XK with the 3.5 liter V8 not mentioned in the Model section

[Robban59]

Hello JEC,

just curious why the XK with the 3.5 liter V8, both coupe' and convertible, is not mentioned in the Model section.

Jaguar produced 1274 units, 630 coupes and 644 convertibles, for some selected markets in Europe between 2005 and 2008.

I think it should be mentioned in the Model section.

BR
Roberto

[mike020150]

You are, of course, quite right to point out the omission. Jaguar always appeared quite reticent to release information about the 3.5 litre versions. Even our esteemed former editor, Nigel Thorley, was only able to make a passing mention of this XK version, without including any details, when he compiled his excellent book, You and Your XK/XKR. Work on a revised Club website is underway. No doubt, at some stage of the development, our Model Section coordinators will have opportunities to update the information held there. Mike.

[MarkX]

Hi Roberto, Your comments are noted. To Mike's point my knowledge is purely based on Nigel's book.

Do you have a 3.5 litre? It would be interesting to have a story on your car.

All the best Mark (one of your Modern XK model forum coordinators)

[JimMann]

As an aside, the 3.5 litre V8 engined car in the XK line-up was also mentioned, and explained, in the April 2020 Modern XK Section of the JE Magazine. The information was presented by one of our Dutch Members, Frank van den Broek, who explained that the rationale was probably due to the penal tax regime in place on bigger engined cars in some countries, particularly mainland Europe. In Holland for example, where Frank resided. The cost difference when new between the 4.2 litre engined cars and the 3.5 litre engined cars was around 7000 Euro, but it did not overly deter buyers of the 4.2 litre cars and hence the low numbers manufactured and sold.

The only difference in the specifications of the time was the engine capacity, which was achieved with a slightly shorter stroke 76.5mm versus 90.3mm, which naturally resulted in a slight reduction in the engine power - 40HP, with corresponding impacts on acceleration and fuel consumption figures. The car's top speed was only very slightly affected - down by 7KPH on the 4.2 litre engine.

Jim Mann - the previous Modern XK Coordinator (2018 - 2023)

[Robban59]

Hello all,

I do in fact own an XK X150 convertible with the 3.5L ! It is white with the caramel interior and I have owned it now for 4 years; I have done some research and I can provide the number of cars assigned to the few countries in Europe where it was sold.

I' d be glad to submit a short story of how I came to buy my beloved white XK with the 3.5L, providing a few pictures also and also the JDHT "Production Record Trace Certificate" I have for it !

MarkX : I suppose I may send the story to you as the modern XK model coordinator, along with Robin C, at modernxk@jecmodels.org.uk, correct ?

P.S.: I don't mind that the 3.5L has 40 HP less than the 4.2L; when I'm in the mood for a quick run I can always take my other Jaaaag : my silver XKR coupe' MY2001

Thanks to all & Best regards !

Roberto

[MarkX]

Hi Roberto,

That's great. Yes please use email address and a selection of pictures including your two XKs together would be good too.

Thanks


Mark