clarify where in the boot I will find the date stamped?

[nrandlexj40]

I've found a VCATS label which states 05-06-96

Will this be the build date?

[Andy P]

Hi nrandlexj40.
I'm very envious of you.
To find such an early car must be very thrilling for you(I know it would be for me).
Sorry I cant add to the sourcing of the cars history.
I've heard of people getting in touch with previous owners of cars to help with finding history but I would think you'd of thought of that one.
Let us know how you get on anyway and if you could post some photo's of the progress that would be great.
Good luck.
Take care.
Andy.

[DougX]

CafcPete: The Jaguar website appears to indicate that you need to be a retailer or company to get registered. Is this right?

[Lucky]

The fields for company details aren't mandatory so you can register as an individual.

[cafcpete]

Lucky is right Doug.

[DougX]

Pity that a number of the sub sections areas indicates you have to pay for them!!!!!