1999 Jaguar XJ8 Vanden Plas

- One Owner
- 4.0L V8
- Automatic Transmission
- 83k Miles
- Maroon Over Tan Interior
- All Service History

(Please note: If you happen to be viewing this 1999 Jaguar XJ8 Vanden Plas on a website other than our Garage Kept Motors site, it's possible that you've only seen some of our many photographs of this vehicle due to third-party website limitations. To be sure you see all the more than 160 high-definition photographs of this automobile, a short walk-around-and-startup video, and a link to its one-owner Carfax report, please go to our main website: GarageKeptMotors.)

“…superlatives simply don't do justice to the instant pickup and relentless, surging, warp-drive thrust of a Jaguar XJ.” -Motor Sport Magazine, September 1999

The MotorSport writers were far from finished extolling the virtues of the XJ-series Jaguars. On the build: “'Driving should be a joy, not a chore.' When he issued this edict, Jaguar's founder Sir William Lyons set the tone for a spectacular dynasty of richly crafted but supremely functional Jaguar interiors, culminating in the '99 XJ and XK series. To call this sumptuous environment an 'interior' is a bit like calling the Ritz Hotel a furnished dwelling-place.” On the cabin: “Texture fans will appreciate the buttery leather... the lush carpeting, the handsomely figured (real) wood. Tradition doesn't have to exclude technology, either: electric driver's seat height adjustment, automatic climate control and an 8-speaker audio system with steering wheel-mounted controls are all standard fare.” On reliability: “When you buy a Jaguar, ownership expectations naturally run high. And yet the XJ series didn't just meet owners' expectations in this 114-vehicle survey, it exceeded them by a margin large enough to put the XJ series into third place, one of only two British cars in the survey's top 50.”

Clearly, the XJ series Jaguars are special automobiles.

Offered here in maroon metallic over vanilla leather, is a 1999 Jaguar XJ8 Vanden Plas in extremely well-maintained, top-drawer condition (as befits a Jaguar!) The luxury sedan has had just one owner (verified by Carfax), and that individual has properly maintained the automobile over its 83,000 miles (just over 4,000 miles per-year on average). This sole owner experienced incidents in 2010, 2014, and 2020 which resulted in minor-to-moderate damage. In each instance the car was professionally repaired with no sign of the damage or repair remaining. The car's complete service history has been carefully documented.

The exterior metallic maroon finish is flawless across every body panel on the entire car. The gloss is perfect without a ding, or even a hint of any sort of damage. Tasteful chrome touches—including the bespoke Jaguar grille, window surrounds, pouncing-cat hood emblem, door handles and exterior mirrors, understated body-side and rear-deck trim—displays a near-perfect shine, free of even minor signs of wear. Cabin glass and lighting lenses are clear and free of cracks or other wear indications. Five-spoke alloy wheels are mounted with GoodYear Assurance all-season tires.

Inside, the car—true to the MotorSport description—this XJ8 “…immerses its occupants in a total environment of dreamlike luxury.” Vanilla leather abounds, and in every case, the surface condition of the leather is undamaged and in near-perfect condition. In much the same way, the legendary Jaguar burled-wood trim, so tastefully fitted in the car, is without flaw. Gray plush carpeting graces the cabin floors. The dashboard features analog instruments (including a 170 mph speedometer) amid ample wood trim. All control systems function properly; all instrument markings are crisp and clear. The leather and wood-trimmed console is home to the automatic transmission shifter with a combination storage area and center armrest to the rear. Forward of the console are the entertainment system and HVAC controls. In characteristically British fashion, cupholders remain hidden until called upon, when they fold forward of the storage area. Particularly luxurious is the extended rear cabin with its ample legroom, sufficient to make even long road trips pleasurable for passengers. This limousine-like extended cabin distinguishes the “Vanden Plas” model. The trunk compartment almost appears to have never been used.

Under the front-hinged hood, the “Jaguar V8”-identified engine rests in a well-detailed engine bay. All components are tidy and correctly mounted. Factory VIN identification markings are properly in place. The sale includes the full complement of owner literature. Viewed from below, the chassis is free of damage. A factory dual-exhaust system is mounted. Surface rust is present on untreated metal, but no body-panel rust is indicated.

The overall condition of this Jaguar Vanden Plas is faithfully presented from every angle (including from below) in the more than 160 high-definition photographs and the short walk-around-and-startup video available at the GarageKeptMotors site. That said, we always encourage in-person, up-close inspections by interested parties—or their representatives—at our Grand Rapids, Michigan showroom. We ask only that advance appointments be made by phone or email so that we can devote our full attention to our visitors and this luxury Jaguar sedan. Our showroom is not open to the public, but we are happy to answer questions by email or phone.

The MotorSport writers summed up their take on this fine automobile: “…no words or pictures can prepare you for the tactile, visceral pleasure of driving a Jaguar. The view along the bonnet. The solid crunch of the doors. The feel of the materials. The muted snarl of performance.” But they concluded their road test with a very British bit of advice on proper etiquette: “Driving a Jaguar simply to impress others isn't good form. Driving one to impress yourself is, however, perfectly acceptable.”