Highlights
- Rare and extensively upgraded Paramount model
- £21,000 conversion to deliver 450bhp and more
- Vast history file back to cars earliest days
- Extensive service records, most recently 1,000 miles ago
- Long MOT to November 2024
The Appeal
Most buyers of Jaguar’s original X100 supercharged XKR were content with its beguiling blend of GT cruising and crushing performance. But some buyers wanted more and recognised that these underpinnings could deliver it.
Those select few turned to Paramount. Unlike rivals like AMG and Alpina, in 1999 Paramount was one mechanic based round the back of the boss’ nursery business. But just like AMG and Alpina, Paramount could utterly transform your XKR.
It wasn’t cheap but the results were astonishing. Reviewers applauded the firm’s transformation of the XKR into a nimble, agile and tactile sports car now equipped with 450bhp. Apparently 150 cars were converted each year, although chances are the numbers were much less.
All of which makes this 1999 Paramount Grand Prix 450 both exceptional and rare. Converted in 2001 to ‘Stage 2’ specification at a cost of over £21,000, it remains a low mileage car in excellent condition. That has clearly been helped by its three fastidious owners who have built up an enviable service history. With a long MOT to November 2024, this is a chance to acquire perhaps the ultimate version of the delectable XKR.
History and Paperwork
- Originally sold new in Rotterdam in 1999 and original bill of sale included
- Imported to UK soon after and first registered here on 24th August 1999
- High specification car including factory cold climate and memory pack, premium sound and phone kit
- Extensive history file of old MOTs back to car’s early days, tax discs and old MOTs
- Factory handbooks and leatherbound service book in fair condition
- Service book and extension shows nine stamps to 22nd May 2008 at 57,990 miles
- Subsequent annual servicing undertaken with invoices to support shown in photographs
- Most recently serviced on 30th November 2022 at 73,934 miles
- Front bumper repairs on 1st October 2019
- Judd wheels acquired on 6th September 2019 at cost of £769
- £4,913 invoice dated 27th October 2017 for discs, pads, suspension and exhaust work at 68,995 miles
- MOT to 15th November 2024 at 74,794 miles.
- Paramount brochure, price list and estimate for upgrade work dated May 2001
- Paramount work extensively documented in photographs and well worth investigating
- This work cost £21,218 and was a Stage 2 upgrade
The Paramount work included:
- Upgrade to 450bhp
- Grand Prix Tiger Cat exhaust system
- Lowered 30mm
- AP Racing brakes
- Carbon fibre front and rear fairings
- Aluminium side sponsons
The Condition
- Excellent condition inside and out reflecting low mileage and owners
- Sapphire Blue with purposeful and attractive Paramount exterior enhancements
- Judd 19in alloy wheels in good, unmarked order and complementing body kit
- Accelera high performance tyres showing good tread
- Light corrosion visible to lips of rear arches but otherwise bodywork presents very well
- We are told there are some paint blemishes but they are not immediately visible in photos
- Non matching factory spare wheel
- Ivory leather interior with Alcantara accents including headlining
- Heated leather seats in good condition showing only light creasing top bases typical of mileage
- Factory veneers have been professionally recovered in grey Alcantara including wheel
- Jaguar factory premium sound system
- Interior trim in good order with well kept switchgear and chrome gear knob
The Mechanics
- 3,996cc AJ8 Jaguar supercharged engine upgraded to 450bhp by Paramount
- 5spd automatic gearbox with Jaguar J-gate system
- £21,218 of Paramount Stage 2 upgrades including £6,400 engine improvements alone
- Extensive history file including servicing work most recently 1,000 miles ago
- Lots of other work undertaken by the three vendors over the years
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not apply. Car & Classic’s return policy applies.
✓ A non-refundable deposit will be payable if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for details.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is highly recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.
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