Jaguar launched the original XK8 at the 1996 Geneva Motor Show, to replace the ageing XJS. Available in either coupe or convertible guise, they were the first to use Jaguar’s newly-developed 4 litre V8 engine. 

In 1998 the XKR model was launched boasting an Eaton supercharger which raised the power to 370bhp. As well as the power upgrade, the suspension was also heavily revised resulting in a car that was much sharper, much more agile and much firmer than the standard version. 

In 2002 the engine was enlarged to 4.2 litres, resulting in a whopping 395bhp channelled through a ZF six speed automatic gearbox.

First registered in May 2004 this gorgeous example is as near perfect as we have seen.  Astounding to think it has covered 78,000 miles and remained in such excellent condition.

Having covered an average of 4,300 per annum it has always been well cared for with lots of maintenance and plenty of Main Dealer servicing. Purchased by the seller in 2016 it has been used for trips locally and the odd high speed jaunt to Le Mans which it accomplished with ease.

It is now being offered for sale as a new car has taken its place in the limited garage space available and it’s too nice to be left in the driveway.

The service book tells an interesting tale, with Main Dealer servicing performed in Plymouth, Edinburgh, Guildford, Brighton and Woking! There are 11 stamps in total, the most recent stamp being in July 2017 at 65,000 miles carried out by JVD Automotive in Woking. The car has since been serviced locally, who know the car well (see receipt photos) the last service at 73,000 miles. 
  

In 2016 when the seller first purchased the Jaguar it was dispatched to Winspeed Motorsport Engineering in Guildford where it received a thorough inspection, followed by £1800 of new bushes and other remedial works.

There are plenty of invoices on file detailing regular maintenance, with new tyres less than 3,000 miles ago, replacement rear exhaust assembly, and new brake discs and pads.  The current MoT is valid until March 2022, but the seller will take the Jaguar for a new test before the successful bidder collects the car. 

There is the full Owner’s Manual leather wallet, plus two sets of keys, and the Jaguar also comes with a fitted outdoor cover.

The Cashmere leather interior is in superb condition overall with barely a mark to be found.  There have been some upgrades as the original SatNav system was outdated and has been removed (comes with the car).  

The entire centre walnut dash panel was replaced, now with gauges for oil pressure, battery charge and a Jaguar clock.  This has been done to a high standard and is a nice improvement.  The car is fitted with the optional adaptive cruise control that operates well.

Elsewhere everything is standard, with clean, unmarked carpets, seats with barely any visible wear, and the original Motorola phone is still in the centre console. We think this interior is as good as you could possibly hope to find on a car of this age. 

The boot is clean and dry, with the original Sat Nav box still in place, plus the Jaguar 6 CD auto-changer that works well.  The space saver spare wheel is present beneath the boot floor.

Occasionally the choice of exterior paint can really enhance to the look of a car, and this is a great example.  Ordered in gleaming Radiance Red Pearl, we think this colour accentuates the curvaceous lines of the Jaguar beautifully, and works well with the Cashmere interior.  

Topped off with a black soft top it has real presence.  A quick look at the photographs and we are sure you’ll agree. The roof operated well, stowing nicely, hidden beneath a matching cover when folded. (The cover also has its own bag.)  The original wind deflector is present and works well.  

We struggled to find any marks in the paintwork, with no evidence of bubbling or damage in any of the usual places. It really is hard to find fault. 

The 20 inch BBS wheels have been refurbished, and the tyres are matching Radar Dimax  R8+ which have covered less than 3,000 miles. The wheels show no corrosion or marks, except a tiny area of curb rash on the chrome trim ring of the offside front wheel.

Under the bonnet everything is just how you expect it to be; a little dusty but everything appears to be correct.  There is no sign of drips or leaks.  The seller has had the air conditioning compressor replaced and the oil changed in the supercharger.

Unsurprisingly on a car that has been the recipient of plenty of expenditure, everything operates perfectly and the seller assures us that it drives beautifully with plenty or power, and a smooth ride. The engine sounded healthy, starting easily with a deep rumble, and manoeuvring effortlessly during the photography session.

We can honestly say that if should be considering buying an XKR convertible to enjoy this summer then we would urge you to have a close look at the photographs.  

This is a seriously good looking and fast car and has to be one of the best examples left, requiring no immediate work. On offer is a summer of drop-top supercharged fun, followed by years of driving pleasure.