Not really being an E- Type fan (that may be controversial but I find some variants a bit ugly!) Not to say I wouldn’t be proud to own one but they’re a bit out of my financial situation!
So after owning three S-Type’s, two 2.5s and then an immaculate 2007 2.7 V6 diesel…in silver with black leather and burr walnut interior, one family owned from new with only 31,690 on the clock.. I went on the hunt on the auction sites, for what I really wanted an XK8.
It had to be a coupe as I’m not a lover of convertibles. I had decided it must have V8 but not a lover of turbos etc. All three previous S-Types had been silver with black leather and walnut trim. Would like a low mileage example 2000 to 2006. I was going through all auctions and not finding a perfect match. The specification that I had decided on was a combination of my preferences and poring over forums etc. etc. I had good reason I think for my preferences. Certainly, the year, I did not want an electric brake as I’d had a few issues with them on S-Types! However I wasn’t really aware of the quirky XK8 handbrake!
I spent many a happy hour trawling through auctions dealers etc etc. to no avail. Becoming a frustrated buyer I was tempted by a few ads re other variants on the Jaguar. Then was tempted by what appeared to be one not to refuse. A 3000cc S-Type 2006 petrol, immaculate, low mileage, not used for 11 years – this one had been mothballed. Tempted is not the word so tentatively upped the current bid by £100. Two days to end of auction thinks no chance but would be happy if successfully won.
Well lo and behold I did win it! Newcastle was it’s then location. Had to arrange delivery to my address in Warrington. Not a problem it’s then owner Arthur was a Jag man great bloke happy with the sale – he just wanted it to go to good home. Little did he know it was my secret weapon to XK8 ownership. Now the search begins, then who knows what I have let myself in for?!!
Submitted by: Leslie Butterworth
