∙Only 60,000 miles from new
∙Comprehensive history file shows the car has wanted for nothing
∙Smaller supercharger pulley and sports exhaust, with remap to match
∙Lovely condition and ready to be enjoyed

Replacing an icon is never easy. Just ask Land Rover about the development process for the new Defender. Although it has since matured into a respected classic in its own right, the XJS was considered by many not to be a worthy successor to the E-Type and a project to replace it was kicked off as early as 1980. The XJ41/42 (coupe/convertible) looked to the E-Type for styling inspiration but was a little bland by comparison and the development process rambled through the eighties until it was eventually canned by Ford following its acquisition of the company in 1990. 

The ageing XJS was in need of replacement however, and the work picked up again in 1991. In the meantime, the XJ41/42 design had been reworked for Ford’s other acquisition, Aston Martin, appearing as the DB7. Jaguar, with little time to play with, combined the XJS underpinnings with elements of the XJ41/42 project into a design which was distinct from the DB7 and unmistakably Jaguar, the XK8. Using the new 4 litre 32-valve AJ-V8 engine, and sporting an interior that was distinctly more bespoke than the DB7, the XK8 was well-received upon its unveiling in 1996.

From the outset it was obvious that the chassis could handle more power and in 1998, Jaguar launched the XKR with a supercharged version of the V8, producing 370 horsepower and driving the rear wheels through the 5 speed automatic gearbox. Visual changes included a mesh grille, a small boot spoiler and a louvred bonnet which, in addition to looking great, provides additional cooling for the engine. While the top speed is electronically limited to 155mph, the coupe will cover 0-60mph in 5.4 seconds, meaning it’s not slow even by modern standards and it was widely praised for its fluid handling.

A Jaguar coupe was the car the seller always promised himself and, when the XK was launched in 1996, he decided that was to be the one. He finally got around to it back in 2017 and bought it privately from someone who had appeared on the logbook twice, having sold the car to his neighbour and bought it back a year later when said neighbour hadn’t really used it. At that point, the car was showing 45,000 miles.

Throughout its life, the car has clearly been pampered with a detailed history from main dealers and recognised specialists. The current owner has form with applying subtle modifications to his cars, a number of his others featuring stealthy performance upgrades. In this case, he opted for a smaller supercharger pulley, a K&N air filter and a Viezu exhaust, with a remap to make sure that they all worked together. The result is a modest increase in performance and sound, enough to elevate it beyond the factory spec but not so loud so as to undermine the car’s core role as a grand tourer.

During the current ownership, the car has been maintained on a ‘no expense spared’ basis and as such has benefited from a new headlining, sun visors, battery and fuel pump.

Having enjoyed the car for a number of years, an incoming project means that the garage space is needed and, as the owner is not happy to store the XKR outside, it sadly means that the time has come to let it go.

As the pictures will attest, there’s literally paperwork as far as the eye can see. Included with the car are all of the original manuals and a comprehensive file of invoices and MOTs. Naturally the original leather document files are present as are both keys.

In archetypal Jaguar style, the interior has lashings of leather and wood. The cream leather has aged very well with little sign of wear while the wood trimmings are in perfect condition. The Harmon Kardon stereo is fully functional, as are all of the other buttons and switches. The rear seats are, as is typical, showing little signs of use and indeed the whole cabin is hard to find fault with. 

In the boot, the warning triangle and tool kit are present, together with an unused space saver spare wheel.

The XKR is a simple understated design and looks stunning in the sunlight in metallic blue. The paintwork is in great condition and although the perfectionist owner says that the paint chips on the bonnet need a blow over, it appears far from essential to our eyes. There is one very minor car park ding in the passenger door which is barely noticeable and all but impossible to photograph. The underside looks solid and clean and the wheels are all in good condition and wear original fitment Pirelli P Zeros with good tread depth. The only external clue to the performance modifications is the slightly larger exhaust outlets but you’d have to be really in the know to spot them.

The car starts first time every time and drives exactly as it should. It pulls a little harder than normal under acceleration and, under load, has a meatier snarl than you would hear from a standard car. However, at a cruise the exhaust note fades into the background and it makes for just as relaxing a GT car as normal. The engine bay is clean and in generally original condition, though the finish on the covers could do with some tidying to finish it. There are no untoward noises from the suspension and the auto box changes smoothly. 

Just as the appeal of the XJS has improved over time, the design of the XK coupes has aged very well and the timeless design looks increasingly desirable against the backdrop of fussier modern fare, including, to some eyes, the later iterations of the XK. At current values, the 4 litre XKR’s represent a very affordable route into the luxury performance GT market and although prices are not yet rising they are holding steady and it’s surely a matter of time.

This particular XKR has a great colour combination and the exemplary maintenance record and subtle upgrades make it a cut above the average example. This makes it a very desirable modern classic and if it tickles your fancy then you’d be wise to give the bid button the attention it deserves.

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