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The Project
This 1997 Jaguar XK8 came into our workshop in December 2024 for a general restoration to bodywork, interior and engine.
10th December 2024: The car will be checked over to create a priority list of works to be started first.
1st August 2025: The front/rear subframes and suspension were removed first, followed by the front wings. The underside was then stripped off and out. The rear bumper reinforcing bar was found to be broken.
4th September 2025: Underbody parts were shotblasted and powder coated satin black. Some parts which are aluminium have been ice blasted and will be painted silver. The prop shaft has been painted black to keep with the originality. Underside has been steam cleaned. In the O/S wheel well, the rusty areas had been taken back to bare metal and rust removed. A thick layer of rust converter was applied on all pitting and left overnight to help remove as much rust as possible.
12th September 2025: Front and back wheel arches are being taken back to bare metal and any rust removed, along with the underside of the body in preparation for stonechip being applied then primed and respray.
1st October 2025: The underseal and rust removal have been completed and the old paint coatings stripped back. The epoxy primer was then applied, re-sealed and finally it was painted. There were also a few rear axle items that were repainted and fitted to the rear subframe which has been reconditioned, along with the front subframe, both have now been refitted.
10th October 2025: The body, doors, bonnet, and bumpers are being prepped for epoxy primer. Once complete the final paint will be applied.
27th October 2025: Gravel rash stone chips were sanded back, treated and then primed. The body, doors and front wings then had the final colour applied and was ready to be polished. Finally, the car was then built back up including trim work, door handles and front/ rear lights being refitted.
7th November 2025: All underside works finished and full respray has now been completed. Finally, the oil has been changed, and then the car will be ready to go back to the owner after a final valet.
> More updates to follow.
The XK8 was first introduced in October 1996, and has changed little since then. The earliest cars are recognisable by the lack of a third rear brake light, as this additional safety feature was not added until May 1997. Keen drivers who want a Convertible XK8 should hunt down a post-October 1997 car, because this was when the company’s CATS active suspension system, which was already an option on the Coupe, was made optionally available to Convertible buyers. At the same time, Jaguar added light sensitive headlamp switching and an automatically dipping rear view mirror.
In May 1998, the XK8 models were joined by the XKR Coupe and Convertible with a more potent supercharged version of the 4.0-litre V8 as used by the XJR saloon. Then, four months later, all versions gained improved Servotronic II power steering. From late 1999, the range also gained the option of a clever radar-operated cruise control which automatically prevents the car getting to close to a vehicle in front. There was also an ‘R’ option kit including stiffened suspension and fancier gold-coloured alloy wheels.
Silverstone limited edition XKR models arrived in mid-2000, with virtually all of Jaguar’s performance options as standard – you’ll recognise them by massive alloy wheels with prominent Bembo brake calipers and silver paint. Only 100 of each were sold in the UK. The 2001 year models got very minor styling changes including revised rear light clusters and new round front foglamps. Inside, the main improvements was a clever passenger restraint system able to sense where both front seat occupants were sitting and activate accordingly. Summer 2001 saw the launch of the XKR100 coupe and cabriolet models, celebrating what would have been the centenary of Sir William Lyons, founder of Jaguar. With only 500 examples built and loaded to the gunwales with extras, these will doubtless prove highly sought after on the used market.
Summer 2002 saw a major update for the XK range. The engines were enlarged to 4.2-litres, the XK8 now generating 300bhp and the XKR 400bhp. Jaguar also revised the front end by adding trendy Xenon clear lens headlamps and also introduced new paint schemes, different badging and a smart new choice of alloy wheels to give a subtle makeover to the styling. There were more changes in spring 2004 with bigger wheels, bigger spoilers and a revised nose. An all new XK coupe and convertible range arrived in early 2006 spelling the end for this long-serving model.
10th December 2024
1st August 2025
4th September 2025
12th September 2025
1st October 2025
10th October 2025
27th October 2025
7th November 2025
Are you ready to start your restoration journey with us?
- 01833 630 011
- 07973 616 478