2001 Jaguar XKR

This XKR is a UK specified and supplied model that left Browns Lane in Coventry at the end of March 2001 enroute to dealer Lancaster of Bradford. Today this great looking XKR offers a sound provenance with just six former registered keepers to date.

The previous keeper appears to have kept the XKR for over nine years and the accompanying records suggest much has been spent by all owners to keep this XKR in the condition we find it in today.  

This XKR combines a sophisticated and popular Platinum Silver over Warm Charcoal leather livery together with the neck stretching immediacy of 370bhp delivered from a supercharged 4L V8. It’s a highly appealing, almost addictive, combination.

Offered here with a comprehensive service history, significant recent spend and a long, advisory free MoT this XKR is ready to use and enjoy immediately.
 

Given the fate of the XJ41 project, Geoff Lawson’s XKR styling owed more to the scrapped concept car than might be expected and was not dissimilar to its close cousin, the Aston Martin DB7. As a result, the public’s acceptance was immediate when compared to the faltering, almost prematurely cancelled XJ-S’s debut. The fact that it oozed E Type DNA from every sinuous curve certainly helped, of course.

The deep Platinum Silver of this example really showcases those muscular curves very well. In fact the XKR still looks decidedly contemporary and belies its 24 years – always the sign of great design. Both paintwork and bodywork look impressively preserved with all those curvaceous panels exuding a good, deep shine. There are a few scuffs and scratches noted, and these have been photographed for your review.

This being the range topping XKR model, there a number of differentiating features present when compared to its humbler brethren. Perhaps most obvious are the twin, body coloured bonnet louvres. These are functional as well as aesthetically pleasing, helping to purge heat away from that big supercharger. These are accompanied by a Jaguar head bonnet emblem with “Supercharged” motif as well as, surely, the world’s most subtle boot spoiler.

The XKR squats on an impressive set of Arden Sportline, 11J x 20 inch split rim alloy wheels. These consist of bright polished rims with burnished effect silver centres and colourful Arden centre caps.  These add a distinctive character to an already deeply impressive Jaguar. These are shod with a matching set of staggered Pirelli P-Zero tyres in 235/35 and 285/30 configurations. The silver, Jaguar inscribed callipers big, drilled discs can be glimpsed between the spokes.
 

The Jaguar XK8 and then the XKR significantly raised the bar over the outgoing XJS in terms of interior design, fit and finish.

This example certainly doesn’t disappoint in that regard, being predominantly finished in Warm Charcoal hued soft grain, subtly perforated leather. The high-backed and deeply bolstered front sports seats present in excellent condition and contrast impressively with the ample accents of light finished walnut veneer.

The contrasting grey hued carpets are deep pile and appear to be in excellent overall condition and compliment the similar coloured trim accents very well. Carpet over mats appear to have been used for added durability. The dash is fronted with a light varnished walnut veneer which further extend to the door cards and centre console. A new veneer gear selector knob has just been fitted. The headlining is courtesy of a light grey velveteen material which appears to exhibit a few minor marks and holes on the driver’s side.

The boot is trimmed in an original looking, hard wearing grey carpet set and is home to the satellite navigation DVD reader and the audio system CD multi-changer. A warning triangle, space saver spare wheel, jack and tool set all appear present.

The XKR is a well-appointed car too with automatic climate control, electrically adjustable heated front seats and fully operational satellite navigation all fitted. The interior appears to be entirely original, right down to the factory fitted, Jaguar branded audio head unit. The overall condition appears to be of a very high order given the car’s 24-year age.
 

The AJ-V8 engine was new at the launch of the XK8 and was fitted to the lower volume sports car line to help establish its capability and longevity without the wider risk of a high-volume roll out. Within a short period of time the engine had established itself as a winning design to the point that Jaguar were happy to bolt on a big Eaton supercharger to its for installation into the XKR performance variant. In this version this is mated to a smooth shifting Mercedes Benz sourced, five speed automatic ZF transmission complete with the distinctive J-gate selector.

The big engine bay houses the AJ-V8 engine with its “Supercharged” embossed alloy intake plenums. The two cylinder head covers are inscribed with Jaguar branding and are in good order. It is a tightly packed engine bay but appears highly original and clean and straight. It certainly looks commensurate with a well maintained and cared for example.

The underside of the car appears is predominantly fared in with streamlining and protective covers. What can be seen of the componentry looks good, however, and in keeping with the condition of the rest of the XKR. The accompanying paperwork confirms that this XKR has undergone two separate and diligent schedules of works to the rear subframe and associated fixtures and fittings. As such, a common vulnerability of the XK8 and XKR seems to have been expertly addressed.
 

This XKR comes with an impressive amount of provenance providing paperwork as you will see from our photographic package.

Key documents include the current V5 in the name of the owner. The current MoT is present in hard copy. This confirms that validity until January 2026 as well as its status as an advisory free test. Over 20 earlier MoT hard copies are also present.

The original Jaguar book pack is present, and this bundle includes the service book. The service book features 8 stamps and covers mileages from 13,087 to 90,721 – less than 1,000 miles ago. The bulk of the remainder of the archive consists of invoices detailing work undertaken and parts procured. Key amongst these is one from 2022 for close to £3,000 relating to a comprehensive underside refurbishment. There is also a £1,000 plus invoice from January 2024 detailing a rear A-frame replacement and preventative rust proofing. Another from December 2023 covers nearly £1,000 worth of suspension work.

These recent, high value invoices give a good flavour of the pampered history of the XKR.
 

The XKR is a milestone and highly desirable Jaguar without doubt, marking the return of a confident producer of world class sports cars despite the earlier uncertainty for the marque. Where else can you find a 370 bhp supercharged V8 sports car for the price of a fairly average second hand family hatchback?

This example looks great thanks to its popular silver livery, big 20-inch split rimmed Arden wheels and sophisticated dark leather and light veneer luxury interior. It had a number of minor niggles attended to in recent ownership and now is reported to be in a fully operational condition throughout. With much clearly spent on this car throughout its life it now represents a superb and increasingly rare chance to own a supercharged V8 GT car for city runabout money.

We are happy to offer this car for auction with an estimate in the range of £6,000 - £9,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located near Blakeney, Gloucestershire. Viewings are STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT and we are open weekdays between 10am - 12pm or 2pm - 4pm. To make a booking, please use the ‘Enquire About This Vehicle’ button on the listing. Feel free to ask any questions, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.