The XKR is the ultimate derivative of the original Jaguar XK8 sports car, and in soft-top form offers wind-in-the-hair appeal to go alongside its incredible performance, shrieking supercharger, gorgeous looks and wonderfully balanced chassis.

Launched in 1996, the model was revised in 2002 with the original 4.0-litre V8 increased in size to 4.2-litres and the power upped from 370bhp to 400bhp.

This example is one such car and it’s an absolute stunner – a genuine low mileage car in Liquid Silver, with a very rare pale grey interior with walnut veneers, rather than the dark maple or carbon-effect finish often found in ‘R’-badged models.

Supplied with the XKR are the original Jaguar book pack and wallet showing that the car was delivered new by Marshall’s Jaguar in Peterborough. The service book is present showing the first service carried out by Marshall’s and then a series of stamps from Grange Jaguar of Welwyn Garden City. The last two stamps in the book are from Wyn Thomas, a noted Jaguar specialist. Despite its tiny mileage, the XKR was serviced annually throughout its life up until 2016, when it was put into storage, sometimes covering only 2-300 miles between services.

It has just been recommissioned and has recently passed an MOT with a certificate valid until June 2023.

Inside, the XKR is as sumptuous and luxurious as you’d expect from any Jaguar – a rather distinct juxtaposition to the performance on offer. 

This one is a striking and unusual colour scheme – pale grey leather rather than the usual charcoal, and walnut veneers in lieu of the ‘sportier’ dark wood or carbon finishes usually fitted to XKR models. The seats, carpets and doors are excellent.

All of the dials and switches operate as they should, including the fully folding electric roof, which has an undamaged lining. The XKR also has the optional part-wood steering wheel and factory-fitted sat nav.

The XKR looks fantastic in Liquid Silver, with smart factory option 20-inch ‘Detroit’ alloy wheels that really set off its sporting appearance. 

The panels are all straight and dent-free and there are no rust bubbles in any of the usual areas, such as the rear wheel arches and trailing edges of the sills. The underside of the car is described by the vendor as very solid and it has never seen any welding. The black mohair hood is in excellent condition with no damage of any note.

This is the full-fat real deal – a genuine XKR, with the later and more powerful supercharged 4.2-litre V8 kicking out 400bhp. It runs sweetly and sounds incredible, the sharp whistle of the supercharger accompanying the eager rush of acceleration between each gear. It really is a fast and responsive car, yet despite the incredible performance on offer it still retains Jaguar’s traditionally cossetting ride. 

The vendor reports it to be in excellent working order with no known faults. It starts and runs sweetly and engages all gears as it should, and has covered less than 30,000 miles in 19 years.

This is a genuine, immaculate and low mileage example of a 4.2-litre XKR and is in lovely order inside and out. Add in the scintillating performance on offer, the rare interior colour scheme and the terrific combination of comfort and performance and you have one of the best modern classic grand tourers that money can buy. It’s a lovely thing, and in terrific condition throughout.