2002 Jaguar Paramount Performance XKR Auto

This great looking Paramount Performance XKR Convertible reportedly underwent its upgrades from new in 2002 via the supplying dealer. Since then, it has thrilled and amazed five previous keepers, with our current owner, acquiring it in 2022 to become its sixth custodian. Today the XKR’s electronic odometer stands at 70,196 miles which does seem to accord with the MoT history.

During our vendor's tenure much work has been attended to with some of it documented by supporting paperwork. The manifest of works includes new disks and pads all round to original, enhanced AP racing specification, recommissioned suspension, a refurbishment of the BBS wheels and recently fitted Dunlop tyres and professionally retrimmed front seats.

It is just a lack of use due to work commitments that now prompts a search to find a new home for this beloved XKR.

The first thing you notice about this uprated XKR is its lowered stance which lends it a much more purposeful demeanour. This impression is only aided by the distinctive, five spoke BBS split rims. The Anthracite Metallic livery (PED) gleams brightly from every compound curve and has seemingly been subject to a recent respray. As you might expect from such a prized example the bodywork is equally well presented with consistent panel gaps and a notable lack of dings or pings noted.

This being the range topping XKR model, there a number of differentiating features present when compared to the less exalted models. Perhaps most obvious are the twin, body coloured bonnet louvres. These are accompanied by a Jaguar head bonnet emblem with “Supercharged” motif as well the world’s most subtle and understated boot spoiler. Special Paramount touches include the badges on the wings, a 450 badge on the meshed grill and the F1 Switch Shift badge to the rear.

This example sports a black fabric hood whose condition is a match for the remainder of the XKR’s exterior. This features a large Triplex glass heated rear window and it operated smoothly and quickly during our shoot. A black hood cover and mesh wind deflector are also noted. The convertible sits on those impressive split rimmed BBS alloy wheels and are 20 inch items which only add to the dramatic road presence on offer here. The open architecture of the wheels allows sight of the upgraded AP Racing callipers and those recently fitted vented disks.

There is a modicum of paint peel to the callipers, but this could easily be remedied.

The XK8 and XKR flagship sports cars hit the showrooms with a hugely improved interior compared with the outgoing XJS. The new car’s interior drawing almost universal praise and plaudits for its quality and aesthetic appeal. This example doesn’t disappoint in that regard either, being predominantly finished in Ivory (NED) hued soft grain, perforated leather. The high-backed and deeply bolstered front sports seats present in excellent condition and have reportedly been professionally reupholstered during Ira’s tenure.

The accompanying light hued carpets are deep pile and appear to be in excellent overall condition and have clearly benefitted from the protection afforded by the use of rare, period supplied Paramount Performance branded carpet over mats. The dash is fronted with a dark varnished walnut veneer, accents of which extend to the door cards and centre console. The hood is lined in oatmeal fabric and appears to be free from rips with just some light usage marks evident. Some Paramount touches are noted included a badge ahead of the passenger, embossed plates to the gear lever surround and alloy faced foot pedals.

The XKR is a well-appointed car too with automatic climate control and heated front seats in evidence. Apart from the aforementioned tweaks the interior appears to be entirely Jaguar original down to the factory fitted Jaguar cassette player with accompanying 6-CD changer mounted in the boot. The surprisingly commodious boot is nicely finished in its original carpet. The original space-saver spare wheel and warning triangle are also present.

It’s comfortable and well-appointed cabin giving today’s driver a true sense of piloting a British sports thoroughbred without compromising on comfort or equipment. The overall condition appears to be of a very high order given the car’s 23-year age.

The Paramount Performance upgrades to engine, suspension, brakes and exhaust have already been touched on. What is harder to convey here, however, is how awesome this XKR sounds. That “Tiger Cat” exhaust really gives this Jaguar some aural claws, that’s for sure. Please watch the accompanying, short walkaround video to get a sense of this drama and the lack of any unexpected smoke from the exhausts. A slightly uneven, chattery tickover was also noted.

Lifting the gas strut supported bonnet reveals the AJ-V8 engine with its “Supercharged” embossed alloy intake plenums. The twin cylinder head covers are inscribed with Jaguar branding and are in good order. It is a tightly packed engine bay and a few of the modifications, such as the intake system, can be spotted. Everything here looks straight and free from leaks, but it would benefit from a thorough clean and detail.

The underside of the car appears to be appropriate to the car’s age and mileage with some superficial surface corrosion present as one might expect. As we will see next, some remedial underside work was undertaken to the traditionally prone areas of the XKR’s underside in 2recent times. This should prove a source of considerable reassurance to the next lucky owner.

This XKR comes with a reasonable depth of provenance providing paperwork as you will see from our photographic package. Key documents include the current V5 and the original book pack in its Jaguar embossed leather folder. The current hard-copy MoT is also present with validity until May 2025.

The original book pack is mostly present but not the original service book. The accompanying invoices are instructive but do reveal a few gaps in the paper trail with some of Ira’s significant spent not documented here. It is clear much has been spent keeping this Jaguar up to standard, however. Witness the nearly £8,000 detailed invoice from B& W Automotive, Jaguar specialists, whilst in current ownership.

For most of us, the “standard” XKR would offer more than enough excitement both physical and aural. For the true purist, however, there were murmurings that Ford’s ownership of Aston Martin led them to somewhat hold back the ultimate development of the XKR. True or not, we are lucky to have respected tuners like Paramount Performance on hand to fill that developmental void. As such, cars with their special brand of improved dynamics should be revered and actively sought out.

This example has much going for it. It has clearly been cherished in its current ownership and much has been spent keeping it at the height of its considerable powers. Everything seems to work as expected and it sound amazing. If you are one of those elite purists for which a Jaguar with Aston Martin power and dynamics is the only way to go, then this is your lucky day.

We are happy to offer this car for auction with an estimate in the range of £12,000 - £16,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this particular car is located with the vendor in Dunstable, Bedfordshire. To arrange an appointment to inspect this vehicle, please use the ‘Enquire About This Vehicle’ button on the listing. Feel free to ask any questions, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.