I love the early XK8 with the sport trim and the dark wood. A perfect match that reminds me of the XJR-6 of the same era. Very classy.

Hi John, thank you for all the great info on the XK8, so much going on with this vehicle. I recently came upon a problem with my convertible 1997 XK8 maybe you can share on your show? The roof would not open, the claw in the roof that secures the roof was not working. I asked a Jaguar tech and this is how we fixed it. Start the car, hold both window buttons down and then hold down for 10 seconds. Then, hold down up buttons on both windows and hold 10 second after reaching the top. Now try the roof open button, It worked! This is a reset for the roof operating system. Please share or do a show on this subject. Thanks again, Rich from California

I've been wondering for a while why the interior of my 99 XKR was different from the other cars and now i realize i have the sport trim too (but with "charcoal" leather seats) thanks John ! I'm glad they didn't go for the thick dark surround though, it's much more subtle and refined the way it is. Cheers from France

Hi John, Beauty is of course in the eye of the beholder...with that qualification, it's classic every time for me.

Hi John, Its been a pleasure to read your comments, yes I will do a check and replace the solenoid if needed - You are always in our radar!!! your presentations are priceless!!!

Nice bit of info. Last month I had both my seats recovered. He made a template from the orginal. Added replaced some foam. Excellent job.

Awesome inside info from H. What a great team him and his wife was/is.

Thanks John - very interesting stuff. Personally I think that the XK8 seats in your car suit the contrasting twin stitch as they are narrower and the X350 can carry the piping due to being wider. But at the end of the day it is all subjective and what is one man's meat is another man's poison.

😉 I already noticed that purdy has sport trim as my cat has too, only with triple black combination - but I do like the black/beige contrast in purdy, very nice.

Always interesting to see the differences between XK8's from other model years. My 2005 XK8 Carbon Fibre Edition has a much sportier interior with a black woven carbon fiber veneer dash board and center console, aluminum and black rubber studded pedals the seats are ivory leather with charcoal Alcantara centers.

That's interesting John, personally the black piping would detract from the classy look of the interior, but each to their own. Mind you I have the classic trim, lots of walnut and Cashmere seats, perfect from where I'm looking.

The piping was deleted on XK8 seats as it was prone to rubbing from the seat belts, and would have been a service issue. It was for that very reason it was moved in board when we did X350.

My 2002 XK8 has classic leather and walnut which I love. Have you produced a video on leather maintenance or replacing or repairing creases etc?

Hello John, It’s always really worthwhile of watching your excellent and interesting topics, I have the xk8 coupe 1998, having some electrical problem leads to RAC report of a generic P1638, Ie: suddenly on stationary when started engine was raving then 10 seconds later to normal, that leads to Err 10x times beeps, no display on dash & 'Parking' position not shifting! Followed couple of reliable threads, done all initial battery terminal disconnection, hard reset but all negative impact! Checked circuit display unit on dash for short or melted soldering circuit, all seems perfect! I do not have cruise control, removed and checked break paddle switch only 1 micro contact in side with 2xwires, rear lights all works perfect, by the way replaced Brand new battery only 7 months ago and on trickle charger now 13:10V, however I do not drive this baby, only done 71450. I am about to check the gear shifter solenoid, have a strong feeling, he is dead! Power is coming 7:48V to 8:20V., How do I check whether the unit is working please? Will I also, unplug/plug the auto gearbox control box next to the ECU please? I am completely heartbroken......, restless, no sleep, very interfering!!!

First of all congrats on the X350 John, you were threatening a saloon XJ8 Jaguar so not a total surprise...from memory that is the all alloy monocoque chassis - very cool! A s for the XK8 trim although a coupe in blue sapphire my interior trim is the identical sport finish to yours and am very happy with it as is. On a related point only wear of any sort @100,000kms was on driver's door panel arm rest but sourced excellent touch up paint from 'theleatherclinic' on ebay. The oatmeal (code AGD) colour match is incredibly good as is coverage from the applicator. Was intending to submit a photo for the competition but restoration got away from me (had the headlining and back shelf out for re-covering!) - have to be next year! My brakes are done - very pleased - very similar improvement to your good self! Take care all over there Dave

Cheers John, very interesting ... I think they did the right thing ... Too busy in the cabin is not good ... See the latest Aston Martin trims ... Stitch and pattern crazy. Thanks

The seats look fab

John, interesting stuff regards Damian👍

They should have added the piping for contrast.

Ooh! I reckon you must be the man who brings out the “Trivial Pursuits Jaguar XK8 for the more ‘mature’ demographic) edition “ I’ll buy it when you do!

The XK8 book offered as an accessory tells a great story about the various interior schemes considered and, interestingly, the ones that were discarded but used by Aston Martin...

hmmm...I'll have to go look at my 99 and see which i have.

Hi my seats r like yr same coluor but yr cream door trim in centre parts

Too bad I wasn’t present…I would have been a dissenting voice to the majority!

Interesting thanks John. My 97 coupe has sports trim, the steering wheel is black leather with no wood - is yours a replacement ‘classic’ trimmed wheel? I’ve got Oatmeal seats, but they have cloth inserts (with the crosswise divisions like yours). Clearly lots of variations out there

I thought I had the sport trim in mine as it has recaro seats in my 05, was that a different trim or something?

Def no piping for me, can I ask the same question as John Archer below, namely 'Have you produced a video on leather maintenance or replacing or repairing creases etc?'

John do you have an episode about how to remove rear side panels to inspect the hydraulics??

When did door panels as they are correctly called become door cards ?, prefer our baby's the way they are.

Black piping? not for me john.cheers matey stay safe

Not a fan of the piping personally, the stitching is suttle enough to add to the overall look without dominating it.

It's a shame they didn't use real leather. I plan on replacing all the "leather" on mine with real leather. At some point.