This stunning Jaguar XK8 Convertible was kindly provided by Gilmour Collection
The Oxford Dictionary defines ‘cruising’ as:
2. (of a motor vehicle or aircraft) to travel smoothly at a moderate or economical speed.
I feel this definition leaves quite a lot of room for interpretation though. For example, under this definition, driving a Kia Picanto 3-cylinder down the highway at 80kph would be considered cruising. I feel however, that cruising should also imply an air of relaxation. Nothing about a tiny 3 cylinder thrumming away in a tiny city car spells relaxation to me, so to truly cruise, we need to look elsewhere.
Some cars are simply built for cruising. Wafting about in style, comfort and effortless luxury. It should have plenty of power, but not feel like it’s encouraging you to use it. The suspension should give you confidence to drive at speed, but still be cossetting and comfortable. It should look, feel, sound and smell expensive. You should get in and feel like you’ve arrived, before you’ve even set off.
the Rolls might be a little bit much
The obvious solution to all of these problems is a Rolls Royce. However, if you find that to be a little too ostentatious, or like me, you’re cheap, then the Rolls might be a little bit much. So where do you turn? Well Italian cars are far too good at being driver’s cars, so cruising is not really what they are built for. German cars are a little bit sombre, predictable and not flamboyant enough to be proper cruisers. Japanese cars are a little plastic to be proper luxury items. And American cars make the Japanese plastics look premium, so they too are completely out of the question.
Therefore we have to stay with Great Britain, and one of my old favourites. It’s a Jaaaaaaaaaaag.
The first generation of the XK was hailed as the spiritual successor to the legendary E-Type. It’s beautiful design with rounded sides, long-front-short-back silhouette and oval grill paid homage to the E-Type. The interior was still very much retro-Jaguar with more wood and leather than a Texan hunting cabin. It was absolutely gorgeous, but even when it was new, it was sometimes criticized for being a little old-fashioned.
The long-awaited second generation, with it’s much more modern styling, was an instant hit. At the time of its launch, Jaguar was extremely cash-strapped and needed to make do with what they had. So they used the tried and trusted 4.2l V8 as fitted to the outgoing XK’s in their final editions. Underpinnings were stolen from the newly launched Jaguar XF saloon, making it very capable, but still incredibly comfortable for what was their sports model at the time. In the lightweight XK, this makes it a very refined cruiser, with real performance when you want it and sublime handling in true Jaguar fashion.
He then penned a beautiful design for Jaguar’s XK8… presumably using some tracing paper
In the looks department too, Jaguar smashed it out of the park. Firstly they hired the legendary designer, Ian Callum, who had just finished designing the gorgeous Aston Martin DB9. He then penned a beautiful design for Jaguar’s XK8… presumably using some tracing paper or a photocopier. Park the XK8 and DB9 next to each other and the proportions are virtually identical!
The details are what sets the 2 cars apart though, and the Jaguar does have its own distinct character. Where the DB9 is all curves and subtlety, the XK8 has some boldness in the sharp crease-lines that define the bonnet, fenders and hips. Like the DB9 however, there is no denying that this is a beautiful car, from any angle.
Inside, Jaguar traditionalists, will be pleased to note there is still PLENTY of wood and leather. But everything has a more modern feel, that feels contemporary even today. Earlier XK models, like this one with the 4.2l engine, had Jaguar’s traditional J-Gate gear selector, that many still prefer over the later rotary knob. I love how the J-Gate shifter feels mechanical, yet still effortless and smooth in its action.
Push the red start button and those who had driven the previous generation of XK will be very pleasantly surprised with the noise. The old XK was almost silent, hiding the glorious noise that V8 was capable of. In this car however, it sounds exactly as a magnificent V8 should. It settles into a lovely, deep burble and at any speed it always remains audible, yet never intrusive. Always there in the background to remind you how special this car is, but still subtle and understated. Unleash its power and it builds to a lovely off-beat roar without shouting about it. Very distinguished, sophisticated, and classy.
cruising around effortlessly, the XK8 is majestic
To drive, the XK is an absolute joy. It’s not a super-darty, hard-edged sportscar. It has enough of that sporty DNA to make it fun when you want to be. But, for the majority of the time, when you are simply cruising around effortlessly, it is majestic. The steering reflects this relaxed character and is fairly light, with just enough feedback to give you confidence to drive it when the mood strikes. Blasting the occasional mountain pass in the XK8 can be great fun, but where it really is at its best, is cruising around coastal roads. Looking cool as hell with that V8 burble echoing off the mountainsides and the wind in your hair. Or simply devouring mileage on longer roadtrips.
The convertible deserves special mention too. Unlike older, large convertibles, the XK8 is remarkably taut and stiff. There is no scuttle shake or wobbles on even the bumpiest of roads. Put the roof up and you’ll be pleasantly isolated from the outside world. The canvas top is fully lined and insulated and remains 100% stable even at high speeds. From the inside then, there is almost nothing that gives away the fact that you are in a convertible.
Best of all, the XK8 is now reaching an age where good examples are becoming scarce. They were not exactly plentiful to begin with, so exclusivity can be had at budget prices. As a modern classic to cruise the winelands with the roof off, it really is a very hard car to beat.
