Launched at the 1996 Geneva Motor Show, the XK8 replaced the XJS. Available in either coupe or convertible guise, both cars used Jaguar’s newly-developed lightweight all alloy AJ-V8 engine for power.
Designed in house and notably taking design cues from the iconic E-Type Jaguar, the XK8 was a winner from the start with its graceful lines, luxurious interiors and potent yet smooth power delivery from its 290bhp 4.0-litre powerplant.
Things got interesting when the supercharged XKR arrived in 1998. Now with 370bhp under the bonnet, it was capable of hitting 60mph from standstill in 5.2 seconds. As well as the power upgrade, cosmetically the XKR featured hood louvres, a stainless steel mesh grill, small rear spoiler and larger exhaust tail pipes. The big differentiator between the XK8 and XKR, though, was the chassis. The XKR was sharper, more agile and altogether firmer, giving it a distinctly different character, despite its discrete outward appearance. The XKR was much more of a sports car and the XK8 a grand tourer.
This incredible XKR Convertible was supplied new by Stratstone in London on the 11th March 2002 and since then has only covered just 19,427 miles. This is confirmed by the service book (showing 10 stamps to date) and MOT history. It is finished in Platinum with a Warm Charcoal leather interior, complemented by birds eye maple wood veneer. The car was also supplied new with a number of optional extras which include, reverse parking sensors, a navigation system, Alpine premium audio system, heated windscreen and front cup holders. The car has been fastidiously maintained and looked after over its life and as part of a previous collection, reserved for fine weather motoring only. The car will come with a new MOT on sale.
These ULEZ Compliant, supercharged Jaguars are superb to drive and are already becoming regarded as a modern classic, with values on the increase for the best examples. XKR convertibles in this car’s condition and with such very low mileage only rarely come to the market, as most stay in long-term ownership. As such, this represents a scarcely available opportunity to own a superb driver’s car with excellent investment potential.
Finished from the factory in sought after Platinum, the paintwork is immaculate with a deep and uniform shine. The panels are all original, completely rust free with no dents or mis-alignment and with all panel gaps, as they were when it left the factory. Barring the odd tiny stone chip on the bonnet, the car’s bodywork presents pretty much today, as it did when it left Stratstones in London in 2002.
As a 2002 car, it benefited from the minor facelift bought in for the 2001 model year. This included new, flush-fitting fog lights, ‘jewel effect’ rear light lenses with chrome surrounds and a chrome numberplate finisher. Front, fog and rear light lenses are all crystal clear and unmarked. Additional exterior features for the XKR include, bonnet louvres, a subtle body coloured boot spoiler, automatic Bi xenon headlights and a high level stop light.
The electric hood is simple to operate, with no fiddly catches to release, just lowering and raising swiftly and silently with a touch of a button. The mohair hood, in black, is in excellent condition with no rips or tears and comes fitted with a heated glass rear screen. In addition, the hood has just been treated with a Fabsil Gold Universal Protector treatment, which offers outstanding levels of long lasting water- repellency.
Finally, this car was optioned with the Jaguar’s “Cold Climate and Memory Pack”. For the exterior, this meant it benefited from a heated windscreen, rain sensing wipers and headlight power wash.
The interior of the car is a very special place to be and as befits a car of such low mileage, is in fantastic condition. It is fitted with Jaguar’s “Sport Pack” finish, which comprises an interior of hand selected leather, in Warm Charcoal.
The perforated sport seats, exclusive to the XKR, are 12-way electrically adjustable and superbly supportive yet comfortable, with the central arm rest and wide door arm rests, providing for additional comfort for those longer journeys. The deep pile carpets throughout, are in beautiful condition and benefit from both Jaguar mats and additional lambswool overmats, for that little extra touch of luxury.
The grey stained birds eye maple wood veneering to the dashboard and gear lever surround, adds the traditional Jaguar ambience, but with a sporty modern twist, as do the delicate chrome surrounds to the 3 main dials, that sit immediately in front of the driver. The wood and leather multi-function steering wheel and wooden gear knob, add the final touches.
Benefiting from the optional Cold Climate and Memory Pack, this features, heated front seats, heated windscreen, rain-sensing wipers, headlight power wash, driver’s 2-position front seat memory, memory door mirrors electrically-adjustable steering column with “tilt-away”, to provide for additional clearance when getting in and out of the car.
As standard, the car comes with dual climate control, trip computer and auto-dimming rear view mirror. However, as a highly optioned car from the factory, it also benefits from Adaptive Cruise Control, a premium Alpine 8 speaker sound system with CD autochanger (6 disc capacity), satellite navigation, reverse parking aid and central cupholders.
