2002 Jaguar XKR

This great looking XKR is a 2002 car and, as such, is considered as something of a sweet spot in the evolution of the XKR with a number of significant improvements to the earlier cars all present here. This includes the larger 4.2L displacement and the later six-speed ZF automatic gearbox. With 400 bhp and over 400 Ib-ft of torque on tap the XKR offers almost physics-defying dynamics. With these upgrades first made for the 2002 model year, this example would be a very early example of the 4.2L model. This may be the reason why this XKR seems to have been initially supplied to Jaguar’s own fleet. The service records suggest that it was used by the company, perhaps as a press or management car, until around 20,000 miles and up until the end of 2003.

A number of subsequent keepers then got to enjoy the inevitable and irresistible charms of 400bhp and 400 Ib-ft before the XKR fell into long-term family ownership in 2011. With around 76,000 miles covered at this point, an additional 17,000 miles or so have been added to the total since then to bring the total up to just short of 93,000 miles. A change of registered keeper with the family in January 2024 to bring the registered keeper count up to nine.
 

With the XKR looking purposeful in its Platinum Silver Metallic (MDZ) paintwork and sitting squarely on its big 20-inch BBS Detroit split rim alloys this is always going to be an enthralling looking car. With the various XKR specific styling addenda in evidence, the car manages to exude an air of both sophistication and a more than a little brooding menace. Those special touches include the beaver-tail shaped bonnet vents, red “R” badges and large diameter, and highly sonorous, oval tailpipes. It is thought that the paintwork is mainly original although some earlier work to the rear arches is noted within the accompanying paperwork.

Our operations team have noted a few areas of imperfection, however, which is almost inevitable for a sports car of this age and mileage. The main, obvious issue seems to be stone chips to the curved nose section of the XKR. These are most prevalent around the nose badge and the nearside auxiliary driving lamp. Some wear and tear are reported to the model badges and some minor corrosion and used related wear is noted around the nearside door. Special mention is made by our team of an area of corrosion in the front nearside wheel arch. To date, however, this has not warranted mention by a MoT tester so it likely falls outside of a prescribed area.

Arguably, those big BBS, nine spoke, split rims are the headline act, however. They look deeply impressive from their arch-filling form-factor to their subtle “BBS” casting marks. Again, these have clearly lived a life and there is some noticeable kerb rash and lacquer bubbling noted all round. A wheel refurbishment would likely significantly improve their appearance, however. If you would prefer to establish this XKR’s condition in person, please contact us to secure an appointment to view.
 

Jaguar did not disappoint with the XKR’s interior drawing almost universal praise and plaudits for its quality and aesthetic appeal at launch. It was refreshingly modern compared to the outgoing XJS and still looks so today. This example features a rarely seen and highly desirable, two-tone leather interior officially known as Heritage Tone Contrast (RFC). In this case that appealing contrast is achieved by a blend of light tan and black leather with ample accents of deeply varnished burr walnut veneer. It’s a heady mix and a sublime alternative to the black on black treatments so often featured. The condition seems excellent throughout, too. There is some minor wear to the front seat bolsters but, overall, this cabin thoroughly belies its age and mileage.

The XKR as a range-topper is, of course, a well-appointed car too with automatic climate control and heated and powered front seats. The interior appears to be highly original down to the factory fitted Jaguar (Alpine), six-speaker cassette player with accompanying 6-CD changer mounted in the boot. The original hardwired, Motorola car ‘phone even remains, tucked out of sight in the centre armrest. This example also benefits from the optional satellite navigation system which looks a little quaint, if charming, by today’s flush, haptic standards.

The boot is nicely finished in grey carpet and the original jack; wheel brace and tools are situated under the hinged floor together with the space-saver spare wheel. 
 

Within a short period of time the AJ-V8 engine had established itself as a winning design to the point that Jaguar were happy to fit a big, 2-litre capacity Eaton supercharger to its for installation into the XKR performance flagship. The big Eaton spins at 1.9 times the engine speed to charge boost at 12psi and, in this 4.2L engine, boosts power to an impressive 400bhp. That remains highly competitive today, let alone back in 2002 when this car was new. It would have had few performance challengers at the time and fewer still that could match the “always on cam” instant nature of its supercharged performance.

The packed engine bay appears highly original and in good order with the “V8” and “Supercharged” debossed taxonomy first grabbing the attention. The underside further belies the car’s background although some signs of earlier repairs are reassuringly evident.
 

The V5 registration document is here as is the current, advisory free MoT in hard copy. The latter is valid until the end of September 2025. Numerous earlier MoT copies are included as is the original book pack and accompanying folder. A key constituent art of this is the service record which exhibits a full 12 service stamps covering mileages from 4,241 to 89,694. The earliest stamps are courtesy of Halewood Operations the site of the Jaguar plant in Speke, Liverpool. 

The remainder of the archive consists of a very good number of invoices relating to all periods of the XKR’s life. A canter through these helps underscore the “regardless of cost” stewardship this car has appeared to have enjoyed.
 

The X100 XKR is a milestone Jaguar without doubt. It marked a new era in the previously moribund marque’s development and represented a triumphant return to form for this most British of luxury car and sports car manufacturers. With no excuses offered or accepted, the XKR was the first Jaguar for a long time that could take on all commers in its sector whilst actively flying the flag for Britain.

This example has clearly been well used and enjoyed during its life. Whilst it, of course, looks great there remains some potential for further improvement here should that be desired. The interior, on the other hand, looks pristine and offers that highly desirable and unusual two tone leather upholstery. All in all this is a great opportunity to own a fine value, supercharged V8 super car the likes of which will never be seen again. Something to tell the grandchildren, for sure.

We are happy to offer this car for auction with an estimate in the range of £5,000 - £10,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at Bonhams|Cars Online HQ. 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’.