COLOR CODE819/CGE - Cabernet PearlJaguar Touch-Up Paint

The Look

This color is a rare slice of 1997 history. Since it only appeared for a single model year, your car carries a shade that most enthusiasts will never see. It is a deep, wine-inspired red that gives the long curves of an XJ or XK8 a heavy, expensive weight. It is not a loud or aggressive red; it is a quiet, confident choice that hides road dust reasonably well but demands a high gloss to truly wake up in the sun.

Technical Details

This is a pearl finish, which is more complex than a standard metallic. Instead of simple aluminum flakes, it uses mica particles to catch the light. This means the color shifts slightly depending on whether you are standing in the shade or out in the open air. If you do not mix this thoroughly, you might end up with dark splotches or a finish that looks too flat. The mica needs to be suspended evenly to refract light correctly across the repair area and match the deep glow of the surrounding panels.

Best Practices

You will find your paint code on a sticker located on the driver's side door jamb. Before you apply Jaguar Cabernet Pearl (check for code 819/CGE), you must shake the container for at least two full minutes to ensure those mica particles are not sitting at the bottom. Test the color on the included card before touching the car. When you start, keep the container moving to avoid heavy build-up or runs. Apply thin layers and give each one plenty of drying time to ensure the depth of the red matches the original factory finish.