After the somewhat angst-ridden design evolution of the XJS, the sultry Geoff Lawson-penned XK8 restored a more accepted aesthetic to Jaguar’s flagshit grand tourer of 1996. The new two-plus-two was available as both a coupe and a convertible and was the first model to use the company’s new 32-valve, four-litre all-alloy V8.

In 1998 the high(er) performance XKR joined the lineup, distinguishable by its discreet rear spoiler, bonnet louvers and 19inch wheels. Its intercooled supercharger helped its engine to kick out a hefty 370bhp.

Both XK8 and R received a mild visual refresh in 2002 and, more importantly, a slightly more powerful 4.2-litre version of the AJ-V8.

This early shape Jaguar XKR convertible has the kind of ownership and service provenance that any classic car owner longs for. Initially run by Jaguar itself, the car was kept by the parent company for around five years before being sold on to a new keeper in Yorkshire. 

This owner was certainly not averse to spending whatever amount he thought fit to keep the car on top form. After a brief sojourn with a York-based classic car specialist (who gave the car yet another £2000 fettling), the Jaguar made its way to the North east where it now resides. Like its previous custodians, the present keeper has kept up the regime of regular maintenance and care. 

As well as regular oil services, the car’s paintwork was ‘Zirconite’ coated 2020. It has also been undersealed twice during its time with this owner. The Jaguar retains all its three sets of keys and will be sold with the private number plate.

The Jaguar comes with all its original manuals and handbooks and a service book that carries a very comprehensive set of stamps, near all from main dealers. 

Alongside these sit a sheaf of invoices documenting regular checks and consumable renewals with a few examples of part replacement and renewals to keep the car in top condition and running order. The phrase ‘no expense spared’ is definitely applicable.

This 2002 Jaguar displays the XKR roadster in its purest form, with no imperfections along its flanks or in the narrow shut lines to upset its perfect balance. The doors open and close without creaking or sagging and the bonnet and boot lids are symmetrical and level side to side. 

The bonnet louvers are perfectly seated and have stayed the same colour as the metal around them. The British Racing Green paintwork remains excellent with a deep gloss, with only a few very small and superficial surface scratches or polishing marks. 

The edges of the door mirrors have escaped any grazes and the long low nose shows a few very minor stone chips. That sultry grill mouth is clean and corrosion-free. There is no brightwork to speak of and the few badges are in good condition.

The light tan-coloured soft top is in near perfect condition, showing no stains or tears. Its colour complements the body and interior colours perfectly. The fabric looks strong, holds no creases and the stitching is tight. The (heated)rear window is clear and and its seal/surround looks healthy, making a good seal around all of its perimeter. 

The powered roof attaches/unfastens easily from the windscreen frame and folds quickly and smoothly into its recess behind the rear seats.

There is nothing to upset the striking impression the car makes. 

This Jaguar has been kept in a garage by the current owner during his 9 years of ownership.

The cabin can really make or break the experience of a luxury GT, and the traditional leather and wood interior – something Jaguar has always excelled at – really sets the car apart from more ordinary examples. The mushroom-coloured leather shows only a gentle creasing and patina. The seats retain all of their shape, with the beautifully sculptured set in the rear looking unused.  

Stitching across the cabin on seats and armrests is clean and tight. The door furniture is similarly good, with no scratches on or around the handles. Fixtures are solid and firmly mounted (not always the case on these). The leather on the wheel is good (a little discolouration at the sides in places) and the wood sections retain all of their lacquer. 

Indeed, the woodwork across the cabin is in excellent shape. The lacquer displays a deep gloss – no cracks – and the burr walnut itself shows rich colour and figuring. The switchgear mounted on the fascia and centre column – as well as the gear selector – are clean, free of scratches and neatly arrayed. One wonders if everyone who went in this car always wore gloves….and maybe slippers.

Carpets are clean and retain a good pile and the mats have neatly bound and straight edges. Door and windscreen/roof seals remain supple with no cracks. As a final touch, the supple leather tonneau perfectly matches the seat hides in colour and condition.

It is a sumptuous space that will help put the grand in your touring over the Summer months.

The underside of the Jaguar appears very sound. There is a degree of understandable weathering and some surface rust, but the underside of the body tub, exhaust and suspension components appear solid and servicable. A good degree of undersealing is still very much in evidence. The alloy wheels are in top condition and shod with tyres that have covered fewer than 3000 miles.

Moving up into the engine bay, you will see that the motor and its ancillaries appear to be in excellent

shape. This is the later 4.2-litre 400bhp V8. Under-bonnet plastics appear strong and retain a good colour with no signs of cracking, warping or bleaching. 

The castings of the cylinder head and supercharger housing are clean (that subtly textured finish can attract grime) and in very good condition. In fact, all components inspire confidence; there are no signs of leaks or accumulated grease anywhere around the engine bay, and hoses, leads and ducting look to be in an excellent state of health. The under-bonnet heat/sound insulation looks almost new.

The boot area is similarly confidence-inspiring. The spare wheel appears very clean and new, and both its tub and the carpets around the area are conspicuously clean and show absolutely no signs of water ingress.

A long and lithe front-engined GT is deeply embedded in both the Jaguar and British motoring psyche. And this Jaguar XKR roadster is a fine expression of that archetype. As well as having a very British feel, it’s colours complement each other perfectly and the whole ensemble is one of understated poise and power. Its service history very much suggests that the car won’t fall foul of remedial maintenance, so it’s ready to enjoy right now.

Coupled to all that, XKR values haven’t (yet) risen out of reach, so this Big Cat is, compared to its rivals, tantalizingly affordable.