My Jaguar Journey: From Resolutions to the XK8 (Part 1)

By Jared Davis. Member of the Tulsa Jaguar Club

Part 2: Setting the Goal: Diving Into DIY Modifications!!

Diving Into DIY Modifications

As soon as I got the car home, I immediately jumped into cleaning, restoring, and personalizing it.

LED Dashboard Lighting Upgrade: My very first project was swapping out the old incandescent dashboard bulbs for crisp LEDs. After watching a YouTube video, I removed the instrument trim, backed out a few screws, and replaced all the bulbs. It was a quick weekend project that instantly boosted my confidence—and made me feel like an absolute expert mechInterior Transformation: Because I had already pulled the dash panels for the LED project, I started looking closely at the original wood grain trim, which had several noticeable cracks. Replacing the cracked factory veneer was going to run $400 to $500 to send out for repair, and I didn't feel confident enough to sand down and revarnish the delicate wood myself. I wanted something custom and vibrant, so I settled on a blue stick-on suede/Alcantara wrap. I pulled off all the wood trim—including the dash fascias and door accents—and wrapped them in the new material.

My Jaguar Journey: From Resolutions to the XK8 (Part 2)

By Jared Davis

Tulsa Jaguar Club

My Jaguar Journey: From Resolutions to the XK8 (Part 1)

By Jared Davis. Member of the Tulsa Jaguar Club

Part 1: Setting the Goal

In January 2024, driving up the freeway coming back from a family vacation, my wife and I were discussing our New Year’s resolutions. I made a firm decision right then: 2024 was going to be the year I bought a cool car.

Years prior, I owned a 2007 Mustang V6 convertible that I absolutely loved, but I had to sell it to finance a home bathroom remodel. My goal for 2024 was to save up every month, buy a classic cruiser outright with cash, and learn how to do my own wrenching and custom work along the way.

I initially spent months eyeing Jaguar XJS models because I loved the idea of that massive V12 engine. However, I ultimately settled on a 1998 Jaguar XK8. The XK8 offered more modern reliability, extra power, a slightly larger cabin, and undeniable curves. Plus, a few weeks before buying, we had rented a convertible from Enterprise—the kids were completely hooked on top-down driving. I knew I needed a convertible to take my smoke show of a wife out on date nights and take the kids out for ice cream.

By September 2024, the savings goal was met, and I officially picked up my silver XK8 convertible.

Part 2 will be coming in a month! It's titled : Diving Into DIY Modifications!!

My Jaguar Journey: From Resolutions to the XK8 (Part 1)

By Jared Davis

Tulsa Jaguar Club

This 2002 Jaguar XJ8 VDP is a great car and serves as a daily driver. The car was purchased about eight years ago needing some repair. After diagnosing the running problem and making the proper repairs, the car has been totally reliable and a joy to drive on a daily basis. It currently shows about 73k miles on the clock. I routinely receive complements on the car by folks when just running errands or at the grocery store. It’s hard to believe that this car is 23 years old, still going strong and looking great every day.

I have owned two 1999 XK8 convertibles but after several years of driving pleasure and offers to purchase the cars for a lot more than my purchase price, I sold them to anxious buyers in the Little Rock area. I do regret selling these wonderful cars but there is only so much room in the garage. I might be able to send you a picture of one of these cars if I can find a few photos of them in my collection.

My 2002 Jaguar XJ8 VDP By Jim Clark (Club Member)

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