Jaguar needed a lot of time to replace its already old XJS model, which was introduced in 1975.
Despite the classic look of its evergreen GT, it needed a new model. And that came in 1996.

The British carmaker employed Ian Callum, who took its inspiration from the most beautiful Jaguar ever existed to date, the E-Type to design the car. It took the proportions, the hood opening style, and the grille’s shape. He was disappointed because he wasn’t allowed to lift the hood together with the headlights. There were new safety regulations, and that affected Callum’s ideas.

From the exterior, the XK8 Convertible featured a long and low hood and a very raked windshield. Its side windows were narrow and long. To bring more light inside when the top was up, Callum installed a set of windows behind the front seats. With the top down, there was nothing between the A-pillar and the trunk. Even the soft top could have been completely retracted behind the rear seats.

Inside, Jaguar fitted the XK8 with comfortable bucket seats installed for a low seating position, ideal for long drives. It was a GT vehicle, not a sports car. While two adult passengers could sit comfortably in the front seats, in the back, there was room for two shopping bags and, maybe, an umbrella.

Under the hood, Jaguar installed their latest technological piece: a 4.0-liter V8 engine. It was paired to a standard 5-speed automatic gearbox.