Rare Paramount 450 conversion producing approximately 450 bhp
Fitted with an extremely rare Wiesmann hardtop
In the same family for approximately 10 years
Common XK8/XKR issues addressed, including timing chain tensioners and water pump
Detailed history file with service stamps and maintenance invoices
Advisory-free MOT until 15th April 2027
The Appeal
The Paramount 450 was a bespoke, limited-production conversion of the Jaguar XKR, elevating the already potent supercharged AJ-V8 to approximately 450 bhp through ECU remapping, improved air induction, and the distinctive "Tiger Cat" exhaust system. Complemented by AP Racing brake calipers and uprated suspension, it represented a meaningful step beyond the standard XKR. Finding one is rare enough; finding one fitted with a Wiesmann hardtop, believed by the vendor to be the only such example, makes this car something very special.
Finished in Anthracite Pearl Metallic over an Ivory and Sable interior with Burr Walnut inlays, this XKR is well specified from the factory with heated memory seats, cruise control, CATS active suspension, and the Premium ICE system. It has been in the same family for approximately 10 years and comes with the original Total Care handbook, two sets of keys plus a valet key, owners booklets, and Wiesmann hardtop user guides. The service book contains stamps from 2001 through 2010, supplemented by invoices for subsequent maintenance work. Crucially for any XK8/XKR buyer, the well-documented weak points have been addressed.
The Wiesmann hardtop itself is a rare accessory that was produced in very limited numbers. It features drainage channels for weather protection and a larger rear window offering improved rearward visibility compared to the factory soft top. The vendor states it is in very good condition and proves to be watertight.image.png1.5 MB
Key Information
Mileage: 58,942 miles (supported by service book stamps and maintenance invoices, though no independent verification)
Country of registration: United Kingdom
Technical inspection status: MOT until 15th April 2027
Technical specs: 4.0-litre supercharged V8 petrol (Paramount 450 conversion, approximately 450 bhp), five-speed automatic, right-hand drive
Paperwork: Total Care handbook, owners booklets, Wiesmann hardtop user guides, service book with stamps from 2001 to 2010, subsequent maintenance invoices, two sets of keys plus a valet key
Service history:
11/20 – 58,283 miles – Stratton
Investigated a non-start condition; tested and replaced a failed main vehicle battery with a Varta Blue Dynamic battery.
Corrected the air intake assembly seating position and cleaned corroded fuel tank harness connector blocks.
Drained the fuel tank to remove and replace two failed internal electric fuel pumps, followed by an electronic fault memory clear.
Completed MOT mechanical repairs: stripped front/rear braking systems, replaced worn front Redstuff brake pads, and installed a pad wear sensor.
Renewed the offside front steering rack end, both the nearside and offside track rod ends, adjusted tracking wheel alignment, and replaced the nearside rear wheel bearing.
Secured loose rear brake fluid lines using replacement C-clips and executed an MOT Class 4 test pass.
Traced an active damping suspension warning light to incorrect live data parameters from the rear vertical acceleration sensor; replaced the faulty accelerometer sensor and the active damping suspension control unit module.
Total cost: £1,653.14
03/16 – 56,809 miles – Stratton
Conducted statutory Class 4 MOT inspection test.
Supplied, mounted, and balanced two replacement 285/30R20 rear tyres including new valve assemblies and environmental disposal.
Total cost: £314.48
12/13 – 53,010 miles – West Riding Jaguar Ltd
Removed camshaft covers to check internal engine timing constraints; diagnosed stretched timing chains and worn guides.
Supplied and fitted a complete updated timing kit including primary and secondary modified chain tensioners, chains, guides, and replacement seals.
Replaced the engine water pump assembly with a modified version and replenished the system with fresh antifreeze coolant.
Total cost: £986.94
11/10 – 48,516 miles – West Riding Jaguar Ltd
Carried out standard engine oil service with oil filter replacement.
Supplied and fitted replacement lower shock absorber bush assemblies to both the nearside front and offside front suspension dampers.
Total cost: £323.36
07/10 – 48,516 miles – West Riding Jaguar Ltd
Diagnosed a power-operated soft-top roof system failure.
Stripped out the passenger cabin interior trim components to remove and replace a pair of split hydraulic fluid line pipes.
Topped up the hydraulic pump fluid reservoir and bled the automated operating lines.
Replaced a worn offside lower rear shock absorber suspension bush assembly.
Total cost: £613.00
04/09 – Mileage Unlisted – Perrys
Sourced special hardware sundries including structural clips and mechanical cover shields.
Total cost: £504.69
02/08 – 40,000 miles – West Riding Jaguar Ltd
Diagnosed an engine management issue and replaced the electronic air flow meter sensor unit.
Total cost: £150.86
08/07 – 37,274 miles – EJS Jaguar
Completed the scheduled 6-year or 60,000-mile factory maintenance service inspection.
09/06 – 37,036 miles – EJS Jaguar
Completed the scheduled 5-year or 50,000-mile factory maintenance service inspection.
02/03 – 22,710 miles – Monaco House Jaguar
Completed the scheduled 3-year or 30,000-mile factory maintenance service inspection.
01/02 – 19,268 miles – Westover Jaguar
Completed the scheduled 2-year or 20,000-mile factory maintenance service inspection.
02/01 – 11,184 miles – Westover Jaguar
Completed the scheduled 1-year or 10,000-mile factory maintenance service inspection.
01/00 – 00,000 miles – Westover Jaguar
Factory pre-delivery vehicle inspection checklist validation and customer handover certification.
Date Unlisted – Maintenance Purchase – Tappers Auto Trimmer & Upholstery
Supplied and fitted a complete replacement cabriolet hood assembly, including advanced structural window pane rebonding treatment.
Commonly troublesome timing chain tensioners have been addressed
Modified water pump fitted, again addressing a common issue
Replacement CATS active damper fitted
New fabric roof fitted in 2015
Paramount exterior styling includes custom mesh front grille, lower front splitter with enlarged air dams, side skirts, and rear bumper with wide mesh insert
AP Racing brake calipers fitted as part of the Paramount conversion
Suspension upgraded with stiffer springs and dampers
Wiesmann hardtop features drainage channels and a larger rear window for improved visibility
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