Highlights
• Late model 5.0-litre XK R
• Full service history up to 2,000 miles ago
• Originally supplied by Creamer’s of Kensington
• Beautiful condition throughout
The Background
The original XK8 (or X100) was arguably Jaguar’s first real sports car since the E-Type, as the XJ-S was much more of a grand tourer.
Even then, the XK was as much a GT as it was a sporty number. But the model that replaced it in 2006 was every inch a sports car.
The second generation of the XK (the X150) debuted at the 2005 Frankfurt Motor Show, styled by Jaguar's chief designer Ian Callum. The X150's grille was designed to recall the shape of that of the 1961 E-Type, to drive home the fact it was a sports car.
The new model also featured a bonded and riveted aluminium chassis, shared with the XJ, and alloy body panels. Inside, wood was no longer standard as Jaguar targeted a younger demographic, while the cabin was simple and unfussy. A new era of Jaguar for a new era of customer. It was also an innovator – the first car in the world to feature under-bonnet airbags, which would automatically lift the bonnet up in the event of a pedestrian impact. A great way of getting around new pedestrian protection legislation without having to ruin the sleek and low styling.
The XK received a facelift in 2009 with minor alterations to front and rear lights and bumper designs, together with the introduction of a new 5.0-litre V8 for both the naturally aspirated XK and the supercharged XK R.
The interior also received some changes, in particular the introduction of the XF style rotary gear selector, operating a ZF automatic transmission.
This example is a 2010 XK R convertible, the top of the range XK of its day, with a 503bhp 5.0-litre supercharged V8 and a top speed (apparently) of 180mph.
The History
The XK was supplied new by RA Creamer’s of Kensington – the dealer of choice by Royal Appointment and one of the last surviving independent Jaguar retailers in the UK.
It began its life as a demonstrator and at just under a year old was sold to an owner in a very upmarket part of London. It was owned by him until last year, initially being maintained by Creamer’s and subsequently by an independent Jaguar specialist very nearby, which is staffed by a number of former RA Creamer’s technicians.
The vendor acquired it earlier this year as he’d always fancied one, but he has quite a collection of toys and it is no longer seeing much use.
The Paperwork
As well as the UK V5C and an MOT valid until April 2022, the XK comes with its original Jaguar book pack, along with a service book stamped at 2,731; 8,835; 18,254; 28,243; 35,842; 46,680; 56,337; 63,128; 69,290; 73,584 and 75,556 miles, most recently in April 2021.
It has covered less than 2,000 miles since.
It has covered less than 2,000 miles since.
The Exterior
This is an absolutely fantastic looking car from every angle, partly due to Ian Callum’s styling genius but also because of its remarkable condition. The bodywork is superb, with no dents or marks of any note and a deep, glossy shine. It’s clearly a car that has been well looked after.
The wheels are all in excellent condition with no kerb marks and it is shod with good Pirelli P-Zero tyres all round, suggesting a high level of maintenance.
All of the exterior trim and brightwork are in good order, and there is none of the headlamp cloudiness that sometimes affects older XKs.
The Interior
Aside from a very tiny amount of wear to the driver’s seat bolster, the XK’s cabin is in perfect order with no damage or deterioration. The touch screen infotainment system and sat nav are in good working order, as is the rotary gear control, while the premium Bowers and Wilkins stereo delivers fabulous sound quality.
It’s a very highly specced car, with optional walnut inserts to the dash.
The electronic roof is snug and cosy, yet lowers at the touch of a button to provide open air thrills, the mechanism operating perfectly.
The driving position is fabulous – you sit low in the cabin, in a snug-fitting sports seat, a subtle ‘Supercharged’ logo in the middle of the rev counter the only clue as to the sporting potential beneath the opulent luxury. This is a very special car indeed, and it was a very expensive one when new.
The Mechanics
The 5.0-litre V8 in the XK R is a magnificent thing, and it sounds absolutely terrific when you push the starter button. The exhaust has a deep and guttural rumble, a promise of the 503bp on offer.
It’s a unit that delivers startling acceleration – 0-60mph in 4.4 seconds and a top speed said to be around 180mph, accompanied by an addictive induction shriek from the supercharger – a truly unique and intoxicating noise.
The service history and regular maintenance this car has seen should mean it’s good for many more miles to come. There’s no excess smoke and all of the fluids are at the correct levels.
The Appeal
This is a truly gorgeous example of the ultimate XK, in fabulous condition and in one of the very best colour schemes. It comes with excellent provenance, a full service history and plenty of excitement to look forward to.
A great future classic that feels wonderfully well-made and is guaranteed to make you grin from ear-to-ear every time you drive it.
A great future classic that feels wonderfully well-made and is guaranteed to make you grin from ear-to-ear every time you drive it.
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