A Proper Jaaaag Joins the Drive Dad’s Car Fleet
In the 1990s, Jaguar found itself at a crossroads. The XJ-S, the car that had carried the marque through the 70s and 80s, was showing its age, and Jaguar needed something fresh to recapture the desirability of its legendary E-Type. The answer arrived in 1996 in the form of the Jaguar XK8, a car that instantly reminded the world what a proper Jaaaag should be.
With its elegant curves, long bonnet, and purposeful stance, the XK8 was everything a grand tourer ought to be. Underneath that skin lay a brand-new 4-litre V8 engine which for many, brought the brand back to life, putting Jaguar firmly back into line with the likes of Mercedes and BMW.
But the XK8 wasn’t just a sum of its parts, unlike modern day Jaguar it actually had character, the kind of car that made you want to slip on a pair of leather driving gloves and practice your best Bond villain laugh, or even place a little finger up to your lip, and becoming “Evil”.
The XK8 was also surprisingly usable, making it one of the most aspirational cars of its day. It was luxurious without being showy, quick without being brutal, and sophisticated without ever forgetting its mischievous side. Clarkson, of course, would simply have called it “a proper Jaaaag”.
Now, this 90s icon joins our ever-growing Drive Dad’s Car fleet. For the first time, you can slip behind the wheel of an XK8 and experience for yourself just why it became one of the most desirable cars of its era. Fire up that V8, feel the surge of power, and enjoy the kind of motoring that simply doesn’t exist anymore.
Here at the Great British Car Journey, we’re proud to preserve cars that defined generations, and the XK8 certainly did just that.
Whether you want to release your inner Bond villain, or simply want to discover what Jaguar used to be all about, make sure you book a drive in our new XK8.
Book your XK8 experience today and remind yourself what it feels like to drive a proper Jaaaag.
