Jaguar XJ8 (X350)

The story

Beneath its familiar shape the new XJ was radical. The whole body was aluminium, riveted and glued together like an aeroplane, which made a bigger car far lighter than the old one. Many buyers never knew, because it looked so much like its ancestors.

Inside

Taller and much roomier than earlier XJs, with air suspension, walnut and soft leather.

In period colours

Tap a colour to respray the drawing.

Meanwhile, in 2003

London's congestion charge began, England won the Rugby World Cup and Concorde retired.

Best-selling single of 2003: Where Is the Love? by The Black Eyed Peas

Before you buy a 2000s car

• Check the service history, especially for timing belts, clutches and cambelts where fitted.
• Electronics, air conditioning and suspension repairs can be expensive.
• Many parts are still made, but some low-volume models rely on specialists.

General notes, not specific to this model. Check the model's own history before buying.

Rivals of its day

Picked automatically: cars on sale at the same time with similar size, speed and price.

See the real thing

These open in a new tab: the car on Wikimedia Commons, the interior and the badge as Google image searches.