1999 Jaguar XKR Convertible - 9,234 Miles From New

The Jaguar Legacy Collection.

A carefully collated collection of landmark sporting Jaguars from the past 65 years, each one bringing something special, museum quality, very low mileage, value for money motoring or some simply being the 'best of breed'.

The Jaguar XK8, some would say, was second in importance to Jaguar Cars’ future, back at its launch in 1996, to the original E-Type in 1961, both cars reinvigorating the brand during two difficult periods for UK car making. Sexy cars appeal to a global audience provided they are reliable, comfortable and fast and manufacturers need to plan their future around one thing, sales. But, an all-new model needs huge investment and crucially time and under the watchful eye of its owner, the Ford Motor Company, the new sporting Jaguar had to be right from the start. Sharing the same platform with the earlier DB7 from Ford’s other heritage brand, Aston Martin, the XK8 was not only cheaper but more reliable and had a bigger engine.

Some would say the DB7 is a prettier car than the XK8, but the Jaguar got the best deal in terms of engine and interior. Jaguar’s loyal fan base either chuckled or overlooked the fact that the key was the same as a Ford Escort’s, but nothing would infuriate a DB7 owner more than a passenger pointing out the Mazda lights, the Ford switchgear and the other bits taken from the collective parts bin. It was clear the XK8 got the love and it paid off, however the DB7 wasn't far behind, which provided the confidence to invest in future Aston Martin models.

The XK8 was originally launched with the new 4-litre Jaguar AJ-V8 engine and a well designed interior with an updated blend of wood, leather and modern instruments. The XKR was introduced in May 1998 and used a supercharged variant of the V8 engine used in the XK8 which it also shared with the XJR, albeit with a few air-to-water intercooler modifications and a two-piece drive shaft. Other visual differences from the XK8 include a small rear spoiler and bonnet louvres for improved engine airflow, along with a meshed front grille.

This fabulous Phoenix Red convertible XKR with a Warm Charcoal leather interior, a very rare colour combination, has dark wood veneers to the dashboard and the steering wheel’s upper and lower portions and the automatic gear selector knob is hewn from the same timber. The car’s original, Jaguar-branded radio cassette player remains and we note the radio code (2333), just in case!

Registered to the first of four former keepers on 16th April 1999, it was later sold from previous 14 year ownership and joined this Collection of other low-mileage Jaguars on 17th February 2021. It has covered a mere 132 miles since, for a total odometer reading of 9,234 miles at the time of cataloguing and is presented to auction with historic main dealer receipts, previous MOT certificates, a new advisory-free MOT valid until 19th June 2026, Jaguar-embossed handbook pack, service portfolio and a Jaguar touch-up pen.

Perhaps the lowest mileage UK-supplied, first-generation XKR in this colour combination available today?