This xj8 is more than just a pretty face

ASKING £10,000 PRICE ENGINE 4253cc/6-cyl/DOHC POWER 200bhp@5000rpm TORQUE ...

ASKING £19,995 PRICE ENGINE 4196cc/V8/DOHC POWER 400bhp@6100rpm TORQUE ...

£254,200 OTR/£282,000 as tested/£5,077 pcm WHY IT’S HERE: What has a hybrid makeover – and Mulliner buffing – added to the world’s best grand tourer? DRIVER: Ollie Kew IT’S 5AM, AND YOU JOIN ME AT hom

Year of manufacture 1995 Recorded mileage 158,000 Asking price £19,950 Vendor The School Garage, Whaley Bridge, Derbyshire; 01663 733209; classiccarshop.co.uk WHEN IT WAS NEW Price £45,450 Max power 3

Despite a traditional image, Jaguar hasn’t always looked to its past. In the shadow of what might be its most dramatic shift yet, we look back at the last time Jaguar got brave.

The Series I is regarded by many as the finest XJ of all, which partly explains today’s hefty asking prices – but what do you need to know before taking the plunge?