At KWE, we find that most classic car owners prefer the features of modern in-car audio systems, but not many customers are satisfied with the way modern head units look once fitted.

In cars built in the 90s onwards it is common to have non-standard single DIN units whose apertures, when removed, will not suit standalone aftermarket units. This Jaguar XK8 is a good example of a modern headunit that can’t be retro-fitted with an aftermarket Bluetooth unit.

While the FM radio facility has not changed much in the last 40 years, the sources of recorded music have. We started with 8 track cartridges followed by cassettes. The digital age produced CDs and devices such as the Apple iPod and MP3 music files capable of being stored on a USB memory stick. Advances in technology now allow drivers to stream directly from a smartphone to the headunit via Bluetooth.

But what if you want to

Around the same time as the first Jaguar XJ6 (series 1) rolled off the production line, another Great British classic was born. In 1970, the Electric Light Orchestra (ELO) entered the music scene with its ambition to create modern rock songs with classical overtones.

In some ways, perhaps this is similar to the Jaguar XK8 – a contemporary twist given to a classic vehicle. Underneath the XK8’s modern curves lies a classic not too dissimilar to its XJS predecessor.

The Jaguar XK8, famed for its role in Die Another Day, is Jaguar’s stab at a successor to the XJS. While undoubtedly a fine touring sports car, it lacks perhaps some of the charisma of the XJS. However, we believe that the car’s look and feel will contribute a lot to it becoming in 10 years or so a much sought-after classic Jaguar just as the XJS is right now.

Prices are currently very low and it could be a great investment opportunity for those looking for a future modern classic to invest in.

If you’re a current XK8 owner, we suggest you hold on to it, as prices are set to rise in the near to long term.

As classic Jaguar experts, we are famed for our knowledge of the XJS and similar marques; however, we also know a thing or two about the XK8, which is largely based