This Jaguar XK8 quickly grabbed my attention, and having now had the opportunity to inspect and drive it properly, I can confidently say it is one of the nicest examples we have come across. Having spent almost ten years professionally stored in a heated garage in London by its previous owner, this is a beautifully preserved and remarkably original example of Jaguar's grand touring coupe. When we first viewed the car, the owner explained that one of the most important preventative maintenance jobs had already been completed, namely the replacement of the original plastic-bodied timing chain tensioners with the later, uprated metal-bodied versions. This is a particularly important consideration on the earlier XK8s, as the original plastic components are known to become brittle and crack over time. Being a 2001 model, this example also benefits from the later engine specification, with conventional steel cylinder liners rather than the earlier Nikasil-coated bores, addressing another of the well-documented concerns associated with the first generation of these engines. With these two important points taken into consideration, this XK8 presents as a particularly appealing prospect for somebody wanting to enjoy one of these cars without constantly worrying about some of their more expensive known weaknesses. The bodywork is excellent, undoubtedly helped by its exceptionally low mileage and lengthy period of careful storage. The paintwork presents beautifully, and the car has clearly been treated with a great deal of respect throughout its life. The interior tells much the same story. The leather upholstery is beautifully preserved, with the rear seats appearing to have rarely been used, although admittedly this is probably true of quite a few XK8s! The switchgear, buttons and surrounding trim are all exceptionally tidy, with very little evidence of wear. It is a lovely place to sit and a reminder of just how well Jaguar designed these interiors. Mechanically, we were particularly keen to assess the engine from a completely cold start, especially given what we know about the timing chain tensioners on these cars. It started perfectly, with no unwanted rattles or noises, and settled into a beautifully smooth idle. The automatic gearbox performs equally well and is surprisingly responsive, particularly when you consider the age of the design. It remains an incredibly refined car to drive, even by modern standards. One area that particularly impressed us was the underside. There is no visible rust of concern, but equally importantly, it has not been covered in the thick layers of black underseal so often found on older vehicles. Everything remains remarkably original and honest underneath, which is exactly what we like to see when buying a classic car. We would much rather see the original condition of a vehicle than have to wonder what might be hiding beneath years of protective coatings. The engine bay is another highlight and i