All electrics, switches and functions work as they should.
The 4.0 litre supercharged is V8 engine is a masterpiece. Effortless silky smooth power anywhere in the rev range, with an intoxicating wine from the supercharger as the revs rise in the upper ranges, offset by the purposeful growl from the V8. Whilst capable (as the convertible) of the 0-60 dash in 5.6 seconds and limited to 155 mph, it can still return an extra urban 30.7 mpg.
For the technically minded, as a post 2000 car, it was never fitted with the Nikasil bore liners, which have been known to be problematical in some pre-2000 cars. In addition, earlier cars were fitted with plastic timing-chain tensioners, which again can lead to problems. This car however, is fitted with the later improved metal timing-chain tensioner.
The car runs beautifully, with no untoward rattles on start-up, or when running and there’s no evidence of fluid leaks. The automatic box changes smoothly, with kick-down operating as it should. As part of the pre-sales preparation, the car was given a fresh inspection and service, including engine oiland coolant change, even though it had only been driven just over a 1000 miles, since its last service. In addition, the car has just received a gearbox service.
The 5 speed automatic gearbox changes as it should, changing up and down smoothly and responding promptly to kick-down, when asked. The gearbox also incorporates a button operated sports setting, which when engaged, extends the shift point to make full use of the engine’s power.
As an XKR, the car is fitted with Jaguar’s Computer-Active Technology suspension (CATS). This regulates the shock absorbers between hard and soft for better cornering, anti-squat under acceleration and anti-dive under braking. With CATS, you get two types of car in one package. This sophisticated technology enables the XKR to be a genuine sports car, with the luxury of a grand tourer
The car sits on its original “Double Five” cast alloy staggered wheels which are 8” x18” on the front and 9” x 18” on the rear. The wheels are immaculate and unmarked and as part of the pre-sales preparation brand, new Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5 tyres were fitted all round, in the correct OEM specification of 245/45 R18 at the front and 255/45 R18 at the rear. The spare is a space saver and appears unused. In addition, the car comes with its original tool kit, all of which is complete.
The powerful braking system featuring 325mm front and 305mm rear ventilated discs, was inspected and all pads removed and cleaned, as part of the pre-sales inspection and service.
As can be seen from the photos of the underside, this is one of the cleanest cars we’ve seen. The original underseal is in incredible condition and there is both visible evidence and invoice records of the car having been subject to extensive Tetroseal wax oil treatment previously. There’s no evidence of the car ever being welded and no signs of corrosion to the floor pans, jacking points, footwells, sills or wheel arches. In addition, the rear chassis cross section, front cross members and suspension mounts are also free of any corrosion. All of these can be problem corrosion areas for the XK8 and XKR models, especially for cars driven in the winter on salt covered roads.
To further preserve the excellent condition of the car’s underside, as part of the pre-sales preparation, all mechanical and suspension componentry, sills, wheel arches, floor pans, footwells and chassis sections, were painstakingly treated to a coating of clear DINITROL automotive rust prevention and corrosion protection treatment, to provide for additional and durable long-term corrosion protection.
The car comes with comprehensive documented history comprised in a lever arch box file and A4 ring binder.
The original Jaguar Owner’s wallet includes the Vehicle Car Guide, Navigation Handbook and Navigation DVD, the Audio System Handbook, In-car Telephone Handbook and security radio code information booklet and card. Additionally, it contains the Total Care Handbook, which details the pre-delivery inspection and stamped FSH to date, totalling 10 records (main dealer and specialists) with the last service carried out as part of the pre-sale preparation, on 09/06/22 at 19,342 miles.
In a separate Jaguar wallet, is the Driver’s Handbook.
The history file also contains the current V5C, copies of the current and previous MOTs and correspondence relating to the specification order and build schedule from Stratstone, to the original purchaser.
There are a number of invoices dating back to 2003 covering maintenance work and parts purchased. In addition, the file also contains a number of old articles on the XK8/XKR series and an original Jaguar XK series dealer brochure.
Finally, the car comes with 2 sets of keys and related key fobs. It has been HPI checked and is all clear, with a copy of the report included with the history file.
Whilst every effort has been taken to ensure accuracy of the vehicle descriptions and information, some inaccuracies may occur. It is important that you do not rely on this information but check with Montpellier Motor Cars Limited about any items which may affect your decision to buy this vehicle, as well as examine the vehicle and check the accuracy of the information before purchasing any vehicle. We cannot accept any liability arising from any errors in the data provided.
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