Recent work includes full brake service and powder coated alloy wheels
Complete with a full service history and original book pack
The Appeal
The XKR was the high-performance derivative of the already popular XK8, Jaguar’s much anticipated XJS successor. The XKR joined the range in 1998, the year of this car, and upped the ante considerably over the standard XK8 by fitting an Eaton supercharger to the already muscular AJ-V8 engine.
The supercharger itself boasted a 2.0L capacity and delivered a shade under 12Ibs of boost. This was enough to unleash a mighty 370bhp, sufficient for a 5 second 0-60 mph time and the ability to reach the limited 150 mph top speed soon afterwards.image00030.jpeg5.34 MB
The History and Paperwork
Unusual for having had just three enthusiast owners
The previous owner cherished the car for 10 years
During the car’s low ownership, a sensible 102,292 miles have been covered
The car holds a valid MOT until November 2022 with no advisories
The high-backed, tombstone seats are box pleated with double needle stitching
The front seats are electrically operated
The dash and centre console are equally, luxuriously dressed
Stitched and padded leather, against deeply varnished wood veneer are the standout features here
The door cards are dressed in padded, two-tone leather with small accents of wood veneer
Contrasting mushroom carpets are clearly original and in fine fettle
Fitted with the factory-original Jaguar stereo head unit
The carpeted boot houses the CD auto-changer, original warning triangle and space-saver spare wheel
The interior looks to be in great original condition and presents very well throughout
The XKR’s interior has stood the test of time very well and this example is no exception. It was seen as a marked improvement in terms of luxury and quality its predecessor and is a nice environment in which to spend time.
It manages to somehow be luxurious and sporting in equal measure. It provides the perfect environment from which to enjoy the charms of a 4-litre supercharged V8, whether you are eating up motorway miles or clipping apexes on a challenging backroad.
The Salsa Red paintwork appears to be in good overall condition
It is deep and shiny and thickly applied as you would expect for a premium GT car
No areas of corrosion were noted or reported
The current owner reports some slight imperfections to the bodywork but would only require local repairs.
All doors and hinged panels open and close with ease and precision
Panel gaps appear to be admirably tight and symmetrical
The original light lenses are clear and unmarked front and rear
The original “Double Five” 18x8 inch Jaguar alloy wheels have been refurbished by powder coating
The wheels are fitted with quality Pirelli tyres in a 245/45 configuration
The cabin glass appears to be in a fine, unmarked condition throughout
Like the interior the exterior of the XKR continues to look surprisingly modern and, in the bright Salsa Red, perennially eye-catching.
The professionally refurbished 18-inch alloys, finished in a gunmetal shade, are the perfect accompaniment to the bright paintwork combining to make a classic GT car that has both the looks and the power to impress in all circumstances.image00004(1).jpeg1.1 MB
The Mechanics
This XKR is fitted with the Eaton Supercharged 4L AJ-V8 engine
Originally boasting nearly 370bhp and torque to match
Power is fed to the rear wheels via a 5-speed ZF automatic gearbox
Full brake service including new brake pads and discs all round
A new battery has recently been fitted
Given its service history and sympathetic ownership the car is reported to be in excellent mechanical condition
The owner reports that the engine is in “great health” and it stops very well on its new brakes
The underside is understood to be dry and free of oil leaks
The “standard” AJ-V8 engine in the XK8 was already receiving praise for its power and smooth delivery when the XKR arrived complete with a big supercharger and an additional 70bhp (an additional 23%). The supercharger application negates the lag associated with a turbocharger giving the XKR the lightning fast responses associated with a real sports thoroughbred.
The appeal of this XK8 is very easy to quantify. A curvy British GT car with a powerful supercharged V8 under a long, curved bonnet is a great place to start, of course.
Add into that already heady mix the rarity of this Salsa Red colourway and its sumptuously appointed leather interior and you have something special. The sublimely refurbished “double five” wheels help give the car an extra degree of muscular road presence.
Round that out with the reassurance of this being a corrosion free car, it becomes hard to imagine a more enticing prospect for fans of ultra-cool British GT hero-cars.
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